7 places to discover
Dali Monastery, also known as Druk Sangag Choling Monastery, is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Dali, about 5 km from Darjeeling town in West Bengal. Built in 1971 by Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche, it belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. Known for its white-walled architecture, colourful interiors and hilltop setting, it is one of the largest monasteries in the region and an important centre for Buddhist learning and culture.
Donyi Polo Dere Aalo is a prominent prayer hall and cultural centre of the indigenous Donyi-Polo faith located in Aalo (Along), headquarters of West Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh. Built to serve the Adi community and followers of Donyi-Poloism, which venerates the Sun (Donyi) and Moon (Polo), the Dere features traditional architecture, a central prayer hall and community gathering space. It is notable as a symbol of cultural revival and preservation of tribal heritage in central Arunachal Pradesh.
Donyi Polo Gangging is a prominent prayer hall and cultural centre of the indigenous Donyi-Polo faith located in Pasighat, headquarters of East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh. Revered by the Adi and other Tani communities who worship Donyi (Sun) and Polo (Moon), it serves as a place of congregation, prayer and preservation of traditional beliefs. The simple, spacious hall with traditional motifs reflects indigenous architecture and offers insight into the region's living heritage.
Empong Monastery is a Theravada Buddhist monastery located in Empong village near Chongkham in Namsai District, Arunachal Pradesh. Situated in the Tai Khamti inhabited region of eastern Arunachal, it serves as an important religious and cultural centre for the local Buddhist community. The monastery features traditional Southeast Asian-influenced architecture, a prayer hall, and serene surroundings. It is notable for its peaceful setting, cultural significance, and role in preserving Tai Khamti Buddhist traditions.
Lower Gompa Bomdila is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Bomdila town in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. It is one of three gompas in Bomdila, along with the Middle and Upper Gompas. Built in the Tibetan architectural style, it serves the local Monpa community and followers of the Gelugpa school. The monastery is noted for its prayer hall, thangkas, and serene hillside setting overlooking the Bomdila valley.
Phuntsok Choeling Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Sribadam village in Soreng District, Sikkim, in the eastern Himalayas. Affiliated with the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, it serves the local Bhutia and Lepcha communities. Set amid forested hills with views of surrounding valleys, the monastery features traditional Tibetan architecture, prayer halls, murals and religious artefacts. It is a quiet centre for daily prayers, meditation and seasonal religious observances.
Tharpa Choling Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Gelugpa sect located on Tirpai Hill in Kalimpong, West Bengal. Established in 1912 by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang, it is one of Kalimpong's oldest monasteries. The complex houses prayer halls, ancient scriptures, thangkas and statues, and offers views over Kalimpong town and surrounding hills. It remains an active centre for Buddhist study and prayer.