DO Drul Chorten

Do Drul Chorten in Gangtok (celebrated across Tibetan Buddhism and Himalayan pilgrimage as 'Dro dul Chorten' translating to 'Stupa that Subdues Evil Spirits', built in 1945 AD by the venerable Tibetan Nyingmapa master Trulshik Rinpoche on a scenic hilltop ridge in Deorali, world famous for its soaring 110 foot white stupa crowned by a shimmering golden spire / pinnacle (Zhabdrung), complete circuit of 108 sacred Mani Lhakhang prayer wheels embossed with the sacred mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum', complete collection of holy Nyingma scriptures (Kangyur and Tengyur) enshrined within its relic chamber, adjoining Chorten Lakhang monastic institute, and sacred Guru Padmasambhava reliquary), located on Deorali ridge in Gangtok in Sikkim, stands as Sikkim's foremost Buddhist stupa and spiritual heritage sanctuary.

Historical records recount that prior to 1945, this forested Deorali ridge was believed to be haunted by malevolent spirits that caused illness among local residents, prompting Trulshik Rinpoche, supreme head of the Nyingma order, to erect this stupa to permanently pacify the area and radiate spiritual harmony throughout the Eastern Himalayas.

It's the home of the outer circumambulation pathway where orange robed monks and devoted pilgrims spin 108 brass prayer wheels in a continuous clockwise circle, the nearby Namgyal Institute of Tibetology preserving centuries of Tibetan manuscripts and antique bronze icons, the tranquil monastic quarters where young lamas study sacred Sanskrit and Tibetan scriptures, the Chorten Lakhang housing two monumental statues of Guru Rinpoche, and an intensely peaceful, deeply meditative spiritual atmosphere filled with burning juniper incense, flickering butter lamps, and gentle prayer chants.

It represents a rich Sikkim Buddhist heritage, Vajrayana stupa architecture, and Himalayan cultural tourism where 1945 AD golden spires, 108 Mani prayer wheels, sacred Dorjee Phurba relics, and Gangtok heritage travel unite in Do Drul Chorten.

Located in Deorali hillock in South Gangtok, it sits 2 km from MG Marg city center, 200 meters from the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Gangtok Ropeway Deorali station, 22 km from Rumtek Monastery, and 120 km from Siliguri / NJP, easily reached in 10 minutes by private taxi, shared auto, or ropeway.

The 108 Mani Prayer Wheels & Sacred Kangyur Relics

Encircling the base of the white stupa are 108 heavy brass prayer wheels inscribed with sacred Tibetan mantras.

Pilgrims walk clockwise around the stupa, turning each wheel by hand while chanting mantras, believed to multiply positive spiritual karma equal to reciting thousands of Buddhist prayers.

Truth is, spinning the cool brass wheels under fluttering multicolored prayer flags while morning bells chime creates an unforgettable sense of inner peace.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology & Deorali Cable Car

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT): Situated just 200 meters away, this premier research institute houses one of the world's richest collections of Tibetan thangkas, coins, and 14th century Mahayana manuscripts.

Gangtok Ropeway Station: The lower terminal of the Gangtok passenger ropeway cable car is located within 3 minutes walk, connecting Deorali directly to Tashiling Secretariat viewpoint.

Gangtok Heritage & Spiritual Day Tour Circuit

The South Gangtok Cultural Circuit: Do Drul Chorten (9:00 AM to 10:30 AM) -> Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (10:30 AM to 12:00 PM) -> Gangtok Ropeway ride -> lunch on MG Marg -> afternoon tour of Ban Jhakri Waterfalls or Rumtek Monastery.

Monastery Complex: Beside the stupa stands the Guru Lakhang temple housing two towering statues of Guru Padmasambhava and a school training young Buddhist novice monks.

After circumambulating Do Drul Chorten, visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, explore Rumtek Monastery, or tour Gangtok.