Considering the history of all Darjeeling’s monasteries, Bhutia Busty (meaning Bhutia colony) has perhaps the most tumultuous. Spanning about 250 years, the various buildings and locations of Bhutia Busty have faced numerous difficulties, though continues to persevere until this day. The original location of BhutiaBusti rested on Observatory Hill, where the Mahakal Temple is located today. It was built in 1761 by Lama DorjeRinzing. If you consider its origin on Observatory Hill, Bhutia Busty is the oldest monastery in Darjeeling. Unfortunately, the monastery was completely destroyed during the 1815 Gorkha Invasion. It was rebuilt in 1861 but due to troubles it was moved to its present location 18 years later in 1879. Again, the monastery was demolished in 1934 due to a powerful earthquake. It was rebuilt shortly thereafter and has fortunately maintained its structure since then. Today, very few permanent monks live there, so if you visit you may get a chance to talk one on one with the head monk!
Bhutia Busty Monastery in Darjeeling
