Mindrolling Monastery, Dehradun

Visitor Information

  • Famous For: Culture, Heritage, Tourism, Peaceful environment, Art and Architecture.
  • Entrance Fee: No entry fee is charged to tourists visiting this place.
  • Visiting Time: The monastery is open on all days of the week from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. There is a gap of one hour during the afternoon time when it is closed. It is usually at around 1.30-2.30. The timings may slightly vary depending on the season.
  • Visit Hours: Approximately 1-1.5 hours.

If you are looking for a place to escape the noise and pollution of life in the 21st century, taking a trip to the Mindrolling Monastery is probably the best idea. The Mindrolling Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Dehradun and for good reason. The Buddhist community in Dehradun has evolved around this monastery since its construction. The major attractions of this place include the art, the statue of Lord Buddha, the relics, paintings and also the stupa.

Mindrolling Monastery
Photo(Cropped) by Angus Cepka, CC BY-SA 3.0

Traveller Tips

  • Carrying your camera is an absolute must. Missing out on capturing the mesmerising scenic beauty of this place will always be a deep regret.
  • The temperature is never very hot. The evenings are usually chilly. So, you can carry a light shawl in case you need it.

Things to Do

  • A great way to relax your inner self is by taking a walk through the Mindrolling Monastery. Tourists have often claimed to revive their being by spending some time in here.
  • There is a bookstore inside the premises of the Mindrolling Monastery. If you are interested, you can pick up a few books and learn more about Buddhism.
  • The surrounding area is a great place to shop. You will find all sorts of shops including the ones that sell tokens which you can carry as gifts for your relatives or friends.
  • If you are lucky, you might end up witnessing some cultural event that might take place from time to time in this monastery.
  • If you are a foodie, the Tibetan cuisine is a must try. The area near the monastery is a great place to learn more about their culture and try authentic cuisine. You might not want to miss out on this great opportunity.
  • Do take photographs as the view from the place is exclusive and equally splendid. They will remain as memories for a lifetime.
Monastry Closeup
Photo by Roger roger, CC0 1.0

How to Reach

The nearest railroad is the Dehradun Railway station and is just about 9 kilometres from the monastery. You can either take a cab or book a bus ticket to Clement town.

Availability of Guides

Guides are not available to take you through the entire monastery but the locals are a great way to gather all the information that you need. It is also advisable to read through a few articles on the internet to get to know more about the Mindrolling Monastery.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About the Mindrolling Monastery

  • Kochen Rinpoche was the ultimate hand behind the construction of the Buddhist temple. The construction took place in the year of 1965.
  • It is claimed that many workers had toiled hard for the construction of this great monastery. It took about three years for the completion of this structure.
  • The monastery is very renowned for the architectural work that is displayed in its structure and interiors.
  • There are several paintings and carvings that beautifully depict the life events of Lord Buddha.
  • The monastery also houses a college for monks where one is imparted advanced education on Buddhism.
  • The monastery has five floors in total and the fifth floor is open to tourists and visitors on Sundays only. If you are fortunate enough to reach it, the view of Dehra valley is sure to mesmerise you.
  • The stupa in the Mindrolling Monastery is also a major tourist attracts visitors from all corners of the world. Record says that it is the largest in entire Asia reaching a height of about 220 feet.
  • The architectural style of the monastery is heavily influenced by the Japanese art and architecture.
  • Many tourists also remain awestruck by the utterly peaceful environment of this monastery in Dehradun.

Nearby Attractions

  • Sai Darbar temple
  • Idgah
  • Lakshman Park
  • Ram Rai Gurudwara
  • Clock tower
  • Prachin Shri Hanuman Mandir

Nearby Restaurants

  • Sammaan Veg Restaurant
  • Lhasa Restaurant
  • Naveen Vegetarian
  • Kasturi Vaishnav Bhojanalay
  • Tirupati Balaji

About Rohit

An architect by profession, Rohit Agarwal is a curious traveller, seeking out the minutest detail about the places he travels to, and that’s what one will find in his writings. His writings have appeared in various blogs, he’s currently trying to bring forth as many different places a traveller who shares the same level of curiosity like him would like to visit through his writings.

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