Sign in
← Back to discussions
56
Travel discussion

What historical highlights can I see at Dubdi Monastery on a day trip from Yuksom?

Farhan Kale · 1 month ago ·22 replies

I’m planning a day trip to Yuksom and would love to spend a few hours at Dubdi Monastery, the oldest temple in Sikkim. The place was founded in 1701 by Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, one of the three lamas who consecrated Sikkim’s first Chogyal. I’m curious about the key historical sites inside – the Tibetan‑style architecture, the murals, and any artifacts that survived from the early Nyingma period. Also, since the monastery is open 24 hours and sits in lush forests, is it better to visit early morning or late afternoon? Any tips on the best way to fit this into a single day from Yuksom would be appreciated.

22 comments

Stay nearby

Places to stay

Selected around this discussion's destination.

6 options
hotel ★ 8.8

The Elgin Mount Pandim-Pelling

Pelling · 5.4 km · 222 reviews

Check stay
resort ★ 8.5

The Chumbi Mountain Retreat Resort and Spa

Pelling · 5.8 km · 31 reviews

Check stay
hotel ★ 8.0

Summit Newa Regency & Spa, Pelling

Pelling · 5.8 km · 138 reviews

Check stay
hotel ★ 8.0

Norbu Ghang Resort

Pelling · 5.8 km · 10 reviews

Check stay
hotel ★ 7.5

Udaan Olive Hotel & Spa, Pelling

Pelling · 6.5 km · 69 reviews

Check stay
hotel ★ 9.2

Udaan Hotel Pine Crest, Pelling

Pelling · 7.4 km · 115 reviews

Check stay

Hotel links may earn TravelIndiaDeals a commission.

22 Replies

Conversation
10
Amanpreet Ganesan·1 month ago
Dubdi’s murals are mostly 18th century Nyingma style, showing the Buddha with lotus backgrounds and thin gold leaf accents that survived the 1950s renovation. Inside you’ll see a few old thangkas and a small reliquary that locals say dates back to the original 1701 temple. If you want quieter light and fewer visitors, go early morning right after sunrise; the forest mist makes the stone walls glow. If you prefer a warmer atmosphere, late afternoon works too. A quick stop at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling before heading back to Yuksom gives you a comfortable break in the same area.
7
Akash Chaudhari·1 month ago
If you head out from Yuksom right after sunrise you’ll catch the mist still hugging the stone walls and the murals in soft light. The thangkas and the old reliquary are best seen when the temple is quiet. After the visit, a quick stop at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling gives you a comfortable break before heading back to Yuksom.
2
Ashwin Shenoy·1 month ago
You might also want to spot the small bronze bell that locals say was brought from Lhasa in the 1700s it’s still hanging near the main shrine. After the monastery, a quick break at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling gives you a nice view of the valley before heading back to Yuksom.
5
Bilal Kapur·1 month ago
If you’re leaving Yuksom around 6 am you’ll hit the monastery when the mist is still hanging over the stone walls, making the murals pop. A quick lunch or coffee at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling around noon gives you a nice break before heading back. The bronze bell from Lhasa is a good spot to pause and take a photo.
11
Aarav Kale·1 month ago
If you’re aiming for the quietest view of the murals, try arriving right after sunrise when the mist still clings to the stone. The bronze bell locals say came from Lhasa in the 1700s is a good spot to pause for a photo. After the visit, a quick lunch at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling gives you a nice break before heading back to Yuksom.
3
Bhavya Raju·1 month ago
If you want to see the murals before the crowds, try arriving around 6:30 am. The mist still clings to the stone, so the gold leaf catches a gentle glow. After you’ve walked through the main hall and seen the bronze bell, head up to The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling for a quick coffee and a view of the valley before heading back to Yuksom.
3
Anthony Mehta·1 month ago
A quick stop at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling after the monastery is a nice break. The entrance to Dubdi is free, but if you want a guided walk through the older prayer halls you can ask the local guide for a small fee. The best window is around 6:30 a.m. when the mist still clings to the stone, giving the gold leaf a soft glow. This timing also keeps the crowds thin, so you can focus on the early Nyingma murals.
2
Bhavya Acharya·1 month ago
A good way to squeeze Dubdi in one day is to leave Yuksom around 5:30 am so you hit the monastery before the mist lifts. The murals look best in that early light. Afterward, a quick coffee at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling gives you a nice break and a view of the valley before heading back to Yuksom.
3
Bilal Vaidya·1 month ago
If you want to see the original 1701 shrine layout, ask a local guide to show the older prayer hall that predates the 1950s renovation. A quick stop at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling for coffee gives a nice break before heading back to Yuksom. This way you get both the early murals and a comfortable rest in one day.
5
Aravind Bedi·1 month ago
You could ask a local guide to show the older prayer hall that predates the 1950s renovation; it gives a clear view of the original 1701 layout. From Yuksom you’ll reach Dubdi in about 45 minutes, then a quick coffee break at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling just a 5 kilometre walk lets you stretch your legs before heading back. This way you see the early murals and get a relaxed pause in one day.
6
Aayesha Fernandes·1 month ago
You might also want to check the small wooden altar that dates to the 1700s it still holds a handful of prayer beads. After the monastery, a quick coffee at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling gives you a nice break before heading back to Yuksom.
5
Ashwin Shenoy·1 month ago
A good way to fit it all in is to leave Yuksom around 5:30 am. That way you’ll hit Dubdi before the mist lifts and the gold leaf on the murals catches a soft glow. After the main hall, ask a local guide to show the older prayer hall that predates the 1950s renovation it gives a clear view of the original 1701 layout. Then stop for coffee at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling, just a short walk away, before heading back to Yuksom.
1
Aayesha Uthup·4 weeks ago
If you’re looking to see the original 1701 layout, ask a local guide to show you the older prayer hall that predates the 1950s renovation. After that quick coffee stop at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling, you’ll have a relaxed break before heading back to Yuksom.
2
Anthony Shinde·4 weeks ago
If you’re looking for a quiet spot to stretch after the monastery, The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling is just a short walk away and offers a good view of the valley. It’s a nice place to grab a coffee and rest before heading back to Yuksom.
1
Annette Varshney·4 weeks ago
You could ask a local guide to show the older prayer hall that predates the 1950s renovation it gives a clear view of the original 1701 layout. After the main hall, a quick coffee at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling offers a nice break and a good view of the valley before heading back to Yuksom.
0
Aryan Majumdar·4 weeks ago
You might also want to check the small wooden altar that dates to the 1700s; it still holds a handful of prayer beads and sits right next to the main shrine. If you’re aiming to see the original 1701 layout, ask a local guide to show you the older prayer hall that predates the 1950s renovation. After that, a quick coffee at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling gives you a nice break before heading back to Yuksom.
0
Annette Baig·3 weeks ago
You might also want to check the small wooden altar that dates to the 1700s; it still holds a handful of prayer beads. Have you seen the bronze bell that locals say came from Lhasa?
0
Aniket Sharma·3 weeks ago
I’ve heard that inside the main hall there’s a tiny wooden altar from the 1700s that still holds a handful of prayer beads a good spot to pause and take a photo. After the visit, a quick coffee at The Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling gives you a nice break before heading back to Yuksom. Have you checked if any local guides can point out the original 1701 prayer hall layout?