Pokhriabong Lepcha Monastery, Buddhist monastery in Pokhriabong, West Bengal.
Pokhriabong Lepcha Monastery sits in the mountains about 30 km from Darjeeling in West Bengal. The complex features several buildings with traditional architecture where monks practice daily and visitors are welcome to observe.
The monastery was founded in 1974 and was the first Buddhist institution in this region. Its establishment built upon archaeological finds discovered in the 1960s at an ancient stupa site.
The monastery serves as an important center for Nyingma Buddhist teachings and is maintained by the local Lepcha community. The place shows how regional traditions and Buddhist practices are woven into the daily life of those who live nearby.
The site is best reached by traveling from Darjeeling using local transport options. Visitors should prepare for mountainous terrain and local conditions, so comfortable footwear is advisable.
Excavations in the 1960s brought valuable artifacts to light, confirming the spiritual importance of the site. These discoveries reveal the place was recognized as sacred for centuries before the current monastery was built.
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