Yiga Choeling Monastery, Darjeeling Travel Guide

Nestled in the serene hills of Ghoom, near Darjeeling, West Bengal, Yiga Choeling Monastery, also known as Ghoom Monastery, offers a tranquil escape into Tibetan Buddhist culture. Established in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, a Mongolian monk and astrologer, it stands as one of the oldest monasteries in the region. The monastery belongs to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat sect.The main attraction is the 15-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha), commissioned in 1910-1952. The monastery also houses a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, some of which are rare and invaluable. The walls are adorned with intricate murals and thangka paintings depicting Buddhist deities and scenes.Visitors can experience the peaceful ambiance, witness the monks' daily life, and, on clear days, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Photography is permitted inside for a small donation. The monastery is easily accessible from Darjeeling by taxi, jeep, or the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.