Ghoom Monastery (Samten Choeling)
Darjeeling, West Bengal · Darjeeling travel guide
Ancient Tibetan monastery rich in heritage and rituals.
Ghoom Monastery is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling, built in 1850. It houses a 15-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha and rare Buddhist manuscripts. The monastery is a spiritual hub with chanting monks, fluttering prayer flags, and traditional architecture that showcases the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the region.
Plan your visit
| Time to spend | About 1 h (30 min–1.5 h) |
|---|---|
| Best time of day | 8–10 AM — morning prayers and chanting, clearer weather |
| Avoid | 2:30–5:30 PM — mist rolls in and closing |
| Best months | Mar–May, Oct–Nov |
| Months to avoid | Jun–Aug |
| Entry fee | Free entry |
| Opening hours | Mon–Sun: 8 AM–6 PM |
| Setting | Indoor & outdoor |
| Effort | Easy |
| Good for | Families, Kids, Elderly, Couples, Solo, Groups |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 on Google (9,899 reviews) |
Spring and autumn are clearest; monsoon mist covers the hills and Ghoom is often foggy.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do you need at Ghoom Monastery (Samten Choeling)?
Most visitors spend about 1 h; 30 min–1.5 h depending on pace.
What is the best time to visit Ghoom Monastery (Samten Choeling)?
8–10 AM, for morning prayers and chanting, clearer weather. The best months are Mar–May, Oct–Nov.
What is the entry fee for Ghoom Monastery (Samten Choeling)?
Entry is free.
What are the timings of Ghoom Monastery (Samten Choeling)?
Mon–Sun: 8 AM–6 PM.
Is there a dress code at Ghoom Monastery (Samten Choeling)?
Cover shoulders and knees; remove footwear; keep quiet inside
More things to do in Darjeeling
- Tiger Hill Observatory/ Sunrise Viewpoint
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
- Tista Bazar
- Mall Market
- Ilam Tea Garden ( इलाम को चियाबगान )
- Kanyam
- Shree Antu
- Tinjure-Milke-Jaljale Complex Conservation Project (TMJCCP)