Ghoom Monastery In Lepchajagat

The Yiga Choeling Monastery popularly known as Ghoom Monastery was established in 1850. Located on hill top at 8000 feet and 7 kms from Lepchajagat, the Ghoom Maonastery is famous for its paintings and 15-feet high statue of the Maitreya Buddha. The monastery also commands a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjungha.

The Monastery belongs to the Yellow Hat sect also known as the Gelupka. One of the key attractions inside the monastery is the 15-foot model of the Lord Buddha which is known as The Maitreya Buddha or the Gyalwa Shampa which means the Buddha of the future or the Coming Buddha. This is one of the biggest and oldest statues of Buddha in Darjeeling area. This statue was created with clay that was all brought from Tibet. In front of the Buddha's statue there are two huge oil lamps that keep burning all the time and all through the year.