Looking for a place where you can go on a spiritual journey while admiring the beauty of the Himalayas? Chokling Monastery in Bir, which is in a tranquil village, is a must-include in your Himachal tour packages. Also known as Pema Ewan Chogar Gyurme Ling is the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism. It will take you on a soulful journey into Tibetan spirituality, offering peace from the hustle and bustle of your life.
With its grand stupas, serene prayer halls, and vibrant murals, this Buddhist monastery in Himachal Pradesh invites you to pause your journey and admire its peaceful beauty. Being a proud member of spiritual places in Himachal Pradesh also serves as the centre of meditation in Bir.
With the rise of sustainable and mindful travel, visiting this Tibetan monastery in Bir offers not just stunning views but cultural depth and spiritual clarity, making it a highlight of your Himalayan escape. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s know about it in this WanderOn blog!
Location: Monastery Park, Bir Rd, Bir Colony, Bir, Chaugan, Himachal Pradesh 176077
History of Chokling Monastery
The history of Chokling Monastery, Bir began in the 1960s when this Tibetan monastery was founded by Neten Chokling Rinpoche. Counted as one of the best places to visit in Bir was built as a sanctuary for Tibetan refugees who settled in Bir after fleeing from Tibet. Pema Ewan Chogar Gyurme Ling became an important centre for preserving the Nyingma tradition.
Named after Pema Ewan Chogar Gyurme Ling, it showcases the teachings and vision of its founder while serving as a spiritual anchor for the Tibetan community. Exploring this oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism is one of the best things to do in Bir Billing. Over the years, it has not only protected sacred texts and rituals but also provided a peaceful retreat for those seeking to understand Tibetan culture in Bir.
Architectural Highlights of Chokling Monastery
The sparkling white face of the building is decorated with vibrant hues of red, blue, and gold, which reflect the traditional Tibetan aesthetics. As soon as you enter this key highlight of Bir Billing tourism, you will see a giant stupa, which is a significant stupa in Bir. On top of this stupa, there is a golden spire which symbolises enlightenment and peace.
On the walls here, you can see beautifully carved stories about Buddhist gods, making this place famous among tourists not only for spirituality but also for its architectural charm. As you enter the prayer hall, you will see a Padmasambhava statue of a famous Buddhist meditator in the middle. This statue inspires both thought and devotion among the visitors, which makes it one of the best places for meditation in Bir.
Not just the interior and exterior of the monastery, but the surroundings also will leave you stunned. The greenery, the Dhauladhar mountains in the background, and the prayer flags add to its beauty. Whether you're drawn by beautiful architecture or looking for a peaceful retreat, this monastery offers both.
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More than just a beautiful sight, Chokling Monastery in Bir as a spiritual destination is very important for the Tibetan community in Himachal Pradesh. Founded by Neten Chokling Rinpoche, it follows the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and welcomes spiritual seekers, monks, and curious travellers alike.
Daily life at the monastery follows a steady rhythm of prayer, chanting, and sacred rituals led by resident monks. These aren't just traditions, they’re deep spiritual practices meant to calm the mind and grow compassion. If you're interested in meditation in Bir, you can watch or even join in during special open sessions.
The monastery is also a place of learning, where monks study Buddhist philosophy, logic, and meditation with dedication. These teachings help keep Tibetan culture and traditions alive for future generations.
Surrounded by peace and quiet, a proud member of popular monasteries near paragliding Bir, offers a powerful spiritual escape from the busy tourist spots in Bir Billing. There is no harm in saying that this is the place where silence brings clarity and the heart finds calm.
Also Read: Shopping in Bir Billing: Your Ultimate Guide for Local Goods
Best time to visit Chokling Monastery
The best time to visit Chokling Monastery is from March to June and October to November. These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and perfect conditions for exploring the peaceful Pema Ewan Chogar Gyurme Ling.
The best time of day to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the atmosphere is serene, and you can even hear the distant chants of monks echoing through the hills.
Opening hours of Chokling Monastery
The Chokling Monastery timings start from 6 am in the morning till 6 pm in the evening. In this duration visitors can visit the monastery whenever they want.
Entrance fees for Chokling Monastery
The entrance fees for Chokling Monastery is free. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, admire the intricate architecture, and soak in the tranquil environment.
How to Reach Chokling Monastery
Wondering how to reach Chokling Monastery in Bir? Here are all the details to make it convenient for you:
- By Railway: The nearest railway station is Ahju, just 3 km away, making it a quick rickshaw or taxi ride to the monastery.
- By Flight: If you choose to commute here by air, the closest airport is Kangra (Gaggal Airport), located around 67.6 km from Bir. From there, you can take a cab or a local bus.
- By Bus: If you're coming from major cities like Delhi or Chandigarh, there are regular overnight Volvo buses to Bir, which drop you at the Upper Bir bus stand. From the bus stand, local taxis or shared autos can take you straight to Chokling Monastery, one of the most serene spots in the area.
- By Bicycle or scooter: Once you’re in Bir, getting around is easy. You can rent a scooter or bicycle, or even walk, the Bir Monastery is centrally located within the Tibetan Colony and is well-signposted.
Also Read: 10 Best Cafes In Bir Billing To Eat At On Your Next Trip!
Nearby Places to Visit Chokling Monastery
Here is the list of nearby places to visit Chokling Monastery with distance:
- Deer Park Institute: 800m
- Bir Tea Factory: 2.5 km
- Bir Billing Paragliding Site: 850m
- Bangoru Waterfall: 5.7 km
- Bir Local Tibetan Market: 2.5 km
Tips to Visit Chokling Monastery
- Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees.
- Maintain silence or speak in a low voice while inside the prayer halls.
- Avoid clicking photos inside temple rooms unless permitted.
- Respect rituals and do not interrupt monks during meditation or chanting.
- Remove shoes before entering the inner sanctum.
- Use designated areas for sitting or resting.
- Avoid littering; help preserve the beauty of this spiritual place in Himachal Pradesh.
