Ghum Monastery is also known as Ghoom Gompa, which is one of the popular tourist destinations in Darjeeling. This scenic attraction is nestled at 2225 m above sea level. The misty town enjoys breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas and is the highest point on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. There are numerous attractions for tourists. You can explore these tourist places with our Darjeeling tour packages, which are customizable. You can contact our travel experts for more information about the trip and book a tour with us!
History of Ghum Monastery
Ghum has been on the tourist map since the days of the British Raj. Since the mountain railway construction, the hill town has witnessed visitors. Blessed by natural beauty and also a treasure of numerous monasteries, the town is delightful.
Attractions in Ghum Monastery
Ghum is home to a number of Buddhist monasteries, a railway museum, and several getaways to Tiger Hill and other places.
Yi Ga Choling Gompa is the region’s most famous monastery. It also goes by the name Ghoom Monastery. Built-in 1850, it enshrines a 5m high statue of the Coming Lord Buddha. The yellow sect of Buddhists worships the site. The monastery houses about 300 beautifully bound Tibetan texts and wonderful old murals. Almost 30 monks of the Gelugpa School reside here.
Sangak Choling Gompa, also known as Dali Gompa, is a must-visit place for its vibrant frescoes. Inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1993, it is a learning institute of 300 Himalayan monks who study philosophy, literature, astronomy, meditation, dance, and music. Other Gompas of interest include the fortress-style Guru Sakya Gompa. The Samten Choling Gompa has the largest Buddha statue in West Bengal. The Ghum Hill is the highest point in the town. Offering spectacular views, the hill on a clear path presents an incredible view of the Eastern Himalayas. Tiger Hill is a short trek away. It is a beautiful place to view the sunrise as the golden glory of the light is seen illuminating Mt. Kanchendzonga, and some say even Mt. Everest. The lovely Senchal Lake, a part of a wildlife sanctuary, is also attractive.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum is right next to the Ghoom railway station. It has the oldest engine, the Baby Sivok in its premises. The museum also hosts a wide range of old artifacts of the railways and rare pictures.
