Kagyu Thek Chen Ling Monastery

Discover offbeat Himalayan trails of Bengal with our travel expert Reetwika Banerjee.

Kagyu Thek Chen Ling is an ancient Buddhist Monastery, located in the Eastern belt of Greater Himalayas, around 40 kilometres from Kalimpong. It serves as the gateway to Neora Valley National Park, the oldest bio-reserve of India. Though height is only 7200 feet, yet the climate here has a frosty touch round the year.

Way to Monastery from Kalimpong

From 9th Mile of Kalimpong, we took the road towards Lava. The foliage also changed with the change in meteorological conditions and altitude. The forested stretch comprises of Rhododendron, Cardamom, Himalayan Thysanolaena grass (phool jhadu), Sal, Oak, Himalayan bamboo, variety of wild Orchids and Ferns, Pine, Cedars, Fir, Birch and endangered animal species, thus often referred as Dhupi (colloquial word meaning ‘dense leafy forest’).

Lava Bazaar

By the time we reached there, sun had already started descending. The central Clock Tower needle indicated half past three. Kagyu Thek Chen Ling Monastery was hardly fifty steps away, on the fringes of Neora Valley National Park.

Steep road fall in front of monastery

The road was very steep for a casual walk, falling sharply down towards the monastery side. The weather being cloudy, we thoroughly enjoyed the misty trail.

The main entrance of Kagyu Thek Chen Ling Monastery was brightly painted in blue and decorated with traditional Buddhist frescoes.

Monastery entry gate

It is located on top of a small hill inside the gate. We had to constantly ascend for twenty minutes to reach the top. It was such a spiritual bliss.

Walking up to the hilltop inside monastery campus

A bright red building richly decorated with golden porticoes and curved facades on all sides. The colourful wall paintings evident even through the clouds soothed our eyes.

Bright red building

There was a residential institute of the monks inside the monastery campus which looked very impressive. Like a place where those of our childhood dreams may come true.

Kagyu Thek Chen Ling Institute and Lava town in backdrop

Residential complex of the monks

Verandah of Lava monastery

The evening prayer preparations had already started by then. Small children, monks and resident students all dressed in maroon attires were busy gathering at the prayer hall. The ghee lamp inside was burning with its solemn divinity.

Prayer hall inside monastery

Spending a short span, we started walking back. We really yearned to spend more time at this holy paradise but time chased us to retire for the day.

How to Reach:

Located at a distance of 100 odd kilometres from New Jalpaiguri, it took us almost 5 and half hours by road to reach Lava including short breaks on way. Usually it’s a 4 hours’ drive but due to some road closures near Gorubathan, we had to take a longer route via Mangpoo.

Serene drive to Lava from NJP

What else to see:

Lava Bazaar, Samybiong Tea Estate, Neora valley Interpretation Centre, Clock Tower.

Where to stay:

WBFDC tourist lodge, two heritage bungalows and ample budget hotels.