Spiti Valley lies in the great Himalayas and offers travelers more than just a place to visit. It has a beautiful moon-like setting and ancient Buddhist monasteries that rest on mountain cliffs, making it ever so inviting. It is a peaceful landscape that fills one with wonder while inviting them to calm.
Hikers and photographers won’t be able to contain their excitement with the centuries-old monasteries. At 14,000 ft, the view from these places of worship is stunning, unlike anywhere else on earth. Their beauty as architectural structures and works of art makes them a true living testament to Tibetan Buddhism.
Go on a journey, whether alone or with the HikerWolf tribe. Exploring these monasteries for anyone will feel like a mental escape from all the noise, and offer tranquil relaxation unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Why Visit the Monasteries of Spiti?
The monasteries of Spiti offer:
Unmatched beauty – Most are perched atop hills or cliffs and have stunning views.
Feel and experience the culture – View monks in prayer, spinning the prayer wheels, and performing centuries-old rituals.
Calmness – Ideal for meditation or simply for silence.
A mix of nature and art – Every photograph seems like a National Geographic photograph.
Whether you’re spiritual or not, these monasteries have a quiet strength that enables a balanced state of mind combined with an overwhelming sensation.
Must-Visit Monasteries in Spiti
1. Key Monastery (Kye Gompa)
Altitude: 13,668 ft
Location: 15 km from Kaza
This is the most iconic monastery in Spiti, and it is easy to tell why. Amazing Key Monastery, which stands like a fort, accommodates over 300 monks and dominates the panoramas of the Spiti River.
Visit its age-old chambers replete with murals, texts, and numerous prayer wheels. The top view is another one not to miss – bliss feels too light a word!
Pro Tip: If you get a chance, do have a meal with monks. It is simple, warm, and unforgettable – especially the butter tea and thukpa.
2. Dhankar Monastery
Altitude: 12,774 ft
Location: Between Kaza and Tabo
The meaning of Dhankar is “fort on a cliff,” and it is certainly that. This monastery is located on a towering height and provides stunning views of the meeting point of the Spiti and Pin rivers.
It is more than 1,000 years old and houses ancient Buddhist artworks known as thangkas.
Adventure Tip: The calm, hidden Dhankar Lake is around an hour from the monastery—worth visiting.
3. Tabo Monastery
Altitude: 10,760 ft
Location: Tabo Village
Founded in the year 996 AD, Tabo is said to be one of the oldest continuously active Buddhist monasteries in India and is often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” due to its exquisite wall paintings and mud structures. The vibe here is calm, grounded, and timeless.
Fun Fact: The Dalai Lama himself once stated he would want to retire in Tabo!
4. Komic Monastery
Altitude: 15,050 ft
Location: Komic Village – one of the highest motorable villages in the world
Planning to meditate at some of the highest monasteries in the world? Komic Gompa has all that and more. The road leading to Komic might be rough, but the calm stillness, the swaying prayer flags, and the gilded figure of Maitreya Buddha at Komic are just magnificent.
Suggestion: While here, don’t rush. Listen to the wind for some time. Its healing properties should not be underestimated.
5. Kungri Monastery
Altitude: 12,500 ft
Location: Pin Valley
Kungri, unlike the others, is part of the Nyingma denomination, which is the oldest sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Kungri Monastery is the second oldest Gompa in the Lahaul and Spiti Valley.
Kungri is the spiritual heart of the Pin Valley, which is vastly different from Spiti as it is filled with wildflowers and snowy mountain tops.
Experience Tip: If fortune smiles upon you, you may witness monks performing the Cham dance while wearing ceremonial masks.
Best Time to Explore the Monasteries
From May to October is the best time to visit Spiti along with its monasteries. The routes are clear, the weather is pleasant, and the monks are usually available for rituals or festivals.
Unless, of course, you are an absolute snow lover, avoid visiting during the winter season. Most places are incredibly hard to reach, and due to freezing temperatures, monasteries could stay shuttered.
Wrapping It Up
Now, if you are looking for spiritual vibes or some epic views of the Himalayas, Check HikerWolf on our next Spiti Valley Tour Packages. Together we will go on journeys that link nature with artistic expression.
FAQs
1. May I spend the night in any of the monasteries?
Some monasteries, such as Key Monastery, have basic facilities and meals for travelers. It is interesting to live among the monks, though very basic, so come prepared.
2. Is permission required to visit the monasteries?
No unique permit is necessary for Indians. Foreign nationals require an ILP for some areas, such as Kaza, if coming from the Manali side. Monasteries are available for sightseers; however, always remain polite and ensure you ask before taking photos.
3. What should I not do in a monastery?
Do not speak in loud tones, interact with religious artifacts and symbols without approval, or place feet towards Buddha statues. In addition, moving in a clockwise direction around a stupa or prayer wheel needs to be observed.
