About Bokar Monastery
Bokar Monastery sits on the hill above Sumendu Lake, 20 minutes on foot from the lake circuit. Founded by the late Bokar Rinpoche — a highly regarded Karma Kagyu meditation master — the monastery is an active centre for both the resident monk community and the international students who have come to study here since the 1980s. The main prayer hall has striking Kagyu murals and a large bronze seated Buddha; the monastery courtyard overlooks the Mirik lake and valley. Morning puja (around 7am) is open to visitors who sit quietly at the back, and the gentle descent back to the lake through the tea estate edge makes the whole circuit a satisfying Mirik morning.
Why go to Bokar Monastery
Active Kagyu monastery founded by a revered meditation master
Bokar Rinpoche's teaching drew international students for 30+ years. The monastery that resulted is genuinely active and spiritually serious — a different character from the more tourist-facing gompas of the Darjeeling hills.
The significance of Bokar Monastery
Founded by Bokar Rinpoche, a revered Karma Kagyu meditation master. An active monastic school and international retreat centre since the 1980s.
What to see inside
Main Prayer Hall
Large Kagyu murals and a bronze seated Buddha — the hall is well-lit and the murals represent some of the finest Kagyu artistic tradition in the Darjeeling hills.
Monastery Courtyard
Wide courtyard looking out over the Mirik valley and lake below.
Etiquette — please read before you go
- Remove shoes
- Sit quietly at the back during puja
- No photography during active prayer
How to reach Bokar Monastery from Mirik
On foot from Sumendu Lake — uphill path from the lake circuit, 20 minutes. The monastery is visible from the lake on the hill to the west.
Best time to visit Bokar Monastery
Year-round. Morning puja at around 7am is the most rewarding time to visit.
Time of dayMorning (7–9am) for the puja session.
Things we always tell our guests about Bokar Monastery
- Remove shoes at the prayer hall entrance.
- The morning puja schedule is informal — arrive at 7am and the session is usually in progress or just beginning.
- Combine with the lake circuit and the Thurbo estate walk for a full Mirik morning.
Bokar Monastery — your questions answered
Other places in Mirik
- Sacred LakeGardenViewpoint