spiritual · Tashiding, Pelling
Mani stone and chorten circuit
Start at the main temple. Tashiding was founded in 1641 by Ngadak Sempa Chenpo, one of the three lamas of the Yuksom coronation, and extended in 1717 under the third Chogyal, Chakdor Namgyal. If the doors are open, step inside quietly, remove your shoes and ask before taking photographs. Morning prayers are the best time to visit. Afterwards, follow the path that leads out to the chortens and carved stones around the hilltop.
The field of chortens is the heart of the site. Wikipedia counts 41 chortens of different kinds here, some old and weathered, some freshly whitewashed. Tradition says the Thongwa Rang Drol chorten, among the first structures on the hill, frees anyone who simply sees it. Around the monastery lie flagstones carved with 'Om Mani Padme Hum', the work of a craftsman named Yanchong Lodil. Walk past them clockwise, keeping them on your right, and never step on them.
Take your time. This is a place for slow walking, not ticking boxes. From the edge of the hilltop you look down to the Rathong Chu and the Rangeet, and on clear days to the forested ridges towards Yuksom and Pelling. There is no fixed fee that we know of; a small donation at the temple is welcome. Bring water and a snack, and leave nothing behind but your footprints.
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Questions people ask
Good to know
Is there an entry fee at Tashiding Monastery
We are not aware of a fixed entry fee for Tashiding Monastery. Visitors usually leave a small donation at the temple. Parking or local charges may apply near the hill, and rules can change, especially during the Bumchu festival. Check current status before you travel, and carry small notes for donations and snacks.
What are mani stones
Mani stones are flat stones or slabs carved with Buddhist mantras, most often 'Om Mani Padme Hum', the mantra of Avalokiteśvara. At Tashiding, the flagstones around the monastery were carved by a craftsman named Yanchong Lodil. Pilgrims walk past them clockwise as an act of devotion, and visitors should never step or sit on them.
How long does it take to see Tashiding Monastery
Allow 1.5–2 hours for the main temple, the chortens and the mani stones at a gentle pace, plus time to reach the top from where vehicles stop. With travel, a visit from Yuksom takes about half a day, and from Pelling most of a day, especially if you add Legship on the way.
