- Where
- On a hill above Yuksom, West Sikkim
- Altitude
- About 2,100 m
- Distance
- About 3 km from Yuksom; 38 km from Pelling
- Timings
- About 7am–4pm reported
- Entry fee
- Free
- Permit
- Not needed for Indian citizens
- Best time
- October–May
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours with the walk
Dubdi (Dubdi Gompa, "the retreat") sits in forest on a hilltop above Yuksom, the village where Phuntsog Namgyal was crowned the first Chogyal of Sikkim in 1642. It's widely described as the oldest monastery in Sikkim: the usual founding date is 1701, though Lonely Planet notes that the site was established earlier, in 1647, in honour of Lhatsun Chenpo, and much of what you see was rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake.
What you'll see
- The walk up: a stone-stepped path through forest and prayer flags, about 1.2 km.
- The monastery, a compact stone building with murals and statues inside.
- Views over Yuksom and the valley towards the Kanchenjunga range.
How to reach Dubdi
Drive to Yuksom (about 38 km from Pelling via Kanchenjunga Falls), then walk up from the upper village. It takes 45 minutes to an hour going up and about half that coming down. A rough road gets to within about 400 m of the top if walking is hard for you.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Yuksom | about 1.2 km on foot | 15 min drive + short walk, or 45 min–1 hr on foot |
| Pelling | about 38 km to Yuksom | 1.5 hrs |
| NJP station | about 145 km | 5–6 hrs |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Weather
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10°C | 0°C | Light |
| Feb | 12°C | 2°C | Wet |
| Mar | 15°C | 5°C | Wet |
| Apr | 18°C | 8°C | Wet |
| May | 19°C | 10°C | Wet |
| Jun | 20°C | 14°C | Very wet |
| Jul | 20°C | 15°C | Very wet |
| Aug | 21°C | 15°C | Very wet |
| Sep | 20°C | 14°C | Very wet |
| Oct | 18°C | 9°C | Wet |
| Nov | 15°C | 5°C | Light |
| Dec | 12°C | 2°C | Light |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 1959 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
In Yuksom
- Norbugang Coronation Throne, where the first Chogyal was crowned in 1642.
- Kathok Lake near the coronation site.
- The start of the Goecha La and Dzongri treks into Khangchendzonga National Park.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Go early. The forest walk is cooler in the morning and the monks are around.
- Walk around the monastery clockwise and ask before photographing inside.
- It's a real climb. Take water and stop when you need to.
Nearby
- Kanchenjunga Falls, on the road from Pelling.
- Khecheopalri Lake.
- Rabdentse Ruins and Pemayangtse Monastery near Pelling.
Dubdi Monastery: questions travellers ask
Is Dubdi the oldest monastery in Sikkim?
It is traditionally described as the oldest, usually dated to 1701, though some sources date the site to 1647.
How do I reach Dubdi Monastery?
Drive to Yuksom, then walk up about 1.2 km on a stepped path, 45 minutes to an hour.
How far is Dubdi Monastery from Pelling?
About 38 km to Yuksom, around 1.5 hours, plus the walk.
What are the timings of Dubdi Monastery?
About 7am to 4pm is reported.
Is there an entry fee?
No.
What else is there to see in Yuksom?
The Norbugang Coronation Throne, Kathok Lake and the trailhead for the Goecha La trek.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Dubdi Monastery
- Lonely Planet: Dubdi Gompa
- Incredible India: Dubdi Monastery
- Outlook Traveller: Yuksom
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
