spiritual · Yuksom, Pelling
Dubdi Monastery hike
The path to Dubdi leaves from the upper end of Yuksom, past the last houses, and climbs about 3 km through forest. It takes most people an hour going up and 40 minutes coming down. The trail is a mix of stone steps and dirt, steep in places and slippery after rain. Carry water and a snack, and start before 9 am. In April the forest is full of birdsong and some rhododendrons flower along the way.
Dubdi stands at about 2,100 m. It was established in 1701, decades after the coronation at Norbugang, and belongs to the Nyingma school. The building is a two-storey stone structure in Tibetan style with a square plan, facing south, topped by a gilded finial. Inside are statues, wall paintings and old texts. The monastery is not always open; a caretaker lama may let you in if he is there, so be patient and polite.
Even if the door is shut, the walk is worth it. The courtyard looks back over Yuksom and the valley, and the silence is real: no road reaches the top. We like to go up early, sit for half an hour, then come down for a late breakfast in the village. The whole outing costs nothing. If you are trekking to Dzongri, this climb is also a useful leg-stretcher the day before you start.
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Questions people ask
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How long is the walk to Dubdi Monastery
Dubdi is about 3 km above Yuksom, roughly an hour's walk up and 40 minutes down. The path is steep in places with stone steps and dirt sections. Allow 2–3 hours for the round trip with time at the monastery. Fit children manage it well, but older travellers with knee problems may find the descent hard.
Is Dubdi the oldest monastery in Sikkim
Dubdi, established in 1701, is often described as the oldest surviving monastery in Sikkim. Other sites, such as Tashiding (1641) and Pemayangtse (1647), were founded earlier but were rebuilt or enlarged later, so the claim depends on how you count. Either way, it is one of the state's earliest religious buildings.
Is Dubdi Monastery open every day
Not always. Dubdi is a small, quiet monastery, and the inner rooms open only when the caretaker lama is there. Go in the morning for the best chance. If it is closed, you can still walk around the outside and enjoy the courtyard and the view. Check current status locally before you travel up.
