This road from Garubathan to Lava is very beautiful. Chel River flows through the crooked road. There are clouds on the mountain. Pine forests, tea plantations, and Lava Monastery or Kagyu Thekchenling Monastery are unmissable attractions in Lava
This lava monastery is located about 7000 feet above sea level
How to Reach Lava Monastery?
From Howrah station or Sealdah station take any train bound for North Bengal and come to New Jalpaiguri station or Siliguri station. The best train to reach New Jalpaiguri is 12343 Darjeeling Mail. 13149 Kanchan Kanya Express, departure time from Sealdah 8:35 pm Siliguri arrival time 8:05 am
The train will leave Sealdah at 10:05 pm and reach New Jalpaiguri at 8:50 am. The sleeper class fare is Rs. 360. AC’s three-tier fare is Rs. 945.
If you want to reach Kalimpong cheaply from here you have to come to the Siliguri bus stand. To get to the bus stand, from New Jalpaiguri station by magic van for just 30 rupees fare to the bus stand.
Those who get off at Siliguri should come directly to Siliguri Bus Stand. For those who want to book a car directly from NJP station, the car fare will be Rs. 4000. Of course, bargain and try not to fall into the clutches of brokers, but you will have to pay a lot of rent.
It takes about two and a half to three hours to reach Kalimpong Bus Stand from Siliguri Bus Stand. The car stand is where the bus stops.
From here you can book a car or shared car and reach Lava directly. You have to walk 500 m from the Jeep stand to reach the main monastery
The history behind Lava Monastery?
The monastery was proposed in 1987 on about 4 acres of land donated by local Buddhists. The work started in the next year i.e. 1988. And the work was completed in 1990.
And this year on 6th June the temple was opened for devotees.
Lord Buddha said the way to attain Nirvana is to get rid of suffering. The first Triennial Sanpa Retreat was held here on March 10, 1991, under the leadership of Bokar Rinpoche. The Dalai Lama inaugurated the prayer wheel stupa in 2001.
Though primarily only a few monks were there with time monks increased
What to see in Lava Monastery?
The atmosphere of the monastery will fill your mind with a wonderful peace. If the sky is clear, you can see a beautiful view of Kanchenjunga
A massive statue of Lord Buddha resides in the main temple of the monastery. Buddha’s ‘Ashtangik Marg’ is reflected in various places. According to Gautama Buddha, it is possible to attain Nirvana or Bodhi through this Ashtanga marg.
It is a study and meditation center for Buddhists. There is also a resident ashram here. This accommodation is quite large. Monks of great intellect stay here engrossed in study and meditation. There are several prayer halls.
Visiting Hours of Lava Monastery:
Visiting hours: 5.30 am to 5.30 pm. But the monstery closes in the evening, so if you want to come here, you have to come in the afternoon
Ticket at Lava Monastery:
There is no ticket in Lava Monastery. But if you wish can donate in the donation box of the monastery
What to buy at Lava Monastery?
Below the monastery is a cafeteria and souvenir shop. Perfect collection of items to take for relatives also there are shops at the monastery’s main gate
Where to Stay at Lava, Kalimpong?
There are many hotels to stay here. A little before Lava monastery, a road goes towards Rishop. You will find many hotels and shops around Jeep stand.
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Nearby places of Kagyu Thekchen Ling:
You can visit from here Rishop, Lava, Lolegaon, Fagu, Changu waterfalls, Jhandi Village, Gorubathan, Sambiyong Tea Garden, and Kolekham. All these can be visited from the Lava monastery
Conclusion
One of Lava’s best attractions is the pine forest. Dense pine forests become denser during monsoons. Clouds accumulate in the sky. The very beautiful environment of the lava monastery is surrounded by pine trees, flowers, and valleys. If you visit the lava this monastery must be visited
A request to all when everyone comes to the hill please don’t throw away chip packets, plastic bags, or cold drink bottles anywhere. Keep it in the dustbin provided or keep them in the car.
If they are dumped everywhere, the hill has its drain system. So “Harpa Ban” can come down suddenly. We saw a sample of it in the Teesta River a few days ago.
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Q.1: How do I reach Lava Monastery?
Ans: To reach Lava Monastery, take a train from Howrah or Sealdah stations bound for North Bengal and get off at New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri stations. From Siliguri, head to the bus stand and take a shared car or bus towards Lava. The monastery is a 500m walk from the Jeep stand.
Q.2: What’s the history behind Lava Monastery?
Ans: The monastery was proposed in 1987 and completed in 1990 on 4 acres of donated land. It was inaugurated on 6th June and has since hosted significant events like the first Triennial Sanpa Retreat in 1991 and the inauguration of the prayer wheel stupa in 2001 by the Dalai Lama.
Q.3: What can I see at Lava Monastery?
Ans: The monastery offers a serene atmosphere, housing a large Buddha statue in the main temple. It’s a study and meditation center with prayer halls and resident monks. On clear days, you can also catch a beautiful view of Kanchenjunga.
Q.4: What are the visiting hours?
Ans: The monastery is open from 5:30 am to 5:30 pm, closing in the evening. It’s advisable to visit in the afternoon.
Q.5: Is there an entry fee?
Ans: There’s no entry fee, but visitors can donate in the monastery’s donation box if they wish
Q.6: What items can I buy at Lava Monastery?
Ans: There’s a cafeteria and souvenir shop below the monastery offering a variety of items. Additionally, shops are available at the monastery’s main gate.
Q.7: Where can I stay near Lava Monastery?
Ans: Several hotels are available near the monastery, especially along the road towards Rishop. You’ll find accommodation options and shops around the Jeep stand.
Q.8: What other places can I visit nearby?
Ans: Nearby attractions include Rishop, Lolegaon, Fagu, Changu waterfalls, Jhandi Village, Gorubathan, Sambiyong Tea Garden, and Kolekham, all accessible from Lava Monastery.
Q.9: What makes Lava a must-visit destination?
Ans: Lava’s captivating pine forests, valleys, and the peaceful environment of the monastery amidst natural beauty make it a must-visit location.
Q.10: Any environmental considerations for visitors?
Ans: Visitors are urged not to litter and to dispose of waste properly. Improper waste disposal can affect the hill’s drainage system, potentially causing environmental issues like sudden debris flow.
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