Tharpa Choling Monastery, a revered Gelugpa monastery, is majestically situated on a hilltop in Kalimpong, overlooking the majestic Himalayas. The monastery’s rich history dates back to 1912 when it was founded by the illustrious Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang.

In 1906, Rinpoche visited Kalimpong for pilgrimage and to collect medicinal plants from India, Nepal, and Bhutan. During his stay, he was approached by Tibetan merchants and Bhutanese leaders who requested him to establish a monastery in the region. Rinpoche, recognizing the significance of the location, graciously accepted their request.

The monastery was built on a 7-acre land, which was an orange garden, donated by Mrs. Trinlay Gyalmo and her husband Bhawalolo. They also generously donated 21 acres of paddy fields to support the monastery’s upkeep. The monastery’s main prayer hall, monk’s dormitory, and private residence for Rinpoche were constructed with the help of local artisans.

Over time, novice monks from various parts of Tibet and different schools of Tibetan Buddhism joined the monastery, seeking spiritual guidance and knowledge. Today, there are 55 resident monks of Tibetan, Monpa, Sherpa, Tamang, and Gurung origin, who continue to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the monastery.

After Rinpoche’s passing in 1939, the senior monks appealed to the Tibetan government to take over the administration of the monastery. The government, recognizing the monastery’s significance, appointed abbots from Sera, Drepung, and Gaden monasteries to administer the monastery.

In 2005, the reincarnation of the third Domo Geshe Rinpoche was found in Bylakuppe through the prophecy and divination of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Following the directives of His Holiness, the monastery has banned the worship of Dorjee Shugden.

Today, the monastery is under the direct supervision of the Department of Religion and Culture, Tibetan Government in Exile, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama Administration. It continues to thrive as a center of Buddhist learning and culture, attracting visitors and scholars from around the world.