Ghum Monastery (Yiga Choeling)
यिगा छोलिंग मठ
A Tibetan Buddhist monastery founded in 1850, housing a Maitreya statue about 5 m tall. It is one of Darjeeling's oldest monasteries.
Ghum Monastery, officially named Yiga Choeling, lies in Ghum town about 7 km south of Darjeeling. It was founded in 1850 by the Mongolian monk Sherab Gyatso and belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Darjeeling area. Inside is a seated Maitreya statue about 4.6 m tall, made of clay and gilded. Precious scriptures and thangkas are kept around it. The monastery is small, but in the early morning, with monks chanting and butter lamps flickering, it feels very peaceful. Ghum is also the highest station on the Himalayan Railway, and you can visit it together with the railway museum at Ghum station and Batasia Loop. Entry is free, though you may leave a voluntary donation. Ask before taking photos inside the hall, and walk clockwise.
Opening hours
Approx. 05:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Batasia Loop
- Dali Monastery
- Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Rock Garden (Barbotey)
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- Lloyd's Botanical Garden
- Glenary's
- Chowrasta Mall