The short answer
Kewzing Bon Monastery (Yungdrung Kundrakling): what visitors should know first
Go if you are curious about Bon, the pre-Buddhist tradition of Tibet. It is a short, easy visit that pairs well with Kewzing village, but check access before you set out because small monasteries sometimes close between rituals.
History and context
The story behind Kewzing Bon Monastery (Yungdrung Kundrakling)
Wikipedia says the monastery was established in 1974 by Gomchhen Ongden, then head lama of Tashiding Monastery; other lists give a different date, so the exact year is not certain. Tourism sources call it Yungdrung Kundrakling and describe it as the only Bon monastery in Sikkim.
Bon is the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, later influenced by Buddhism. Beyond these basics, little detailed documentation of the monastery's history was found.
Useful facts
Kewzing Bon Monastery (Yungdrung Kundrakling) facts at a glance
- Location
- Kewzing village, South Sikkim
- Faith
- Bon, the pre-Buddhist tradition of Tibet
- Deity/dedication
- Bon deities; check on site
- Visitor note
- Prayer wheels turn anticlockwise; shoes off
- Built
- 1974 per Wikipedia; dates vary
Why it matters
Why Kewzing Bon Monastery (Yungdrung Kundrakling) is worth your time
Bon is the religion of Tibet before Buddhism arrived, and over the centuries it absorbed and was shaped by Buddhist ideas. Several sources call this monastery one of only two Bon monasteries in India, the other being in Himachal Pradesh, though counts differ between sources, so the claim should be treated with some caution.
For visitors, it offers a chance to see how a tradition that is easily confused with Buddhism has its own deities, symbols and customs. According to Wikipedia, it was established in 1974 by Gomchhen Ongden, head lama of Tashiding Monastery. It is small, modest and rarely crowded, which makes it a thoughtful complement to the grander monasteries nearby.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
A different iconography
Paintings of Bon deities and the Bon founder look similar to Buddhist art but differ in details.
- 02
Anticlockwise wheels
Bon prayer wheels turn in the opposite direction to Buddhist ones, a small cue that you are in a different tradition.
- 03
Village setting
The monastery sits in a rural village, so a short walk gives you farms, houses and quiet lanes.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Ask your driver to take you through Kewzing, about 6 to 10 kilometres from Ravangla depending on the source, on the road towards Legship. The monastery stands just above the village, and the approach is short. Look at the exterior first: the colours and symbols are similar to Buddhist temples but not identical, so ask a caretaker what you are looking at.
If the main hall is open, step in slowly. Guides note that the deities in the paintings differ from those in Buddhist monasteries, and that Bon prayer wheels turn anticlockwise, the reverse of Buddhist custom. Follow the direction used by locals when walking round shrines or turning wheels, and ask a caretaker if you are unsure.
Keep the stop short and respectful. The best way to extend it is to walk a little through Kewzing village, where there are small shops and, according to older guides, a handicraft centre.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Confirm the monastery is open before you go
- Follow local custom when circling shrines or turning wheels
- Remove shoes and ask before photographing inside
- Combine with a short walk through Kewzing village
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kewzing village, on the Ravangla–Legship road
- Time needed
- 30–60 minutes
- Best time
- Morning; October–November and March–May
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The approach is short and the main shrine is close to the road. There are some steps; interiors are dim and the floors cold, so keep warm and carry a torch if you need it.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket found in sources; a small donation is customary. Remove shoes, ask before photographing, and note that Bon practice has its own customs, such as circling in the opposite direction to Buddhist custom. Confirm opening with locals.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Kewzing Bon Monastery (Yungdrung Kundrakling)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The approach is short and the main shrine is close to the road. There are some steps; interiors are dim and the floors cold, so keep warm and carry a torch if you need it.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
What is Bon?
Bon is the religion that existed in Tibet before Buddhism and was later influenced by it. It has its own deities and symbols.
How far is Kewzing from Ravangla?
Sources say about 6 to 10 kilometres on the road towards Legship. Ask your driver for the current road time.
Is it one of only two Bon monasteries in India?
Several tourism sources say so, but counts vary, so treat it as a popular claim rather than a confirmed fact.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Kewzing Monastery
- Windhorse Tours: Yung Drung Kungdrakling
- Outlook India Traveller: Ravangla, Buddhist Heartland
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
