Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Five Lesser-Known Buddhist Gems Across North India’s Heritage
Many people visit Sarnath and Bodh Gaya to learn about Buddhism in India.
But North India has other important Buddhist places that are usually quieter.
Kushinagar is believed to be where Gautama Buddha reached final liberation after his death.
Sankissa is connected with a story about Buddha returning from heaven.
Tabo Monastery is a very old Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh.
Happy Valley in Mussoorie shows the traditions of the Tibetan community there.
Sanjauli in Shimla also has monasteries and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
These places let visitors see history, art, religion and mountain landscapes together.
Kushinagar in eastern Uttar Pradesh is traditionally regarded as Gautama Buddha’s place of Mahaparinirvana.
Sankissa, also called Sankassa, is linked to the Buddha’s descent from Trayastrimsa Heaven.
Tabo Monastery in Spiti Valley was founded in 996 CE and is known for its murals and sculptures.
Happy Valley in Mussoorie showcases Tibetan Buddhist culture through the Shedup Choepelling Temple.
Sanjauli near Shimla offers Tibetan Buddhist landmarks including Dorje Drak Monastery.
- Who
- Travellers interested in Buddhist history and heritage, along with Buddhist communities and pilgrims.
- What
- A guide to five quieter Buddhist destinations in North India: Kushinagar, Sankissa, Tabo, Happy Valley and Sanjauli.
- When
- The article does not specify a travel date; Tabo Monastery was founded in 996 CE.
- Where
- The sites are in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, including Spiti Valley, Mussoorie and Shimla.
- Why
- They offer alternatives to the better-known Sarnath and Bodh Gaya circuit, with archaeological remains, monasteries, artwork and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- Featured sites
- Kushinagar, Sankissa, Tabo Monastery, Happy Valley and Sanjauli
- Kushinagar significance
- Traditionally regarded as the place where Gautama Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana
- Kushinagar landmarks
- Mahaparinirvana Temple and Ramabhar Stupa
- Sankissa landmark
- An Ashokan elephant capital associated with Emperor Ashoka’s spread of Buddhism
- Tabo date
- Founded in 996 CE
- Tabo setting
- Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Tibetan Buddhist sites
- Shedup Choepelling Temple in Mussoorie and Dorje Drak Monastery in Sanjauli