Dubdi Monastery

Also regarded as Yuksum (Yuksom) Monastery, Dubdi Monastery was established in 1701 by Chogyal Namgyal. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered to be the oldest monastery in the state. The monastery is a two-storeyed structure made of stone. It is situated at an altitude of 2,100 m and has an elaborately painted interior. One can find images of divinities, saints, and a collection of manuscripts inside. The monastery provides a magnificent view and enables visitors to witness Cupressus funebris, a species of cypress brought by Latshen Chem Po from Kham village in Tibet. The monastery is also a pilgrimage site for the people.

The Dubdi Monastery is imperative to the history of Sikkim as it is closely linked to the founding of the State of Sikkim at Yuksom in the middle of the 17th century by Lhetsum Chenpo and his two associate lamas. Chenpo’s green image is enshrined in the Dubdi monastery as it was established by him to commemorate the founding of the Kingdom of Sikkim. It is the first and the only monastery built in Sikkim, to have been surviving out of the four built at that time.

Established during the reign of Chogyar Namgyal, the Dubdi Monastery is perched at an altitude of 2,100 meters (7,000 ft) on a spur. The Monastery has an elaborately beautiful painted interior area. When entering the monastery, one can witness the images of divinities, saints, other symbols, and collections of manuscripts and texts that the monastery houses. The statues of three lamas who were the founding figures of Yuksom are also put up in the monastery. The monastery is a two-storied structure built in stone. It is square in plan and faces south. It has a tapering tower with a flat roof made of iron sheets with projecting eaves. The top of the roof has a bell-shaped gilded dome known as "Gyaltshen". The monastery has two side aisles where a rare collection of manuscripts and other ritual texts are preserved.

The Monastery is open to visitors on all days of the week from 7:00 am - 4:00 pm.

The Dubdi Monastery celebrates all the festivals which are included in the Tibetan Buddhist rituals. However, the most famous and important festival celebrated here is the Tibetan new year, which is celebrated with vigour and joy. This festival is celebrated on the 28th and the 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar. Another festival that is celebrated in the Dubdi Monastery is the Losar festival. The term, when broken means ‘New’ (Sar) and ‘Year’ (lo), hence the festival signifies the start of the new year as per the Tibetan calendar.

• Hotel Red Palace : Located amongst natural beauty in the historical city of Yuksom, Hotel Red Palace is a family-owned property with colonial architecture and contemporary amenities. Designed in a Tibetan aesthetic, the hotel features wooden walls and flooring that enchants guests. Known for its welcoming staff and warm atmosphere, the hotel also showcases the local culture of Sikkim through cultural programs which can be arranged on request. The hotel offers fine living in the lap of nature and this is one of the most preferred destinations of travelers. For food lovers, the hotel has an F & B area with a restaurant and a bar.
• Tashigang Resort : Located in Yuksom, West Sikkim, Tashigang resort is a home away from home for the travelers who want to experience the pleasure of views of snow peak Mountains of Sikkim. A stay at the resort gives you an opportunity to experience the traditional touch of Sikkimese hospitality while taking pleasure in modern comforts. The elegant interiors of the resort represent the beauty of Sikkimese culture.
• The Bliss Resort : Located in Yuksom, The Bliss Resort is about 5 km away from Dubdi Monastery. It offers comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
• Yuksom Residency : Located in the center of Yaksum bazaar, the Yuksom Residency is a newly built hotel committed to providing world-class hospitality to the guests. One of the most notable landmarks of the area, Yuksum Residency offers personalized services to serve their guests in the best possible manner.

• Chumbi Mountain Retreat Restaurant : Relax amidst nature in a traditional heritage ambience at The Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa. The restaurant is popular for serving Sikkimese, Tibetan and Indian cuisine.
• Kathok Wok : If you are a foody and love try new places to eat, then, Kathok Wok is a small restaurant that serves a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
• Yuksom Kitchen : Yuksom Kitchen is a small local restaurant that serves mouth-watering traditional Sikkimese food such as momos, thukpa, and gundruk soup.
• Hotel Tashigang : Located in Yuksom, about 5 km away from Dubdi Monastery, Hotel Tashigang is a small hotel that has a restaurant which serves Sikkimese, Tibetan, and Indian cuisine.

• Khecheopalri Lake : Khecheopalri Lake is a sacred place for both Buddhists and Hindus as it is a part of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. It is situated in the Khecheopalri Village in the West Sikkim district. Interestingly, the name of the lake, Khecheopalri, was originally known as, ‘Kha-Chot-Palri’, which refers to the heaven of Lord Padmasambhava.
• Pelling : Located about 35 km away from Dubdi Monastery, Pelling is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• Tashiding Monastery : Tashiding Monastery is one of the oldest and holiest Buddhist temples in Sikkim. It was built in the year 1717 and is perched on the top of a hill between Ranjit and Rathong Rivers.
• Sangachoeling Monastery : The literal meaning of the word Sanga Choeling is 'Idea of Guhya Mantra Teachings’ that relates to the faith of Buddhism. The monastery is located at the top of a ridge in the town of Pelling, Sikkim. Established in the 17th century by Lama Gyalwa Lhatsun Chempo, it is one of the oldest monasteries in North-eastern Sikkim.
• Yuksom : Located in the Western region of Sikkim,Yuksom is a beautiful place to visit. The village is well known for its natural beauty and is situated near the Kanchenjunga National Park, the village of Yuksom is in the heart of mountains covered with lush green vegetation.

The best time to visit Dubdi Monastery is between the months of March and May. The reason for visiting the monastery during the span of these months is that the weather is quite suitable for tourists to explore.

New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in West Bengal is the nearest railway station to the city and is situated at a distance of 134 km. It takes around 4 hours and 37 minutes approximately to reach the lake. If travelling by flight, then, the nearest airport is the Bagdogra airport in Siliguri in Darjeeling.