Spiritual · Lepchajagat, Darjeeling & Kalimpong
Ghum Monastery and its Maitreya Buddha
Visit Yiga Choeling, the Gelug monastery at Ghum founded in 1850, about 10 km from Lepchajagat, to see its 15 ft statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha, and the old monastery quarter beside the highest station of the toy train.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsGhum Monastery, properly Yiga Choeling, belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It was established in 1850 by Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, a Mongolian astrologer and monk who led it until 1905. His successor, Domo Geshe Rinpoche, commissioned the 15 ft statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha, that fills the main hall today.
After 1959, senior lamas fleeing Tibet found refuge here. The monastery has faced hard times since, with few monks and limited funds, and relies on donations from local devotees. Visitors are welcome in the hall. Remove shoes, walk clockwise, and leave a small offering if you can. Ask before photographing inside.
Ghum is also the summit of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway at about 2,260 m. Combine the monastery with a look at the station's museum and, on the way to Darjeeling, the Batasia Loop. Ghum is often colder and foggier than Darjeeling, so bring a layer.
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Questions
Before you book
Is Ghum Monastery the same as Yiga Choeling?
Yes. Old Ghoom Monastery is the popular name for Yiga Choeling, a Gelug monastery founded in 1850. A second monastery, Samten Choeling, lies below the road in Ghum and is a separate institution.
Can I photograph inside Ghum Monastery?
Ask the monk on duty. Photography of the Maitreya statue is sometimes allowed without flash and sometimes not. Never photograph monks at prayer without permission. A donation is appreciated.
How do I get from Lepchajagat to Ghum?
Ghum is about 10 km from Lepchajagat, 20–30 minutes by road. Shared jeeps to Darjeeling pass through, or hire a car for about ₹600–1,000. Combine Ghum with Batasia Loop on the way to Darjeeling.