Buddhist Monastery in India: Top 15 You Must Visit

Imagine a place filled with the aroma of tranquillity amidst the mountain ranges. Can you feel a weightless body as you close your eyes in serene surroundings? Well, that’s exactly the vibe in a Buddhist monastery in India. It is the thrill of witnessing awe-inspiring architecture clubbed with abundant peace lying in the nooks and corners of monasteries in India. 

Every Buddhist monastery in India has a beautiful story to narrate with its people, construction, atmosphere and its purpose. As you plan to travel to the multicultural country, know that each Buddhist monastery awaits to heal your soul with soothing chants and bells. Also, each destination is home to hotels offering all the comfort. So, let’s explore the path to solace, meditation, healing and so much more with this guide!

Buddhist Monastery in India: Top 15 You Must Visit- 

1. Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse, Tawang

Tawang invites you to witness spellbinding views from the largest monastery in India. Tawang Ganden Namgyal Lhatse receives love from tourists all over the world due to its history. It is located at a height of approximately 10,000 feet on the top of a hill. 

The Buddhist monastery has an enormous Dukhang, also known as the assembly hall. You can find intricate paintings and artwork depicting the intricacy of ancient times. Various ceremonies and religious dances enlighten the atmosphere with calmness. So, make sure to book hotels in Tawang and immerse yourself here.

2. Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, Sikkim

Nestled in the hills of Sikkim, Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is one of the best monasteries dedicated to the Karma Kagyu lineage. You get an amazing opportunity to witness Kagyu architecture and splendid views of the Gangtok from above. The monastery serves as a seat-in-exile of the Gyalwang Karmapa. 

You can strike up conversations with a huge community of monks here. It is a great idea to attend morning prayers and soak in the calmness around. The monastery is famous for a golden Stupa containing relics of the 16th Karmapa. It also has rare paintings and artwork depicting information about Buddhism. For a comfortable getaway, book hotels in Sikkim at budget-friendly prices. 

3. Hemis Gompa, Ladakh

You simply cannot miss Ladakh’s most visited Buddhist monastery! Hemis Gompa is a popular name due to the vibrant festivals and celebrations held every year. Located on the foothills of the Indus River, the monastery has a huge Buddha figure adored with vibrant colours.

As you explore the interiors, you can find sacred thangkas and murals showcasing different teachings of Buddha. The Tibetan-style architecture is home to an assembly hall and a huge temple. This Buddhist monastery is best known for more than 1000 monks practising Buddhism every day.

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4. Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, Bylakuppe

Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is a true testament to perseverance. The Buddhist monastery is spread across a large area where more than 5000 monks and nuns practice Buddhism every day. Simply book budget-friendly hotels in Karnataka because you cannot miss The Three Great Statues of Buddha Shakyamuni, Guru Padmasambhava and Buddha Amitayus.

The main temple of the monastery is an impressive structure adorned with colourful murals and intricate carvings. The gold-plated roof simply adds elegance to this architectural wonder. You can also see a giant statue of Guru Rinpoche housed in a sacred complex within the monastery.

5. Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling 

Samten Choling Monastery, also known as Ghoom Monastery is one of the best places to witness spirituality. Located about 7 Km from Darjeeling, the monastery attracts hundreds of tourists to experience solace in everyday prayers. Choose to attend morning or evening chants by young lamas who lit the atmosphere with soothing sounds.

The Buddhist monastery is best known for its unique collection of books to learn about Buddhism. Moreover, you can also climb upstairs to get a jaw-dropping view of Mount Kanchenjunga. It is better to book hotels in Darjeeling and spend more time here to learn, understand and honour the 26 feet tall statue of Lord Buddha.

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6. Kee Monastery, Spiti

Kee Gompa, also known as Key Monastery is one of the famous places to visit when in Himachal Pradesh. The Buddhist monastery of the Gelugpa sect is located amidst mystical hills with serenity all around. As you hear the sound of wind instruments, you are sure to fall in love with the true meaning of life and healing.

It is one of the most popular monasteries in India for its awe-inspiring murals and ancient manuscripts. The path to the monastery is equally exciting with rugged trails and tiny local settlements. Book your tickets to fall in love with the tranquillity at this 1000-year-old Buddhist monastery.

7. Diskit Monastery, Leh

A 106 feet tall statue of Maitreya Buddha statue is situated far in Nubra Valley promoting world peace and protection. The thrill of witnessing something so surreal simply remains one of the top things on a traveller’s bucket list. Diskit Monastery is nestled on the hills of Leh belonging to the Gelugpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. 

Stunning views and the aroma of calmness in the air fill the monastery with an environment of divinity. You can literally witness spirituality with magnificent wall paintings and huge drums. The monastery has a prayer hall and an elevated cupola making it an architectural wonder. Take no longer to mesmerize in the healing atmosphere here.

