Thongsha Gumpha

Thongsha Gumpha

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The Thongsha Gumpha is the oldest monastery of Kalimpong. Situated at the 10th Mile, this ancient monastery was built in the year 1630 and is of Bhutanese origin.

Tharpa Choling Monastery

Tharpa Choling Monastery

Situated atop Tirpai Hill in beautiful Kalimpong is the serene Tharpa Choling Monastery. A monastery of the Gelukpa sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism, this is the sect to which the present Dalai Lama belongs. Built in 1937, The Tharpa Choling Monastery monastery has a collection of rare Buddhist manuscripts and thangkas (images of deities on cloth). As you tour this serene abode, you will find young apprentice monks going about their daily routine.

Lepcha Museum

Lepcha Museum

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The Lepchas are the indigenous people of Kalimpong, Sikkim and now constitute a minority. The Lepcha Museum is situated in Bag Dhara, a kilometre away from the town centre. The museum showcases the culture of the Lepcha community and displays their musical instruments, manuscripts, articles of worship and other tools & equipments used by the community. It is an important place of learning for those who wish to know about the religion and culture of this vanishing tribe. A short walk from here brings you to the Lepcha Monastery in Bong Busty, which is also worth a visit.

Durpin Dara Hill

Durpin Dara Hill

No visit to Kalimpong would be complete without a visit to the famous Durpin Dara. 5 km to the southwest of town looms the Durpin Dara Hill, which is the highest point of the region. It was once a survey point, and hence the name which means Binocular Ridge. Towering over the town at an altitude of 1402 m the observation point offers you a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges and its valleys alongwith the rivers that crisscross the plains. As you stand on this lofty point and swivel on your feet, you will get a panoramic view of the whole Chola Range of Sikkim including the Jelep La Pass. The Kanchenjunga Range can be seen on the northwest horizon while on the Southern side looms the Tiger Hill. Far below, the rivers Relli and Ryang rush to meet the mighty Teesta near the Rambhi bazaar area. You will also get a bird s eye view of the beautiful Teesta and Rangeet rivers, the rolling Peshoke and Lopchu tea estates, the Nathu-la pass as well as the hill towns of Siliguri and Kurseong. The invigorating air and the breathtaking view that surrounds you is sure to be a once in a lifetime experience.