Top 10 Most Popular Buddhist Monasteries in India

India is a land of different religions and one of the most popular is Buddhism. There are 25 Buddhist pilgrimages monasteries at the country which not only bring in serenity but also dazzle you with the exquisite beauty.

1. Tawang Monastery, Sikkim

This is the second largest monastery of Asia. The Tawang monastery dates back 400 years and is located at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The monastery is famous for its wide collection of Thangkas, which are Tibetan paintings on cloth. The glided statue of Sakyamuni, colorful windows, motifs, scriptures and manuscripts, all display the rich Buddhist culture.

When to Visit?

March to October

Tawang Monastery Sikkim

Read More : Top 5 Reasons to Visit Tibet

2. Ghoom Monastery, West Bengal

This is one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries of the country. Located at a height of 2,400 meters, this monastery houses a 15 feet high Maitreya Buddha along with two images of Chongapa and Chenrezi. This monastery is situated at the hill station of Darjeeling and hence you can bask in the natural aura of the Great Himalayas.

When to Visit?

June and July

Ghoom Monastery West Bengal

Read More : Top Tourist Spots To Visit In West Bengal

Suggested Tour : 5 Days Darjeeling Holiday Packages

3. Shanti Stupa, Ladakh

This Buddhist monastery is located at the mysterious land of Ladakh. This white doomed monastery was constructed to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism. The stupa looks magical at night, being illuminated with numerous lights.

When to Visit?

Anytime of the year, during sunset.

Shanti Stupa Leh Ladakh

Suggested Tour : 8 Days Leh Ladakh Tour

Read More : Top 10 Monasteries in Ladakh

4. Phugtal Monastery, Ladakh

This is one of the most isolated valleys of Ladakh and a pilgrimage for the followers of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery consists of 4 prayer rooms and a library, where you can dive deep into this ancient religion. You can reach the place via trekking and hence is also a piece of attraction for adventure lovers.

When to Visit?

Mid July to September

Phugtal Monastery Ladakh

Read More : 5 Compelling Reasons to Visit Ladakh

Suggested Tour : Ladakh 7 Days Itinerary

5. Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim

This is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim and one of the oldest, being built in the 16th century. Safeguarded by mountains and natural streams creating a joyous melody, this monastery also impresses the nature lovers. The monastery is also known for its fine architecture; a golden sculpture on its roof and walls adorned with murals. This Buddhist temple also worships the four guardians of the universe- Virupaksha, Virudaka, Dritarashtra and Vaishravana.

When to visit?

Mid July to September

Rumtek Monastery Sikkim

Suggested Tour : 7 Days Darjeeling Gangtok Hill Station Tour

6. Mindrolling Monastery, Uttaranchal

This is one of the six monasteries of the Nyingma School of Buddhism, located at the hill city of Dehradun. This is not only one of the largest stupa of the world with 60 meters’ height, but also the one which has a college in its campus, rooms displaying an array of relics, murals and Tibetan art items. The monastery also has a 35-meter-high golden statue of Lord Buddha.

When to visit?

Between November and March

Mindrolling Monastery Uttarakhand

7. Thiksey Monastery, Leh

If you want to relax and rejuvenate, the Thiksey monastery is your place. Encircled by the Himalayas, this monastery is also an epitome of fine Ladakhi art and architecture. The monastery is a replica of the Potala Palace of Tibet and hence also known as the ‘Mini Potala.’ This is a museum with a collection of stupas, thangkas, statues, wall paintings and swords. You can get a glimpse of Lord Buddha’s ideas and preaching, which are engraved on the wall pillar.

When to visit?

Between May and September

Thiksey Monastery Leh

Suggested Tour : 4 Days 3 Nights Tour To Ladakh

8. Tsuglagkhang Complex, Himachal Pradesh

This is an important place for Buddhism, being the official residence of Dalai Lama. The monastery consists of a Tibetan Museum, the Namgyal Gompa and three beautiful idols of Padmasambhava, Avalokitesvara and Sakyamuni.

When to visit?

Between March and June

Tsuglagkhang Complex Himachal Pradesh

Read More : Top 15 Offbeat Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

Suggested Tour : 8 Days - Himachal Hill Station Tour

9. Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, Bylakuppe

This monastery is a great place to witness the simple living style of the Buddhist monks and nuns; the center is the residence of almost 500 Buddhist worshippers. Bylakuppe is an area in Karnataka where several Tibetan lives and you can call as Little Tibet in Karnataka.

When to visit?

Between October and March

Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery, Bylakuppe

Read More : 6 Top Places To Visit In Karnataka

Suggested Tour : 11 Days - Karnataka and Kerala Tour

10. Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, Kalimpong

This is one of the biggest monasteries of West Bengal, located at the hill station of Kalimpong. The prime attraction of the shrine is its beauty and the 108 volumes of rare Buddhist scriptures. The breathtaking beauty of Kanchenjunga is an addition.

When to visit?

Between April and June

Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monasteries Kalimpong

Suggested Tour : 8 Days Darjeeling Kalimpong Gangtok Tour

If you love travelling and is inquisitive about the religious life of India, then you cannot miss at least a visit to the above-mentioned Buddhist pilgrimages.

Suggested Tour for Complete Buddhist Pilgrimage : 14 Days India Nepal Buddhist Tour.

Find here popular tour packages of India by destination, duration, theme, region etc.