Guru Sakya Monastery, Darjeeling

Guru Sakya Monastery remains a good place to experience the peaceful atmosphere of the community of Buddhist monks away from the tourist crowds. Pass through the colorfully decorated entrance and climb up the stairs to the open yard, which offers views of the town. The monastery was built in 1909 and its most famous resident was the late Khenpo Sangye Tendzin, a well-known 20th-century writer on Buddhism. Look for the original statues representing Guru Rimpoche--the founder of Tibetan Buddhism--as the main deity, and Lord Buddha standing next to him. Plan trip to Darjeeling with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.