Ghum Monastery and its Maitreya Buddha
The monastery stands just below the main road in Ghum, a short drive from Tiger Hill. It was founded in 1850 by the Mongolian monk and astrologer Sokpo Sherab Gyatso. His successor, Domo Geshe Rinpoche, commissioned the large Maitreya image that fills the main hall, and the monastery holds old texts and thangkas.
Visit after Tiger Hill when the morning prayers are often under way. Walk clockwise around the hall, turn the prayer wheels and keep your voice down inside. The monastery relies on donations from local devotees, so a small offering helps. It is a 10-minute walk from Ghum station, so you can also visit during the toy train halt.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Is Ghum Monastery the same as Yiga Choeling?
Yes. Old Ghoom Monastery is the popular name for Yiga Choeling, founded in 1850 and part of the Gelug or Yellow Hat school. A second monastery, Samten Choeling, stands nearby on the Darjeeling side of Ghum and is also worth a look. Drivers sometimes mix the two, so ask for Yiga Choeling if you want the old one.
Can I take photos inside Ghum Monastery?
Rules vary; some days photography inside the main hall is not allowed or a small camera fee is asked. Look for signs or ask a monk. Never use flash on the old thangkas and murals, and do not photograph monks at prayer without permission. Photography outside, of the building and the prayer wheels, is generally fine.
How far is Ghum Monastery from Darjeeling?
About 8 km, 20–30 minutes by car. Ghum is also a stop on the toy train joy ride, and the monastery is a 10-minute walk from Ghum station. Many visitors see it on the way back from Tiger Hill as part of the three-point tour. Shared jeeps between Darjeeling and Ghum run all day for a small fare.
Also in Tiger Hill
More hours to plan around
