Top 11 Monasteries In Lahaul Spiti Valley – A Guide to the Best Buddhist Retreats!
Located in the land of Gods, Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world of travel for all good reasons. The valley is an amalgamation of rugged terrain, breathtaking beauty, delectable cuisine, and unique culture, making Spiti Valley Tour Packages an essential part of every traveller’s bucket list. Spiti Valley, besides the adventure it offers, is also an abode to a culture, different from other parts of the country.
It is said to be the place where the inception of Buddhism in India took place, owing to which there are the best monasteries in Lahaul. All the monasteries in Spiti are at different locations, at different altitudes, and have different architectural styles. Still, one thing shared among all of them is that you’ll surely be getting a dose of peace and serenity in those monasteries.
One should definitely visit the monasteries in Lahaul Spiti Valley to get an insight into the Buddhist culture and way of life. The monasteries are an integral part of the region’s rich cultural heritage, but that’s not it; these monasteries are also architectural marvels that certainly deserve a place on your Instagram feed.
With this being said, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the best monasteries in Lahaul Spiti, where you’ll get acquainted with their history, architecture and significance. So, without further ado, scroll down and check out the Best Monasteries In Lahaul Spiti by exploring this Lahaul and Spiti travel guide!
Best 11 Monasteries in Lahaul Spiti
1. Key Monastery
One of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley, the Key Monastery finds itself on the top spot – Lahaul Spiti Monastery for all the right reasons. The monastery is one of the most iconic and oldest monasteries in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Perched atop a hill at an altitude of 13,668 feet, this majestic monastery offers panoramic views of the Spiti River and the snow-capped Himalayas. Dromton, a disciple of a famous Buddhist master, founded the monastery.
The monastery has fantastic architecture, which follows a Tibetan Buddhist style with a blend of Indian and Chinese influences. The monastery is also a renowned Buddhist teaching centre, as almost 3000 Buddhist Lamas get training in the monastery every year. Built in the form of a three-storied fort, the monastery has a central tower that houses a statue of Buddha. The walls of the monastery have beautiful frescoes, murals, and thangkas.
Moreover, the monastery is not only a religious site but also a cultural and historical treasure of the Spiti Valley, which is why it is considered one of the best monasteries in Spiti, and a perfect addition to your itinerary if you’re planning on exploring Spiti in 8 days.
Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
2. Tabo Monastery
The oldest Lahaul Spiti monastery, the Tabo Monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Spiti. Also known as the ‘Ajanta of Spiti’ because of the caves in the monastery with paintings on the walls that depict the Buddhist culture. The monastery is also a UNESCO Heritage Site and is renowned for housing 9 Buddhist temples, among which one is the world-renowned ‘Wheel Of Law’.
The hall of the Lahaul Spiti monastery dons exquisite murals, thangkas, and frescoes depicting myriad aspects of Buddhist mythology and philosophy. The walls of the hall are covered with intricate carvings and paintings that showcase the finest examples of Indian and Tibetan Buddhist art and culture. Travelers searching for the best monasteries in Spiti often come to the Tabo monastery to dive deep into Buddhist culture and participate in the world-renowned Chakhar festival.
The Tabo Monastery showcases the rich culture and heritage of the Spiti Valley and also acts as a source of inspiration for Buddhists all over the world.
Location: Tabo Village, Spiti Valley
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
3. Tangyud Gompa
Lahaul Monastery, Tangyud Gompa, was Founded in the 14th century by the renowned Buddhist master Tsongkhapa, the monastery was built for the purpose of Buddhist learning and meditation and has since then played an important role in the expansion of Buddhism in Spiti Valley.
The monastery in Lahaul Spiti is settled on top of a hill at an elevation of 4,587 metres above sea level and is one of the highest monasteries in Lahaul Spiti. It is a spiritual oasis in the midst of the rugged and barren Himalayan terrain and is admired by Buddhists across the globe. Besides its cultural significance, the monastery in Lahaul Spiti is also famous for its architectural style, which makes it one of the unique monasteries in Spiti. The monastery follows a blend of Indian and Tibetan style architecture and is built in the form of a fortress, with thick walls and watchtowers that provide protection from the harsh climate and hostile invaders. The walls are decorated with beautiful murals and thangkas, which depict the life and teachings of the Buddha.
The monastery is one of the best monasteries in Lahaul Spiti for those who want to escape from the daily grind and get a taste of peace and serenity.
