Famous Monasteries in Spiti: A Spiritual Guide to the Valley
Spiti Valley, the "Land of the Lamas," reflects the influence of Tibetan Buddhist traditions. With breathtaking Himalayan vistas, the monasteries here stand as living relics of history, each telling its own story of devotion, art, and resilience. These monasteries can be covered in a Spiti Valley Circuit Trip. Some of them, such as Key Monastery and Tabo Monastery, are renowned worldwide, attracting pilgrims and explorers. Go4Explore brings you this guide to lead you to these iconic sites with our Spiti Valley Circuit Tour From Delhi.
Are you ready to embark on this soul-stirring exploration?
Tabo Monastery
The Monastery reflects Buddhist culture and heritage with its nine temples and several stupas. It also houses the structures of several Buddhist deities including Bodhisattvas. Known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” due to its ancient and staggering murals and frescoes. The monastery offers an insightful glimpse into Indo-Tibetan art.
Why is it famous?
Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in India. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the biggest attraction of Tabo Village, set on the banks of the Spiti River in Himachal Pradesh.
Timings: Morning chants begin at 6 am and the Monastery closes down at 7 pm all days of the week.
How to reach?
If you are on a Spiti Valley Circuit Trip, there are two routes to reach Tabo by bus: one from Shimla to Reckong Peo, which involves boarding the 6:30 AM bus to Kaza, and another, a 9-10 hour journey from Manali directly to Tabo. It is important to note that these routes are only accessible from June to October.
Key Monastery
Revered as the "Monastery at the Center of the Mandala", it is the largest Monastery in the Spiti Valley region. They also offer a comfortable dormitory stay for their pilgrims and travelers on a Spiti Valley Tour, at an affordable price.
Why is it famous?
Key Monastery is the largest and oldest Buddhist learning center and a training center for Llamas in the Spiti Valley region.
Timings: Running 12 hours each day, it is open from 7 AM to 7 PM all days of the week.
How to reach?
If you are on a Spiti Valley Circuit Trip, take a bus to Kaza either from Shimla or Manali and hire a cab to the monastery which will take you around 40 minutes to reach. It is important to note that these routes are only accessible from June to October. You will have to hike for some time to reach the monastery which can be a little challenging for people with bad stamina.
Dhankar Gompa
A key center for Buddhist learning, art, and culture center. Built as a fort monastery during the 16th Century, it houses the statue of Vairocana- the Meditating Buddha statue with four seated back-to-back figures, a must-visit site to complete your Spiti Valley Tour. Positioned at the cliff's edge, it gives some stunning views from the monastery. The Dhankar Initiative, an NGO, is dedicated to the conservation of the ancient Dhankar Monastery.
Why is it famous?
The monastery is situated near the Dhankar Lake and is a short hike to the Dhankar Fortress situated above the Dhankar Monastery making it a short-circuit that is adventurous as well rewarding at the end with stunning views and capturing history.
Timings: From 6 AM to 6 PM, all days of the week.
How to reach?
If you are on a Spiti Valley Circuit Trip, there are two routes to reach Tabo by bus: one from Shimla to Reckong Peo, which involves boarding the 6:30 AM bus to Kaza, remember Dhankar comes en route to Kaza. Another, from Manali to Kaza, and a cab ride to the monastery.
Lhalung Monastery
Found by Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century, it is considered to be one of the earliest monasteries in the Spiti region. Zangpo was a renowned Buddhist scholar and translator who was a significant figure responsible for the spread of Buddhism in the western Himalayas. Even the ruins of the old construction are worth visiting.
Why is it famous?
Known as the “golden temple” of Spiti, it houses many golden frescoes and gives a pristine experience amidst the bareness of its surroundings.
Timings: From 6 AM to 6 PM, all days of the week.
How to reach?
While you are already visiting the Dhankar Monastery, you can reach Lhalung Monastery by road within 30-45 minutes. But if you wish to trek, it is about 2-3 hours of climbing depending upon your stamina and pace.
Check the Go4Explore website to plan your Spiti Valley Circuit Tour From Delhi.
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