Aloobari Monastery Mag-Dhog Yolmowa - Image 1
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Aloobari Monastery Mag-Dhog Yolmowa

4.5
·64 reviews·Darjeeling, India

Darjeeling's serene second oldest monastery, offering peace, unique art, and a glimpse into Yolmowa Buddhist heritage.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Experience ultimate peace

CrowdLow
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Aloobari Monastery Mag-Dhog Yolmowa - Image 1

Aloobari Monastery Mag-Dhog Yolmowa

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Experience ultimate peace

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Darjeeling's serene second oldest monastery, offering peace, unique art, and a glimpse into Yolmowa Buddhist heritage.

4.5
(64 reviews)

"A tranquil site, situated on internal roads of Darjeeling, almost gone unnoticeable if not aware of the surroundings."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Seek Tranquility

Visit on weekdays for a truly peaceful experience away from tourist crowds. 🙏

🎨 Admire Unique Art

Don't miss the monastery's wall paintings, crafted with grass and herbs. 🖌️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 64 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Yolmowa Mak Dhog Monastery

Yolmowa Mak Dhog Monastery

Aloobari

The second oldest monastery in Darjeeling, offering a serene escape with beautiful architecture and peaceful courtyards.

Reddit
Intricate Wall Paintings

Intricate Wall Paintings

Inside the monastery

Marvel at unique paintings made from grass and herbs, depicting Buddhist themes and ancient stories.

Reddit
Ancient Buddhist Manuscripts

Ancient Buddhist Manuscripts

Monastery archives

Discover preserved ancient Buddhist manuscripts, offering a glimpse into centuries of spiritual heritage.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Serenity

This peaceful monastery sees fewer tourists than major Darjeeling attractions. Visit during weekdays or early mornings to fully soak in the tranquil atmosphere and stunning architecture without interruption. Reddit

Respectful Visit & Donations

As a place of worship, dress modestly. While donations are welcome, be aware of suggested amounts. The Yolmowa Buddhist Association works for community welfare, so contributions are appreciated. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Experience ultimate peace
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Magical night lighting
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Darjeeling 🇮🇳 #Queenofhills #missingHome #darjeelingforus #homesweethome #darjeelingey #indianGorkha #indianNepali
@darjeelingforus
114.6K likes • 1.9M views

🎯 Seek Tranquility

Visit on weekdays for a truly peaceful experience away from tourist crowds. Reddit 🙏

🎨 Admire Unique Art

Don't miss the monastery's wall paintings, crafted with grass and herbs. Reddit 🖌️

Streetstyle Darjeeling #streetphotography . . #darjeelingmuser #indiannepalese #indiannepali #photoshoot
@artistic_darjeeling
38.8K likes • 804.3K views
st Paul school used as collage in the movie MAIN HOO NAA #srk #Darjeeling #Queenofhills #missingHome #homesweethome #darjeelingey #darjeelingforus #indianNepali #indianGorkha #gorkhaland
@darjeelingforus02
34.2K likes • 905.2K views

🙏 Dress Modestly

As a place of worship, ensure your attire covers shoulders and knees. :womanintunic:

💰 Donation Etiquette

Donations are appreciated, but be mindful of suggested amounts. Reddit :moneywithwings:

📍Darjeeling -Siliguri road #fyp #naturevideography #travelenthusiast #nocommunityguidlineviolation #traveltalesbydheeraj
@traveltalesbydheeraj
31.6K likes • 390.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Seek Tranquility

Visit on weekdays for a truly peaceful experience away from tourist crowds. Reddit 🙏

🎨 Admire Unique Art

Don't miss the monastery's wall paintings, crafted with grass and herbs. Reddit 🖌️

🙏 Dress Modestly

As a place of worship, ensure your attire covers shoulders and knees. :womanintunic:

💰 Donation Etiquette

Donations are appreciated, but be mindful of suggested amounts. Reddit :moneywithwings:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(64 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Aloobari Monastery for its serene atmosphere, historical significance as the second oldest monastery in Darjeeling, and unique wall paintings. It's a peaceful escape from the usual tourist hustle. However, some guests have noted an unexpectedly high suggested donation amount from monks, which can feel exaggerated.

