Gue Monastery is a small and peaceful Buddhist monastery in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is located quietly in a tiny village called Gue, near the border of Tibet. This place is special not just for its beauty but because it holds something very rare—a 500-year-old mummy!
The mummy is of a Buddhist monk named Sangha Tenzin. People believe he went into deep meditation and mummified himself. Even today, you can see his well-preserved body sitting in a glass box inside the monastery. His skin, teeth, and even hair can still be seen clearly.
Gue Monastery is surrounded by tall, rocky mountains and silent landscapes.
The air here is pure, and the views are magical. Not many tourists come here during their Spiti trip, so it feels peaceful and untouched but the monks living here are kind and welcome visitors warmly.
How to reach Gue Monastery
1. Reach Spiti Valley
- Two entry routes:
- Via Shimla – Kinnaur: Open most of the year (Shimla - Reckong Peo - Nako - Tabo - Sumdo).
- Via Manali – Kunzum Pass: Open June–October only (Manali - Rohtang Pass - Kunzum Pass - Kaza).
2. Get to Sumdo Village
- Sumdo is the checkpoint where you take the turn toward Gue.
- From Tabo, Sumdo is about 30 km.
- From Kaza, Sumdo is about 70 km
3. Take the Road to Gue
- From Sumdo, a small uphill road goes 9–10 km to Gue village.
- No direct buses, you can take a taxi from Kaza or Tabo.
Best time to visit Gue Monastery
The best time to visit Gue Monastery is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and the roads are open. During these months, the temperature is comfortable for travel, and you can easily explore nearby villages and monasteries.
In winter, from November to March, heavy snowfall blocks the roads, making access difficult and the area extremely cold. For a safe and enjoyable trip, plan your visit in the summer or early autumn.
Things to Do in Gue Monastery
1. Witness the Gue Mummy
Discover the preserved remains of Lama Sangha Tenzin who self-mummified around the 1500s. His body, kept in a glass shrine, still shows intact hair, skin and teeth which is a rare spiritual relic and India’s only known naturally preserved monk, known as the Gue Mummy now!
2. Enjoy the Scenic Views
Step outside to see the stunning views of Spiti Valley! The peaceful villages below shows out a whole different vibe!
3. Photography
Photography at Gue Monastery is allowed outside, where you can freely capture the beautiful mountain views and cool architecture. The flash is strictly prohibited near the mummy to protect it from damage, and drones are not allowed due to sensitive border location. So, at such areas you need be very careful while photographing in Spiti!
4. Sit Quietly and Meditate
You can spend some time in silence or prayer to feel calm and connected to the place. You will be feeling something really peaceful coming in your heart at that time!
5. Chat with the Monks
If you are welcomed, talk softly with resident monks to learn about monastery life, their beliefs and much more.
Travel Tips to Know Before Visiting Gue Monastery
- Visit Gue Monastery from May to September when the roads are open and the weather is pleasant.
- The monastery is about 80 Kilometers from Kaza, where you will need a private taxi or vehicle as no direct buses go to Gue.
- There are no hotels in Gue Village, so it’s best to stay in Tabo or Kaza and visit Gue as a day trip.
- You can take photos outside the monastery, but ask permission before photographing outside especially near the mummy.
- You have to dress modestly, speak softly and be respectful of monks and villagers.
- Try to visit in the morning or early afternoon to avoid the crowds.
