Top 11 Monasteries In Lahaul Spiti Valley – A Guide to the Best Buddhist Retreats!

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

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 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

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 

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4. Gemur Monastery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Location: Near Keylong, Lahaul

Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

Travel Tips for Visiting Monasteries in Lahaul Spiti

How to Get to These Monasteries

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