Location: Tangyud, Kaza, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
You may also be interested in reading Trilokinath Temple: A complete travel guide!
4. Gemur Monastery
Established in the 14th century by the renowned Buddhist master Lotsawa Zangpo, a visit to the Gemur–Lahaul monastery in the modern day is considered to be one of the best things to do in Spiti Valley. This monastery is one of the most significant spiritual sites in Buddhist culture and is a popular tourist destination among travellers looking to get a glimpse into Buddhist culture.
What makes this monastery ( also considered one of the best monasteries in Spiti), different from its counterparts is its location. The monastery is perched on top of a hill and overlooks the stunning landscape of the region along with the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the tranquil Spiti River. The journey to this Lahaul monastery in itself is an experience, as travellers need to hike up a steep path for about an hour.
One of the highlights of a visit to Gemur Monastery is the opportunity to witness the annual Spituk Gustor festival. Held in the eleventh month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, the festival is a vibrant celebration of the region’s culture and religion. It is one of the best monasteries in Lahaul Spiti and you should not miss out.
Location: Gemur, Lahaul district, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
5. Dhankar Monastery
Dhankar Monastery, also known as the Dhankar Gompa, this Lahaul monastery is one of the most visited destinations in the Spiti Valley, because of the massive presence of art and culture surrounding the monastery. The monastery dates back to the 12th century and is one of the oldest monasteries in the Spiti Valley. Over time, the monastery has undergone renovations and expansions. The monastery premises now comprise several prayer halls, meditation rooms, accommodation for monks, and a stunning courtyard decorated with vibrant murals and sculptures, which includes a magnificent statue of Dhayan Buddha.
Once inside the monastery, visitors will be greeted by the serene atmosphere and the sounds of the chanting monks, which for sure will take your experience to the next level.
Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
You may also be interested in reading Gue Monastery- Beacon of Spirituality and Cultural Heritage!
6. Tayul Monastery
One of the main attractions of the Spiti Valley is the Tayul Monastery in Lahaul Spiti. It is also known as the ‘Hidden Gem in the Himalayas’ as it is built on a hilltop and overlooks the Himalayan peaks, which make up for a fantastic backdrop for an Insta-worthy picture.
The monastery has a 12-foot-tall statue of Padma Sambhava, along with vibrant and intricate murals that depict scenes from the life of Buddha and other significant figures in Buddhist history. The major attractions of the monastery besides the stunning prayer hall, are the statues of Vajravarahi and Singhmukha.
One thing that visitors should be aware of while visiting the monastery in Lahaul Spiti is that this monastery is one of the high-altitude monasteries. Therefore one can quickly get struck with acute mountain sickness in Spiti. Therefore, it becomes essential to take the necessary measures to prevent it. Don’t miss one of the best monasteries in Lahaul Spiti in your itineraries.
Location: Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
7. Lhalung Monastery
Also known as the ‘Golden Temple’ because of its golden-colored premises, the Lhalung Monastery is a place of immense cultural and spiritual significance. Built in the 11th century, the monastery is one of the region’s oldest and most well-preserved examples of Tibetan Buddhist architecture and art.
One of the fascinating stories about this monastery is that the area surrounding the monastery can change colors, and the colors change according to the mood of the Lhalung god, which is why this monastery is also known as a cultural and spiritual marvel of the Spiti Valley.
Location: Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
8. Kardang Monastery
Renowned for its architecture, owing to which it is known as the hidden gem of Buddhist architecture in the Himalayas, the Kardang Monastery in Lahaul Spiti, also known as Kardang Gompa is a beautiful monastery built on a hilltop overlooking the Bhaga river and is a must visit for anyone who’s looking to get a glimpse into the Buddhist way of life.
The monastery, which is almost 900 years old, is known for its stunning prayer hall, adorned with murals, scriptures, and idols of Buddha and other important figures in the Buddhist cultural heritage. The main attraction at this monastery is the annual Chaam Dance, which sees monks dancing in dramatic apparel and masks.
Location: Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
For a perfect shopping experience in Spiti Valley, do read Keylong Market: Exploring the charm of this Himalayan trade centre!
9. Kungri Gompa
Kungri Monastery or Kungri Gompa is one the best Lahaul Spiti monastery and is a spiritual haven in the heart of the Spiti Valley. The monastery was founded in the 14th century by the great Tibetan teacher Kunga Rinchen and is home to a community of monks who practice the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It has played an important role in preserving and promoting Tibetan Buddhist culture in the Spiti Valley monastery.
