Dro-Drul Chorten, Gangtok, Sikkim

Key Attractions at Dro-Drul Chorten, Gangtok

Dro-Drul Chorten is located near the capital Gangtok, within walking distance of the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. It is one of the most popular tourist and pilgrimage spots in Sikkim.

The main Chorten stands at the centre of the complex, surrounded by 108 Mani Lhakar — prayer wheels inscribed with the sacred Buddhist mantra 'OM MANI PEDME HUNG' (hail the jewel in the lotus), which invokes the Bodhisattva. Spinning these prayer wheels in a clockwise direction while chanting the mantra is considered highly auspicious, and visitors are frequently seen doing so with great devotion.

Inside the Chorten are a complete Mandala set of Dorjee Phurba (Vajra Kilaya), a set of Kang Gyur relics, complete Zung (mantras), other sacred objects, and idols of Buddhist deities. The complex is also flanked by Chorten Lakhang and Guru Lakhang, which house two huge statues of Guru Padmasambhava. This is the seat of Kyabje Dodrupchen Rinpoche, one of the most accomplished Nyingmapa Lamas in the world.

Several smaller Chortens also surround the main stupa, including Jhang Chup Chorten, built in memory of Trulshig Rinpoche after his passing. His successor, Dodrupchen Rinpoche, established a Dharma preaching centre here capable of accommodating more than 700 monks.

Conclusion

Dro-Drul Chorten is not merely Sikkim's largest stupa — it is a living centre of Tibetan Buddhist tradition, devotion, and monastic learning. A visit here offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual heart of Gangtok and is an essential stop on any cultural or pilgrimage tour of Sikkim.