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8. Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun 

One of the best monasteries in India is located on the Himalayan foothills in Dehradun. The Buddhist monastery is dedicated to the practice of the Dharma of Vajrayana with more than 300 monks here. You can interact with locals and learn about the significance of Ngagyur Nyingma College where monks received the teachings of Buddha.

The monastery is a classic example of Buddhist architecture with the existence of the Great Peace Stupa. You can witness various Tibetan art forms and murals with lush greenery around them. Check for hotels in Dehradun for a comfortable holiday. Make sure to attend prayers and listen to the healing chants here. 

9. Pemayangtse Monastery, Pelling

Nestled in the heart of Pelling, Pemayangtse Monastery is a famous Buddhist monastery you must have on your bucket list! Along with the rhythmic sound of chants, you can witness the heartwarming views of the Himalayas. As tourists vouch for the tranquil vibes, you will find solace in the nooks and corners of this architectural wonder.

Being one of the most mesmerising monasteries in India, it has multiple statues of Rinpoche and other saints. You can also see the famous statue of Padmasambhava along with other antique idols. Moreover, the prayer hall attracts hundreds of eyeballs with beautiful paintings of Tibetan influence. Make sure to check for hotels in Sikkim for a serene stay during the holidays.

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10. Thiksey Monastery, Leh

Imagine being in a historic place that has mysteries of Buddhism and its creation. Thiksey Monastery is one of the must-visit monasteries in India overlooking the magnificent hills. As you travel towards the top, you can witness the awe-inspiring views of the Indus Valley. 

To best experience the culture of Buddhism, visit the annual Gustor festival remarking the traditional dance forms of monks. If you are an art enthusiast, watch the mystical Sand Mandala in Thiksey Monastery inside the main temple. Plan to meditate in the serene surroundings and soak in the vibes of tranquility. 

11. Samdruptse Monastery, Namchi

Situated at an altitude of 7000 ft, the Samdruptse Buddhist monastery is a mystical wonder in itself. Also known as the wish-fulfilling hill, Samdruptse Monastery has tall statues of Guru Padmasambhava. One of the oldest monasteries in India, Samdruptse, is more than 1200 years old.

As you move towards the sacred site, you get to witness the beautiful hills dotted with glittering sunlight on the top. It is also one of the best places to watch Mount Kanchenjunga, also known as the Sleeping Buddha. It is best to check for nearby hotels so you can indulge in healing prayers, chants and mesmerising art inside the monastery.

12. Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, Kalimpong

Step into the world of stunning architecture, which features a blend of Tibetan, Indian and Bhutanese styles at this Buddhist monastery. Zang Dhok Palri Monastery is located in the town of Kalimpong in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is one of the most famous monasteries in India for the large statue of Guru Rinpoche.

The monastery also has a large prayer hall where monks and visitors gather to offer prayers and perform religious ceremonies. It also has a meditation centre and a library with a large collection of Buddhist texts and scriptures. As you step inside, know that you will surely be blessed with tranquil vibes.

13. Shanti Stupa, Ladakh

Wandering to find solace in one of the best locations in India? If yes, visit the Buddhist monastery named Shanti Stupa. It was built in 1991 by the Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu, Gyomyo Nakamura, as part of the Peace Pagoda mission. The stupa is made of white marble and is adorned with beautiful carvings depicting the life and teachings of Buddha.

By being illuminated at night, Shanti Stupa exudes a mysterious aura and draws travellers from all over the world. You can go here and meditate in a serene environment. The spiritual vibes in this Buddhist monastery attract tourists from all over the world. Do not forget to click amazing pictures here!

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14. Phuktal Monastery, Zanskar

Phuktal Monastery is one of the most isolated and spectacular monasteries in India perched on a cliff overlooking the Lungnak River. It is built around a natural cave, and mythologies suggest that it has been visited by various Buddhist saints and sages over the centuries. You need to trek towards the monastery, and the path is definitely a stunning one!

Phuktal Monastery is home to about 70 monks following the Drukpa Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The Buddhist monastery has a unique collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures and artefacts. You can see rare manuscripts, thangkas and statues. It also has a prayer hall and a library within the premises.

15. Tsuglagkhang Complex, Dharamshala

The primary temple of the Tibetan people in Dharamshala is located in the Tsuglagkhang Complex, a well-known religious site. The complex comprises several buildings, including the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the Namgyal Monastery, the Tibet Museum and the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.

You can witness a beautiful statue of Buddha along with statues of Chenrezig and a statue of Guru Rinpoche. The museum has a massive collection of documents, rare photographs and the history of Buddhism. It is a prominent structure in Buddhism and holds value for locals as well as tourists in Dharamshala.

A Buddhist Monastery is all about the calmness dotted by healing colours in its interiors. As you plan to visit some of the best monasteries in India, know that you are healing yourself in the most tranquil manner!