Travelers from all over the world visit this monastery to get a glimpse into the Buddhist culture and their way of life. Travelers visiting this valley also come here to participate in the annual Sword Dance and Devil Dance.
The monastery also possesses a plethora of murals, frescoes, silk paintings and all the essential elements to get an insight into the Buddhist culture and heritage. The monastery with everything that it has, for sure will leave a lasting impact on those who visit.
Location: Pin Valley, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
10. Shashur Monastery
Another monastery in this list of Best Monasteries In Lahaul Spiti is the Shashur Monastery. The name directly translates to ‘blue pines’, because of the massive presence of pine trees surrounding the monastery. The monastery was founded in the 17th century by the great Tibetan teacher Deva Gyatso.
The monastery also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the river, the Himalayan peaks and the magnificent Keylong town. The major attraction of this monastery is the prayer hall which is filled with paintings, scriptures, and murals depicting the life of Buddha and other Buddhist figures.
Location: Shashur Gompa, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
11. Guru Ghantal Monastery
Guru Ghantal Monastery, also known as Gandhola Monastery, is one of the oldest monasteries in Lahaul. It features unique wooden architecture and ancient murals. The monastery offers a tranquil environment and a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Undoubtedly, Guru Ghantal Monastery is one of the best monasteries in Lahaul.
Location: Near Keylong, Lahaul
Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Travel Tips for Visiting Monasteries in Lahaul Spiti
Here are some necessary travel tips for visiting these famous monasteries in Lahaul Spiti.
How to Get to These Monasteries
You can choose any of these transportation means to reach the beautiful valley of Spiti and Lahaul, by road, by air, or by train.
1. By Road:
From Manali: The most popular route to Lahaul Spiti is via Manali. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti Valley. The journey takes around 10-12 hours and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
From Shimla: There is one more route from Shimla via Kinnaur. Though this route is longer, taking about 2 days, it is less exhausting and offers different scenic views. After you reach Reckong Peo, continue to Kaza the next day.
Local Transport: Once in Spiti, local buses and taxis are available to reach the monasteries.
2. By Air:
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Lahaul and Spiti Valley is Bhuntar Airport near Kullu, which is about 250 km from Kaza. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Spiti Valley from there.
Alternate Airports: Chandigarh and Shimla airports are also options, but they are farther away.
3. By Train:
Nearest Railway Stations: The nearest railway stations to Spiti Valley are Kalka (near Shimla) and Chandigarh. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Spiti Valley from these stations.
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places In Spiti Valley
How many monasteries are there in Spiti?
The exact number of monasteries in Spiti Valley is still not defined. However, it is believed that there are 30-35 monasteries in Spiti Valley. Some of the most well-known monasteries in the region are Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Kungri Gompa, and the Dhankar monastery, among others.
Which is the largest monastery in Spiti?
The Key or Kye Monastery is the largest monastery in the Spiti Valley. The monastery is located at an altitude of over 13,500 feet above sea level and is one of the most important Buddhist centres in the region.
Why is Key Monastery famous?
The Key Monastery, the largest monastery in Spiti, is famous for a plethora of reasons. The monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the region and is an excellent example of Tibetan architecture. The monastery has spiritual significance for the local people. It houses a massive number of ancient manuscripts, murals and artefacts. Lastly, the monastery is also famous for the ‘Ki Chaam’ festival.
Are there any entry fees for the monasteries?
Most monasteries in Lahaul Spiti do not charge an entry fee. However, some might request a small donation for maintenance and upkeep. It’s always a good practice to carry some cash and donate generously to support the preservation of these cultural and religious sites.
What are the main festivals celebrated in these monasteries?
Some of the popular festivals celebrated in the monasteries of Lahaul Spiti include Losar (Tibetan New Year), and Chaam (masked dance festival), which features vibrant dances and rituals. These festivals offer a deep insight into the region’s rich Buddhist heritage and are marked by vibrant ceremonies and community gatherings.
Which is the largest monastery of Lahaul and Spiti?
The largest monastery of Lahaul Spiti is the Tabo Monastery, which is located in the Tabo village of the Spiti Valley, in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The monastery is renowned for its possession of ancient murals, sculptures, and manuscripts and is often referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” due to its exquisite artwork.
What is the best time to visit the monasteries in Lahaul Spiti?
The best time to visit the monasteries in Lahaul Spiti is from May to September. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the roads are clear and accessible, and you can fully enjoy the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural experiences without the harsh cold of winter.
