spiritual · Ghum, Darjeeling
Yiga Choeling, the old Ghum monastery
Yiga Choeling, often called the old Ghum monastery, was founded in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso and belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, the school of the Dalai Lama. It stands up a short lane from Ghum bazaar, a two-storey building with a courtyard, prayer wheels and a view down the valley.
Inside the main hall sits an image of Maitreya, the future Buddha, about 4.5 metres tall, seated rather than cross-legged, as is the custom for Maitreya. Butter lamps burn in front, and the walls hold murals and shelves of old texts. Monks chant here morning and evening.
Visitors are welcome. Walk clockwise round the building and spin the prayer wheels as you go. Remove shoes before entering, and ask before taking photographs; inside the hall it is usually not allowed. A small donation in the box is the custom. The Samten Choeling monastery, another Gelug house, is a short walk away.
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When was Ghum Monastery built
Yiga Choeling, the old Ghum monastery, was founded in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso. It follows the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The present building has been repaired and added to since, but it remains one of the oldest monasteries in the Darjeeling hills.
Is photography allowed in Ghum Monastery
Usually not inside the main prayer hall, though rules vary; ask the monk on duty. Photographs of the courtyard and outside are generally fine. Never use a flash near the images, and do not photograph monks at prayer without asking.
How do I get to Ghum Monastery from Darjeeling
Take any shared jeep heading to Ghum, Kurseong or Siliguri for ₹30–60, indicative 2026, and get off at Ghum bazaar, then walk up the lane in a few minutes. Most Tiger Hill sunrise cars stop here on the way back to Darjeeling.