"The mak dhog monastery and the Yolmowa Buddhist association have completed 100 years of establishment in the year 2014
The yolmowa Buddhist association was established by our forefathers a century ago for the welfare of the yolmo community living in India.beside working for the upliftment of the yolmo community in India, one of the primary functions of the association has always been the upkeep of the mak dhog monastery"

Rapden Dorjee Sherpa

"A tranquil site, situated on internal roads of Darjeeling, almost gone unnoticeable if not aware of the surroundings. It has less footfall by tourists and that makes this monastery a catch, just sit in the benches in the courtyard and enjoy the views or gaze at the marvellous structure both inside and outside the structure."

Sagar Rout

"Established in the year 1914, Aloobari Monastery is located some 3km away from Darjeeling Town. The place in which it is located is called Aloobari and hence such name. But the actual name is Yolmowa Mak dhog Monastery or Magdhog Monastery. It's the 2nd oldest monastery in Darjeeling. The monastery contains several images of Gautam Budhha and varied paintings on the wall which are said to be done with grass and herbs. The monastery also preserves several ancient Buddhist manuscripts. A tranquil site, situated on internal roads of Darjeeling. Grand view, scenic beauty and well maintained. Do come and visit it."

Dibyayan Mukherjee

What People Like

Tranquil and peaceful atmosphere
Historical significance
Unique wall paintings

What People Dislike

High donation suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Aloobari Monastery is located about 3 km from Darjeeling town. You can hire a taxi or take a local shared jeep. The roads can be internal and less noticeable if you're not familiar with the area, so it's best to ask your driver to head towards Aloobari. TikTokReddit

The monastery is situated on internal roads. While generally accessible, they might not be as well-maintained as main routes. Traveling by taxi or a sturdy vehicle is recommended. TikTok

It's possible to walk, but it's about a 3km uphill journey. Consider the terrain and your fitness level. It might be more enjoyable to take transport and then explore the surroundings on foot. Reddit

Use GPS navigation and look for signs pointing to Aloobari. Since it's on internal roads, it's easy to miss if you're not paying attention. Reddit

While direct buses to the monastery are unlikely, local shared taxis or jeeps that ply within Darjeeling might be able to drop you off at a point from where you can walk a short distance. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no official entrance fee mentioned, but donations are encouraged. Be aware that some visitors have reported monks suggesting donation amounts. Reddit

Specific opening hours are not widely published. It's generally advisable to visit during daylight hours, especially in the morning or afternoon, to experience its full ambiance. Reddit

The monastery is noted for its exquisite lighting at night, suggesting it is accessible or illuminated. However, for safety and respect, visiting during daylight hours is generally recommended. Reddit

No, advance booking is not required. As a less crowded tourist spot, you can typically visit spontaneously. Reddit

Visitors are expected to dress modestly and behave respectfully within the monastery premises, as it is a place of worship. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography inside the main prayer halls or of sacred artifacts might be restricted. It's always best to check for signage or ask a monk before taking photos of religious items. TikTok

The courtyard offers beautiful views of the monastery's architecture. The surrounding internal roads also provide scenic backdrops, capturing the essence of Darjeeling's quieter side. TikTok+1

Drone usage is generally discouraged or prohibited at religious sites and in many tourist areas without prior permission. It's best to avoid flying drones to respect the sanctity of the place. TikTok

Early morning light can be soft and beautiful for exterior shots. The monastery is also noted for its exquisite lighting at night, making evening photography a unique option. Reddit

A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is suitable. For low-light evening shots, a camera with good high ISO performance or a tripod would be beneficial. TikTok

🎫 🧘 Onsite Experience

The monastery is described as a tranquil and peaceful site, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Darjeeling town. It has less footfall from tourists, enhancing its quiet charm. Reddit

You can admire the architecture, sit in the courtyard and enjoy the views, gaze at the marvellous structure, and observe the unique wall paintings and ancient Buddhist manuscripts. Reddit

Absolutely. Its tranquil atmosphere and secluded location make it an ideal spot for meditation and quiet reflection. Reddit

A visit of 1-2 hours is usually sufficient to explore the monastery, appreciate its art, and soak in the peaceful ambiance. Reddit

Information on specific facilities like restrooms is not readily available. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive or be prepared for limited options. Reddit

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