Gyuto Monastery

Gyuto Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Sidhbari near Dharamshala in Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh. Originally founded in Tibet in 1474 and re-established in India after 1959, it is known as a centre for tantric studies of the Gelug tradition. The monastery features traditional Tibetan architecture, a golden roof, prayer halls and thangkas, and serves as the residence of the Karmapa. It is set against the Dhauladhar range.

Visitors can expect a peaceful monastery complex set against the Dhauladhar mountains with traditional Tibetan architecture, golden roofs, prayer halls, statues, thangkas and murals. The main prayer hall can be visited to observe monks chanting and studying tantric rituals. The surroundings are quiet with views of hills and pine forests. Areas include the temple hall, courtyards and a small souvenir shop. The atmosphere is calm and suited for sightseeing, photography of exteriors and learning about Tibetan Buddhist practices.

Gyuto Monastery was originally founded in Tibet in 1474 by Jetsun Kunga Dhondup as one of the main tantric colleges of the Gelug tradition. After 1959 it was re-established in India, initially in Dalhousie and later moved to Sidhbari near Dharamshala. The present monastery complex in Sidhbari was developed as a centre for tantric study and practice and continues the lineage's scholarly and ritual traditions.

The monastery is an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelug school, dedicated to the study and practice of tantric rituals and chanting. It serves as the residence of the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, and is a place for religious teachings, prayers and preservation of Tibetan art, thangkas and scriptures. It is visited by pilgrims, students and tourists interested in Tibetan culture.