Explore Delhi’s Buddhist Monasteries For Spiritual Retreats, Culture & Serenity In The City

Amid Delhi’s constant rush, there exist peaceful corners where chants replace chaos and calm takes over the city’s noise. The Buddhist monasteries scattered across the capital are not just places of worship; they are cultural anchors, architectural marvels, and living reminders of a tradition that values reflection over rush. From Tibetan sanctuaries tucked in bustling markets to Southeast Asian temples that feel like a doorway into another land, each monastery has its own story to tell. Together, they form a quiet yet powerful presence in Delhi, inviting every visitor to pause, explore, and experience a different rhythm of life. If you are ready to explore, then here is our list of 8 monasteries in Delhi NCR.  

1. Ladakh Buddhist Vihar 

Ladakh Buddhist Vihar monastery feels like stepping into a slice of Ladakh within Delhi. With its golden Buddha idol, colourful murals, and gently spinning prayer wheels, it radiates peace amidst the city rush. Outside, the bustling Monastery Market tempts visitors with Tibetan artefacts, snug woollens, and steaming momos. If peace and a little shopping spree are what you are looking for, this is the place to be! 

Where | Bela Road, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Railway Colony, Civil Lines
Timings | 8 AM - 7 PM 

2. Shanti Stupa 

Unveiled by the Dalai Lama in 2007, the Shanti Stupa is a gleaming white stupa that stands as a modern symbol of tranquillity in the heart of Delhi. Surrounded by manicured gardens and prayer wheels, it invites visitors to pause, reflect, and embrace calm away from the city’s chaos. By dusk, its glowing dome becomes a beacon of serenity against the skyline.

Where | Indraprastha Park, Ring Road, Salim Garh Fort, Old Delhi
Timings | 6 AM - 6 PM

3. Bhogal Buddha Vihar

Located in Jangpura, Bhogal Buddha Vihar is a small Thai-style monastery that offers a calm space for prayer and meditation. The walls inside depict scenes from the life of Buddha, adding to its quiet charm. The temple also hosts community gatherings and religious ceremonies that keep Buddhist traditions alive. It’s a place that blends devotion with a sense of belonging.

Where | 112, Hospital Road, Jangpura, Bhogal
Timings | 6 AM - 6 PM

4. The Tibetan Monastery 

We’ve all been to MKT, and this monastery is the one that truly defines it. With prayer wheels spinning, flags fluttering, and a golden Buddha radiating calm, it balances the buzz of the colony with a sense of peace. Festivals here light up the lanes with chants, colours, and rituals, making it the cultural heartbeat of Majnu Ka Tila. Step inside and you’ll see why it’s more than just a landmark; it’s the soul of the community.

Where | New Aruna Colony, Majnu-ka-tilla
Timings | 6 AM - 8 PM

5. Ashoka Mission Buddhist Vihara 

Ashoka Mission Buddhist Vihara in Mehrauli was built to spread Buddhist teachings and continues to be a hub of learning and practice. Its serene campus is home to a grand Buddha statue under a sacred Bodhi tree. Meditation camps, conferences, and community programs make it both a spiritual and cultural landmark in Delhi.

Where | Lado Sarai Village, Mehrauli
Timings | 9 AM - 11 AM, 4 PM - 6 PM

6. Cambodian Monastery

With striking Cambodian-style architecture and a quiet garden, this monastery instantly transports you to Southeast Asia. Established in 1994, it’s run by the Khmer Theravada community and welcomes visitors with warmth. For anyone seeking a quiet break, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger a little longer.

Where | Anuvrat Marg, Desu Colony, Chhatarpur
Timings | 6 AM - 6 PM

7. Buddhist Temple

Built in 1939, the Buddhist Temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and remains one of Delhi’s oldest Buddhist landmarks. Its halls echo with chants, while the serene Buddha idol creates an atmosphere of calm and reflection. It’s a peaceful stop that connects visitors with both history and spirituality.

Where | Block M, Jagat Ram Park, Laxmi Nagar
Timings | 9 AM - 7 PM

8. Jagajjyoti Buddha Vihar

Jagajjyoti Buddha Vihar is built in the style of Sarnath’s Mulagandha Kuti Vihar. It stands out with its graceful Sanchi-style gateway, and inside it rests a striking marble Buddha in Parinirvana pose, alongside a sacred Bodhi tree. It’s a quiet retreat where prayers, meditation, and community gatherings create a space of mindfulness within the city. 

Where | 149, Raja Dhirsain Marg, Sant Nagar, East of Kailash
Timings | 6 PM - 5 PM

So, which monastery are you going to visit first?