Gemur Monastery In Lahaul Valley

Q: Are there any accommodation options near Gemur Monastery?

There are homestays and guest houses around the Monastery and the Gemur Village.

Q: How old is Gemur Monastery?

Gemur Monastery is said to be 700 years old and the centre of Tibetan Buddhism.

Q: How do tourists reach Gemur Monastery?

Gemur Monastery is on the Leh-Manali Highway and 14 kms from Keylong. You can either take a taxi or a car to reach the monastery which is also one of the most easily accessible monasteries in the Lahaul and Spiti region.

Q: Are there any nearby attractions or points of interest to visit along with Gemur Monastery?

You can visit Keylong which is 14 kms from Gemur Village and Jispa which is 4 kms away from Gemur.

Amidst well-manicured gardens and picturesque hilltops in Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh, lies the ancient Gemur Gompa in Spiti. Perched at an altitude of 3370 m, this monastery is 700 years old and stands as an embodiment of Buddhist culture and heritage. The monastery houses many ancient Buddhist statues, thankas, musical instruments and texts, which makes it a rich storehouse of Tibetan Buddhism and culture.

Lying just above Gemur Village between Keylong and Jispa on the Manali- Leh highway, Gemur monastery is one of the most easily accessible Monasteries in Lahaul. The main attraction of this religious shrine is the 11th-century statue of goddesses, Marichi and Vajravarahi, who are said to have their origins in Varahi, a Hindu goddess.

It is also claimed to be the richest monastery in Lahaul Valley and has an amazing bird’s eye view of the entire valley. With brightly painted red and black windows on a white-washed facade, Gemur Monastery is a sight to behold from a distance. There is a huge chorten before the monastery and a road is being built to make it easily accessible. One can see prayer flags fluttering all around the monastery which further enhances the surreal feeling which encompasses this entire monastery.

Suggested Read: Lhalung Monastery

History of Gemur Monastery

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The Gemur Monastery is considered as the central seat of Tibetan Buddhism. In religious literature, it is also known as Dge-smon Gsam-bstan chos-gling. It is said to be founded by Tagtshang Raspa in the first half of the 17th century. As per the legends and folklore, Lama Tenzin Paldan of Gemur village constructed this monastery with the help of the Thakurs of Khangsar. Scholars have argued that the monastery was located at a higher altitude and the present structure was relocated to the lower hill in 1870. The woodwork of the temple is credited to Tashi Tamphel. The lamas here belong to the Drukpa Kagyu sect and the monastery attracts monks and nuns who seek to live here and study Tibetan Buddhism.

The main building consists of many brilliantly carved Stupas, and prayer rooms displaying relics and Tibetan art. The monastery also contains ancient Buddhist miniature paintings, wall paintings, chortens, statues and Buddhist artefacts.

It is also widely known for its Tshechu Faid which is held in June in Gemur Monastery, and especially the Cham Dance to commemorate the Fair, which is done by the lamas of the monastery, where the performers wear huge bright coloured animal or birds masks with brightly coloured costumes.