Durpin Monastery in Kalimpong

Durpin Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Kalimpong and among the well-known Buddhist monasteries of West Bengal. This Tibetan monastery is also known as Zang Dhok Palri Phodang and is situated atop Durpin Dara Hill. Constructed by Hon. Dudjom Rinpoche in 1972, this place in Kalimpong has enormous religious significance, making it an important place for followers of the Buddhist community. So, to learn more about Buddhism and the Dalai Lama, plan a peaceful weekend getaway to Kalimpong.

About Durpin Monastery

Once you enter inside, you will see two big cylinders on either side (each about 10 feet). These cylinders will make a bell ring at every turn. Like most Buddhist monasteries you see worldwide, a similar row of prayer wheels is found here. There is a stairway that leads up to the top of Durpin Monastery.

Take a right on top of the second floor with an open terrace. From here, one can witness the breathtaking views of Kalimpong town with a backdrop of Kanchenjunga peak, tea gardens, Peshoke road, and the views of rivers in Darjeeling – Teesta and Reang rivers.

Zang Dhok Palri Phodang contains some rare Buddhist manuscripts on Tibetology called “The Kangyur” and has 108 volumes. The same was presented by the Dalai Lama (his intro) when he traveled to Kalimpong in 1956. He brought these in from Tibet, China. Some idols in the monastery were also brought from Tibet. On 29th May 1976, Dalai Lama revisited Kalimpong and consecrated at Durpin Monastery.

• Type of Destination :Pilgrimage, Religious
• Location : Chandraloke, Kalimpong, West Bengal
• Timings : 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
• Entry Fee:  Free

Best time to visit Durpin Monastery Kalimpong

• Durpin Monastery can be visited throughout the year. However, the months from March to May or September to November are the best time to visit Durpin Monastery because these months bring the most amazing views and pleasant weather.

How to Reach Durpin Monastery

• By road – Taxi from Kalimpong Bus Stand to Durpin Monastery can be taken to reach the monastery.

• Distance from Kalimpong Bus Stand – 4.8 km

• Travel Time– 16 minutes approx.

By train – Kalimpong does not have its own airport, so you can reach the nearest railway station to Kalimpong at Jalpaiguri.

• Distance from Jalpaiguri Railway Station to Durpin Monastery – 120.9 km
• Travel Time – 3 hours 52 minutes approx.

Tips:

• Kalimpong can get freezing during winters, so do carry warm clothes.
• Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, cut sleeve tops, backless, and short pants inside the monastery.
• Be open-minded and learn new things about Buddhist culture.
• See the wall paintings and a rare three-dimensional mandala inside.

Places to Visit near Durpin Dara

Once the monastery tour is done, one can also visit the nearby places to Durpin Dara. These include –

Army Golf Club

• 1.7 km from Durpin Dara

This club was constructed out of a hillside to keep the soldiers fit. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, making it a photographer’s paradise. However, if you want to play golf here, you need to get your kit, no hiring is allowed. Also, remember to take permission from the army post.

Nature Interpretation Center

• 4.9 km from Durpin Dara

This center was built back in 1990 by the Forest Department and is still managed by them. It has beautiful flora and fauna and displays how local people handle ecology.

Samthar Plateau

• 5.3 km from Durpin Dara

Famous for its picturesque surroundings, Samthar Plateau offers a variety of activities like walking tours, mountain biking, angling, and nature and cultural explorations on foot.

MacFarlane Memorial Church

• 5.3 km from Durpin Dara

Constructed in 1891, this church is known for serving the sermons in ten distinct languages -Chinese, Urdu, Lepcha, Hindi, Bengali, Sanskrit, English, Bodo, Nepali, and Tibetan.

Tharpa Choling Monastery

• 6.9 km from Durpin Dara

Located at Tirpai hill, this is another monastery near Durpin Monastery. It contains some old scriptures and is perfect for spending alone time. You can meditate and enjoy the unpolluted nature around.

Places to Stay near Durpin Dara Hill

• Resorts, Motels, and Hotels are available near Durpin Dara Hill. All the accommodation places near Durpin Monastery have great amenities and a budget to suit your pocket. Here are some places to stay near Durpin Dara Hill –
• Sinclairs Retreat Kalimpong – 2.5 km from Durpin Dara Hill
• Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort – 3.0 km from Durpin Dara Hill
• Summit Barsana Resort & Spa – 2.4 km from Durpin Dara Hill
• The Elgin Silver Oaks, Kalimpong – 3.1 km from Durpin Dara Hill