Most people in Dehradun just call it the Buddha Temple, and on a clear evening, with the golden stupa catching the last light and prayer flags moving in the wind, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the city’s best-loved places. Mindrolling Monastery in Clement Town is one of the largest Buddhist centres in India, and it’s a calm, beautiful escape just a few kilometres from the ISBT traffic.
Here’s the history, what to see and everything you need to plan a visit.
Mindrolling Monastery at a glance
| Also called | Buddha Temple, Dehradun |
|---|---|
| Location | Clement Town, Dehradun |
| From ISBT Dehradun | About 4 km |
| From the railway station | About 9 km; 25 to 30 minutes |
| Timings | Usually morning to early evening, often with a midday break; hours change by season |
| Entry fee | Free; donations welcome |
| Time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Best time | October to March, and late afternoon for golden light |
A short history
The original Mindrolling Monastery was founded in 1676 in Tibet by Rigzin Terdak Lingpa. It became one of the six main monasteries of the Nyingma school, the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism, and for nearly 300 years it was a major centre of learning, teaching not just Buddhist philosophy but also astronomy, calligraphy and traditional Tibetan medicine.
After 1959, many Tibetan monks came to India. In 1965, the monastery was re-established in Dehradun, on land near Clement Town. Since then it has grown into a large campus with temples, gardens, guest houses and the Ngagyur Nyingma College, founded in 1991, where monks follow a long course of advanced Buddhist studies.
What to see at Mindrolling Monastery
The Great Stupa
The star of the campus is the Great Stupa, about 60 metres (around 190 feet) tall. It was inaugurated in 2002 and is dedicated to world peace. It’s often described as one of the tallest stupas in the world.
Inside, the stupa has several floors of shrine rooms decorated with Tibetan paintings, statues and detailed murals. Walk up slowly and take your time on each level. The higher floors open up to views of the campus and, on clear days, the hills around the Doon valley.
The giant statues
The monastery is known for its huge golden statues, including a towering figure of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who brought Buddhism to Tibet, and a large seated Buddha. Standing in front of them is one of the most striking moments of the visit.
The gardens
The campus is beautifully kept, with lawns, flower beds, prayer wheels and prayer flags. It’s a lovely place to sit quietly for a while, away from the city noise.
The main temple and prayer halls
The temple halls are where the monks pray and study. If you’re lucky, you might hear the evening prayers and chanting. Visitors are generally welcome to watch quietly from the side.
Shops and cafe
Near the entrance, small shops sell prayer flags, singing bowls, incense, dream catchers and souvenirs. There’s also a cafe on campus, and plenty of Tibetan food spots around Clement Town for momos and thukpa after your visit.
Rules and etiquette
A monastery is a place of worship, so a bit of respect goes a long way:
- Dress modestly. Shoulders and knees covered is a good rule.
- Take off your shoes before entering temple halls and shrine rooms.
- Keep your voice down, especially inside the stupa and during prayers.
- Walk clockwise around the stupa and prayer wheels, as is the Buddhist tradition.
- Ask before taking photos inside shrine rooms, and never photograph monks without permission. Some areas may not allow photography.
- Don’t touch statues, offerings or paintings.
How to reach Mindrolling Monastery
Mindrolling is in Clement Town, in the south-west of Dehradun, near the Delhi–Saharanpur road.
- From ISBT: about 4 km. A short auto or cab ride.
- From the railway station or Clock Tower: around 9 km; 25 to 30 minutes by auto or cab, depending on traffic.
- From Jolly Grant Airport: about 30 km; allow around 1 hour. Read our Jolly Grant Airport guide for taxi tips.
- By your own vehicle: there’s parking near the monastery, but it fills up on weekends and holidays.
Best time to visit
- October to March: cool, clear and pleasant. This is also when several Tibetan festivals fall, including Losar (Tibetan New Year) around February or March.
- April to June: go early in the morning or late afternoon, as midday can be hot.
- July to September: the gardens are at their greenest, but carry an umbrella.
Time of day: late afternoon is our favourite. The light on the golden stupa is beautiful, the crowd thins out and you may catch the evening prayers.
Make a half-day of it
Mindrolling pairs well with other places in the south and west of Dehradun:
- Tapkeshwar Temple: the famous cave temple of Lord Shiva. See our Tapkeshwar Temple guide.
- Forest Research Institute (FRI): grand colonial architecture and museums. Read our FRI Dehradun guide.
- Tibetan food in Clement Town: end the trip with momos, thukpa or laphing.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee at Mindrolling Monastery?
No. Entry is free, though donations are welcome.
What are the timings of Mindrolling Monastery?
It’s generally open from morning to early evening, often with a break around midday. Hours change by season, so check before you go.
Why is Mindrolling Monastery called the Buddha Temple?
Locals call it the Buddha Temple because of its large Buddha statues and temples. Its official name is Mindrolling Monastery.
How tall is the stupa at Mindrolling Monastery?
The Great Stupa is about 60 metres (around 190 feet) tall and was inaugurated in 2002.
Can I take photos inside Mindrolling Monastery?
Photography is usually fine in the gardens and outside the stupa. Inside shrine rooms, ask first, as some areas may not allow it.
How far is Mindrolling Monastery from ISBT Dehradun?
It’s about 4 km from ISBT, a short auto or cab ride.
Last updated: October 2026. Visited recently? Tell us about the timings or your favourite part of the stupa in the comments.
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