Do Drul Chorten: A Beacon of Peace in Gangtok
Find serenity at Gangtok's Do Drul Chorten: a historic stupa radiating peace, spirituality, and Tibetan Buddhist heritage.
Do Drul Chorten, located in Gangtok, Sikkim, is a prominent Buddhist stupa built in 1945 by Trulshik Rinpoche, a revered leader of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa was constructed to protect the region from evil spirits and negative forces, and it has since become a symbol of religious calmness and eminence. The architecture of Do Drul Chorten follows the classic Tibetan stupa form, featuring a square base supporting a rounded dome, topped with a golden spire of thirteen rings and a parasol finial. The main dome rises approximately 27 meters above its base. The exterior is built of brick and stucco, with a white base symbolizing purity and a gilded metal cap. Surrounding the stupa are 108 prayer wheels, each engraved with the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum in Tibetan. Devotees spin these wheels clockwise while circumambulating the stupa, believing it accumulates merit and purifies negativity. Inside the Chorten are holy religious texts, relics, complete mantras, and a golden statue of Guru Padmasambhava. The complex also includes smaller structures like the Jhang Chup Chorten, built in memory of Trulshik Rinpoche. A Dharma preaching center, established by Dodrubchen Rinpoche, accommodates around 700 monks engaged in study and ritual practice. Visiting Do Drul Chorten offers a deeply spiritual experience, with the peaceful environment and the gentle sounds of prayer wheels creating a sense of tranquility. The stupa is easily accessible from Gangtok and is often visited along with the nearby Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
Local tips
- Spin the prayer wheels clockwise to accumulate merit and purify negativity.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon for a peaceful experience and comfortable weather.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.
- Dress respectfully when visiting the stupa.
- Take your time to appreciate the intricate carvings and peaceful atmosphere.
A brief summary to Do Drul Chorten
- 8J73+4WP, Gangtok, M.P.Golai, Tadong, Sikkim, 737102, IN
- +913592209090
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten is a short walk away. Head east from the institute, and you'll see the golden top dome of the Chorten. The walk is uphill, but it's a manageable distance.
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Public Transport
Shared taxis are a common mode of transport in Gangtok. You can find them at designated taxi stands throughout the city. Look for a shared taxi heading towards Deorali, as the Chorten is located in that area. The fare is typically fixed and depends on the distance. Local buses also operate in Gangtok, connecting different parts of the city. Check for buses that pass through the Deorali area. Bus fares are the most affordable.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Gangtok. You can hire a taxi from the SNT Bus Station or MG Marg. Ask the driver to take you to Do Drul Chorten in Deorali. A short trip within Gangtok will cost approximately INR 123 for 5km.
