If you want to spend some time in a beautiful lake surrounded by vast pine forests, pristine green tea plantations, beautiful natural surroundings, immense natural beauty. Then Mirik and Bokar Monastery is your destination.
Mirik is a beautiful quaint town in the Darjeeling district. This Bokar Monastery is within one kilometer of Mirik Jheel in Darjeeling, West Bengal. This is Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery, popularly known as Mirik Monastery.
How to reach Bokar Monastery?
First, you have to come by train to Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri station. The nearest airport is Bagdogra. Mirik will reach within one and a half to two hours. Mirik is 55 kilometers from NJP station and 46 kilometers from Siliguri station. The distance from Bagdogra to Mirik is 54 km
Car fare is roughly between Rs. 2000-2500. Besides, many shared cars can be found to Mirik. It will cost Rs. 200 to 250 to come from Siliguri to Merik in a shared car.
Many buses are available from Tenzing Norgay bus stand or Darjeeling junction and many government buses and private buses are available from the bus stand.
History of Bokar Monastery
In 1986, the Most Venerable Kabje Bokar Rinpoche built a monastery called Bokar Negedon Chokhor Linga in Miri, a small hill village in Darjeeling, which gradually grew in size and scope. He died in 2004.
Any monastery is a place where Buddhism is practiced. Bokar Monastery is one such monastery where education is practiced along with meditation and worship. Young Buddhist monks spend time in meditation and worship as well as learning the Tibetan language and handwriting.
It is accompanied by various training dances practicing hand mudras. These exercises they do regularly and sometimes intensive exercises. As various subjects of Buddhism are practiced, the words of Buddha are preached.
Where to Stay at?
There are several homestays and hotels here.
1. Mirik Homestay: 8145540870 (Food lodging 1000/- per person )
2. Pradhan Hotel: 8436323111 (Double bedroom rent from Rs. 1500 to 3000 )
3. Royal Homestay: 7551010311 (Food Lodging Per Head Rs. 1500 )
4. Hotel Sewan Place: 8317824425
5. Hotel Annapurna: 9734917817 Room rent starting from Rs. 1200
6. The Park Hotel: 9153322286
Nearest Tourist Spots
1. Gopaldhara Tea Estate
2. Mirik Lake
3. Pashupati Market
4. Bokar Monastery
5. Simana View Point
6. Spend your evening on the banks of the Rangbhang River
7. Lepchajagat
8. Nepal, Tabakshi
It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries. Located in a hilly valley, this Buddhist monastery is the main monastery of Mirik. An attractive place for tourists
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Q.1: What makes Mirik and Bokar Monastery a compelling destination?
Ans: Mirik offers a serene experience with its picturesque lake, lush pine forests, and scenic tea plantations. Bokar Monastery, situated within a kilometer of Mirik Jheel, adds to the area’s natural beauty and cultural significance with its Buddhist practices and teachings.
Q.2: How can one reach Bokar Monastery in Mirik?
Ans: By train: Arrive at Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri station. From there, travel by car to Mirik, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
By air: Fly to Bagdogra Airport, which is the nearest airport. Mirik is about 54 km away from Bagdogra.
Shared cars or private taxis are available from Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri, costing around Rs. 2000-2500 for a private car or Rs. 200-250 in a shared car to Mirik
Q.3: What is the history behind Bokar Monastery?
Ans: Founded in 1986 by Most Venerable Kabje Bokar Rinpoche, Bokar Negedon Chokhor Linga started as a small monastery in Mirik. The monastery, dedicated to Buddhism, emphasizes education, meditation, worship, and traditional Tibetan teachings.
Q.4: What activities and practices can visitors witness at Bokar Monastery?
Ans: At Bokar Monastery, young Buddhist monks engage in meditation, religious studies, and learning the Tibetan language and script. They also practice traditional training dances, hand mudras, and intensive exercises. The teachings of Buddha are a focal point of the practices.
Q.5: Where can visitors stay while visiting Bokar Monastery and Mirik?
Ans: There are various accommodation options such as Mirik Homestay, Pradhan Hotel, Royal Homestay, Hotel Sewan Place, Hotel Annapurna, and The Park Hotel. Prices range from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per person or room.
Q.6: What are the nearest tourist attractions in Mirik?
Ans: Some nearby attractions include Gopaldhara Tea Estate, Mirik Lake, Pashupati Market, Simana View Point, Rangbhang River banks, Lepchajagat, Nepal, and Tabakshi.
Q.7: Why visit Bokar Monastery and Mirik?
Ans: Bokar Monastery stands as one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries, nestled in a valley, and serves as the main monastery in Mirik. The area’s natural beauty, coupled with the cultural richness of the monastery, makes it an alluring destination for tourists seeking tranquility and spiritual insight.
North Bengal's offbeat magic is my muse. I find adventure in whispering waterfalls, vibrant village life, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Join me as I delve deeper, seeking stories and experiences beyond the mainstream, from Darjeeling's tea havens to the unexplored corners of this incredible region