11 Most Famous Buddhist Monasteries To Visit In India

In recent times, it seems that the travel bug has bitten everyone. If you relate to hashtags like #wanderlust or #fernweh, then you're probably always searching for new destinations to visit and capture candid photos for your Instagram feed.

While travel can offer a lot of peace and the chance to immerse oneself in new cultures, visiting Buddhist monasteries can provide an unparalleled experience of serenity and tranquility.

Whether you're a digital nomad or simply someone who loves to explore and travel frequently, this list of 11 Buddhist monasteries is a must-see! There's no specific order to the list, so you can choose any destination, pack your bags, and embark on your journey.

# Gondola Monastery, Himachal Pradesh

When in Himachal, one must not miss visiting the Gondola Monastery situated at an altitude of 10,370 feet at the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers.

Founded in the 8th century by Padmasambhava, the Gondola Monastery is currently associated with the Drukpa Lineage. However, its history predates the arrival of the Kagyu School (Drukpa Lineage).

# Kye Monastery, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Located at an altitude of 13,668 feet, the Kye Monastery boasts stunning murals and paintings, thangkas, prayer bells, and distinctive wind instruments. Dromton is recognized as the founder of the Kye Gompa Monastery, having been a student of the renowned teacher Atisha in the 11th century.

# Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Dehradun is not merely a transit point to Rishikesh or Varanasi, and the beautiful Mindrolling Monastery is a testament to that. The name itself, which means "Place of Perfect Emancipation," is proof of its significance.

In 1965, Khochhen Rinpoche and a group of monks initiated the process of re-establishing the Mindrolling Monastery in Clement Town. Today, it houses the Ngagyur Nyingma College, which is one of the most extensive Buddhist institutes in India.

# Tabo Monastery, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

At an altitude of around 10,000 feet, Tabo Monastery is believed to be the oldest in the country.

The original monastery was badly damaged by the 1975 Kinnaur earthquake. However, it was fully restored and new structures were added. The 14th Dalai Lama paid a visit to the monastery after its restoration and even initiated the Kalachakra Festival in 1983. He returned to the monastery in 1996 and visited it on several other occasions as well.

# Phugtal Monastery, Zanskar, Jammu and Kashmir

Phugtal / Phuktal Monastery gets its name from its unique location at the mouth of a cave. "Phuktal" translates to "through the caves" in the local language. If you're an enthusiastic trekker, this monastery is a must-visit.

The natural cave that surrounds the monastery has reportedly been visited by various sages, monks, scholars, and translators for over 2,550 years. This theory holds water as the monastery provides an idyllic environment for monks seeking peace and tranquility. The current Gompa belongs to the Gelug School and was founded in the 15th century by Jangsem Sherap Zangpo, a disciple of Je Tsongkhapa.

# Hemis Monastery, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Don't forget to visit another exquisite monastery in Ladakh, which happens to be the largest in the region.

This monastery has been in existence since before the 11th century and is associated with Naropa, a disciple of the yogi Tilopa. A biography of Naropa was discovered in the monastery and has since been translated by A. Grünwedel.

# Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Missing out on a visit to the Thiksey Monastery during your trip to Ladakh would be a serious omission. Located 20 km away from Ladakh, this monastery is perched at an altitude of 11,800 feet.

Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug School, dispatched six of his disciples to spread the teachings of the new school in remote areas of Tibet. The Gelug School is also known as the "Yellow Hats". One of the disciples was entrusted with a small statue of Amitayus containing bone powder and a drop of Tsongkhapa's blood. He was instructed to meet the King of Ladakh and solicit his assistance in propagating Buddhism.

# Namdroling Monastery, Coorg, Karnataka

South India is renowned not only for its culinary delicacies, cultural heritage, and Ayurvedic practices but also for housing a monastery. Named as Namdroling Monastery, this establishment was sanctified by the Dalai Lama and is located amidst sandal groves that lie between Mysore and Bangalore. Namdroling Monastery happens to be the largest center for imparting teachings of the Tibetan Buddhist school.

In 1963, the 11th throne holder of the Palyul lineage founded the monastery, after having fled Tibet in 1959. His Holiness Drubwang Padma Norbu Rinpoche is credited with the establishment of the Indian monastery.

Although the complete name of the monastery is quite a mouthful – Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargyeling – it is commonly referred to as "Namdrolling" or "Namdroling". Initially, the temple was built using bamboo and covered a mere 80 square feet of land.

# Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

With its pleasant climate and stunning landscapes, Arunachal Pradesh could easily be considered the Switzerland of India. The Tawang Monastery, located at an elevation of 10,000 feet, is the largest monastery in India and the second-largest in the world. In Tibetan, it is called Golden Namgey Lhatse, which means celestial paradise on a clear night.

The Tawang Monastery was established by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso in 1680-1681 at the behest of the 5th Dalai Lama. It belongs to the Gelug school of Mahayana Buddhism and was religiously affiliated with Lhasa's Drepung Monastery.

There are three intriguing legends about the founding of the monastery. According to the first legend, the location of the monastery was chosen by a horse that belonged to Merag Lama Lodre Gyatso. He was tasked by the 5th Dalai Lama with establishing a monastery but failed to find a suitable location. He retired to a cave, and when he emerged, his horse was missing. He found his horse grazing on top of the hill where the monastery is now situated.

The second legend is linked to the name of the monastery and is associated with Terton Permalinga, a diviner of treasures.

The third legend also involves a horse. Supposedly, a white horse belonging to the Prince of Lhasa went missing and was discovered grazing where the monastery now stands.

# Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok, Sikkim

Sikkim has much more to offer than just its popular tourist spot, the beautiful MG Marg. You should definitely visit the Rumtek Monastery, which is situated at an elevation of 4,900 ft.

The monastery was initially constructed in the mid-1700s under the guidance of Changchub Dorje, the 12th Karmapa Lama, and was the primary site of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Sikkim for some time. In 1959, the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, arrived in Sikkim after fleeing Tibet.

Upon his arrival, the monastery was in ruins, prompting him to undertake its reconstruction. After four years of construction, the renovation was finally completed, and sacred items and relics were brought from Tsurphu Monastery and installed in Rumtek.

# Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling, West Bengal

Not only is Darjeeling a charming hill station, but it is also home to a stunning Buddhist monastery known as Ghoom Monastery or Yiga Choeling. There is another monastery in Ghoom called Samten Choling Monastery, which is sometimes referred to as Ghoom Monastery. To ensure that you visit the original Ghoom Monastery, make sure to inform your guide or driver that you wish to go to the old Ghoom Monastery.

The Gelukpa or Yellow Hat sect owns the monastery. The external structure was completed in 1850 under the supervision of Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, a Mongolian astrologer and monk who served as the monastery's head until 1905. Kyabje Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang commissioned the statue of Maitreya Buddha, and he served as the head until 1952.

In 1961, Dhardho Rinpoche assumed leadership of the monastery. After his passing in 1990, a boy named Tenzin Legshad Wangdi was identified as his reincarnation three years later.