Bokar Monastery above Mirik
Bokar Monastery, also called Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling, stands at the highest point of Mirik on the road to Rameetay Dara. It was founded by Bokar Tulku Rinpoche (1940–2004), a heart disciple of Kalu Rinpoche and a holder of the Karma Kagyu and Shangpa Kagyu lineages. It is a working centre for monks and long meditation retreats.
The prayer hall is painted with deities and lined with images, and the grounds look out over tea gardens and the valley. Visit quietly, walk clockwise, and ask before photographing monks. Morning and late-afternoon prayers are the best times to hear chanting. The drive or walk up from the lake takes 10–40 minutes.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How far is Bokar Monastery from Mirik Lake?
About 2–3 km uphill from the lake, 10 minutes by taxi or a 30–40 minute walk. Local taxis cost about ₹200–400 one way. The road is steep but quiet and passes houses and small fields. Many visitors take a taxi up and walk back down to the lake, enjoying the views on the way.
Can visitors attend prayers at Bokar Monastery?
Visitors may usually sit quietly at the back of the prayer hall during morning or afternoon prayers. Remove shoes, keep phones silent and do not walk in front of monks. Some halls used for retreat are closed to visitors. Ask a monk or the office if you are unsure, and respect any closed doors.
What is the Kagyu tradition?
Kagyu is one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, known for its emphasis on meditation and the teachings of Milarepa and Gampopa. Karma Kagyu is headed by the Karmapa. Shangpa Kagyu is a related lineage revived in recent times by Kalu Rinpoche, the teacher of Bokar Rinpoche, who founded this monastery.
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