When people talk about “Ghoom Monastery” in Darjeeling, they often don’t realize—there are actually two different monasteries in Ghoom! In this post, I’ll help you understand both and why each is special.
1. The Real Ghoom Monastery – Yiga Choeling
Founded in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, Yiga Choeling Monastery is the older and more historic of the two. It belongs to the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat) tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
The monastery houses a majestic 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha, made from Tibetan clay. It rests on a quiet slope away from the busy road, offering peace, prayer, and a deep connection to the spiritual roots of the region.
You’ll find it a little away from the main road, so fewer tourists go there—but it’s truly worth the visit.
What Makes It Special?
Age: At 175 years old, it’s one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the region
Religion: Belongs to the Gelugpa sect (also called the “Yellow Hat” sect)
Architecture: Traditional Tibetan style with beautiful murals and artwork
Sacred Texts: Houses 300 beautifully preserved Tibetan texts
Peaceful Atmosphere: Perfect for meditation and quiet reflection
2. The Other Ghoom Monastery – Samten Choling
Just down the road stands Samten Choling Monastery, built in 1875, also by Lama Sherab Gyatso.
Because it sits right along Hill Cart Road, it’s more visible to tourists. Many travelers, unaware of its younger history, think this is The Ghoom Monastery.
What Makes It Special?
* A huge statue of Maitreya Buddha– larger and more modern than Yiga Choeling’s
* Vivid wall paintings and Tibetan prayer flags
* Often more tourists and visitor-friendly features
* Still maintains religious rituals and monk presence
*Best for: Tourists, families, photography lovers, casual visitors
Why the Confusion?
Both monasteries:
– Are located in Ghoom
– Have tall statues of Maitreya Buddha
– Were founded by the same lama
Since both monasteries are in the same area, and both have tall Buddha statues, it’s easy to mix them up. Also, locals sometimes just call either of them “Ghoom Monastery,” which adds to the confusion.
The “two monasteries, one name” situation might seem confusing, but it actually shows how important Buddhism is to the region. Having two significant monasteries in such a small area demonstrates the deep spiritual roots of the Darjeeling hills.
Top Attractions Near Ghoom Monastery
Ghoom is surrounded by some truly captivating spots that can beautifully complement your visit to the monasteries. Here’s a list of nearby attractions that you might want to include in your itinerary!
Guru Sakya Monastery: Very close to Ghoom Monastery, it is a Another beautiful Buddhist monastery to explore.
Dhirdham Temple: close to Ghoom Monastery it is a Hindu temple with mountain backdrop
Batasia Loop: A stunning spiral railway track with panoramic views of the Himalayas and a war memorial dedicated to Gorkha soldiers. Great for photography and a peaceful stroll.
Ghoom Railway Station: The highest railway station in India and part of the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. You can catch the famous toy train here!
Tiger Hill: Famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over Kanchenjunga and, on clear days, even Mount Everest. A must-visit early morning spot.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum: Located at Ghoom Station, this small but charming museum showcases the history of the toy train and vintage railway artifacts.
Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary: One of India’s oldest wildlife sanctuaries, perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers. It’s also home to the scenic Senchal Lake.
Peace Pagoda & Japanese temple: A symbol of peace and unity, this Japanese-style pagoda and temple offers serene vibes and sweeping views of Darjeeling. both are side by side.
Lamahatta Eco Park: A tranquil retreat surrounded by pine forests and prayer flags. Ideal for a picnic or a nature walk.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Zoo: Learn about mountaineering legends and see rare Himalayan animals like the red panda.
Happy Valley Tea Estate: Take a guided tour of one of Darjeeling’s oldest tea gardens and sip fresh brews with a view.
All these attractions are easily accessible from Ghoom Monastery and offer a perfect blend of spirituality, nature, adventure, and culture that makes Darjeeling such a special destination!
The Bottom Line
The story of “Ghoom Monastery” is really the story of two amazing places that share a name but offer different experiences. Whether you visit the historic Yiga Choeling or Samten Choeling with its own unique charm, you’re guaranteed to find peace, beauty, and a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture.
So next time someone mentions “Ghoom Monastery,” you’ll know to ask: “Which one?” And that’s perfectly okay – because both are absolutely worth visiting!
The confusion might exist, but the spiritual beauty and cultural significance of both monasteries make them treasures of Darjeeling that deserve to be understood and appreciated for what they uniquely offer to visitors from around the world.
Planning a trip to Darjeeling? Make sure to visit both monasteries to experience the full spiritual journey that this beautiful hill station has to offer!
Really helpful post—most people don’t even realize there are two monasteries with the same name in Ghoom. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly. If anyone’s planning to explore more of the Eastern Himalayas, you might also want to check out these Sikkim tour options: https://northbengaltourism.com/sikkim-tour-packages/. It’s a great way to extend your trip beyond Darjeeling