Shashur Monastery is a place far from the noise of cities and tourist crowds. It is a hidden gem where you get to witness the peaceful Himalayan views, beauty, and just calmness.
Located about 3 Kilometers from Keylong, this is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Spiti. Built in the 16th century, you will find ancient Thangkas (Buddhist paintings), statues that tell stories, and everything historic.
Every summer, the monastery comes alive during the Shashur festival, where monks perform Cham dances in masks and robes, which is a great experience for any traveler. So, if you are ready to plan your Spiti tour packages, do know that it is a peaceful stop and one of the best places to visit in Spiti that adds value to your journey!
How to reach Shashur Monastery
Keylong serves as the primary transportation hub for the Lahaul region, making it an ideal starting point for a visit to Shashur Gompa.
Located just 3 kilometers away, the monastery is accessible via a motorable road, and visitors can easily catch a local bus from Keylong to reach it. However, for those who want to add adventure to their journey, hiking from Keylong to the monastery is a popular and rewarding option.
This 3-kilometer trek, favored by locals, offers stunning views of the valley with the serene mountain landscape as you make your way to this peaceful spiritual site.
Nearest airport: Bhuntar airport (171 Kilometers)
Nearest Railway station: Shimla Railway Station (346 Kilometers)
The best time to visit Shashur Monastery
The best time to visit Shashur Monastery Spiti is during the summer months, especially June and July. This is when the weather in the Lahaul Valley (in Himachal Pradesh, India) is pleasant, the roads are open, and the area comes alive with natural beauty. Even if you are on your Spiti bike trip, this is one of the best attractions that you will come across in your journey.
If you want a truly special experience, try to go in early July during the Shashur Festival. This is a colorful Buddhist celebration where monks perform traditional Cham dances in beautiful masks and robes. It’s not only a spiritual event but also a cultural treat - you get to see the monastery full of life and energy.
In winter, the region gets heavy snowfall and becomes very cold and difficult to reach, so it’s best avoided unless you're very well-prepared.
Check out: our Spiti Circuit Tour
Places to visit near Shashur Monastery
Keylong is a prominent place in Lahaul and Spiti and is the most convenient place to visit near the Shashur Monastery Spiti. It is the district headquarters, and the only town with a large market to visit. Tourists may purchase some magnificent items & souvenirs crafted by the tribals. Also, you can find some of the top hotels near the Shashur Gompa here, if you are planning to stay.
2. Lahaul Spiti Tribal Museum
The Lahaul-Spiti Tribal Museum displays historic and traditional objects owned and utilised by the Tribals of Lahaul and Spiti in the past. The Shashur Monastery in Spiti Museum’s collection includes preserved plants, baskets, kitchenware, woollen products, manuscripts, pictures, stones, coins, paintings, and more. There are paintings in the museum that depict the living style of the Tribals. This is surely a must-visit as it lets the visitors have an experience into the lives of the Tribals of the valley.
Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 20
Gondhla Fort, located near Shashur Monastery, is a must-visit if you're exploring the area. This seven-story structure features traditional Kath-Kuni architecture, with wooden staircases and a charming veranda at the top. Built around 300 years ago by the local Thakur, the fort once served as their residence.
Though now uninhabited, the fort still holds a treasure trove of antique furniture, traditional costumes, weapons, statues, and other historical items that reflect its rich past.
Timings: 10 AM - 4 PM
Entry fee: NIL
5 Best things to do in Shashur Monastery
1. Explore the Monastery Doors
The monastery’s wooden doors are beautifully carved, often painted in deep reds, yellows, and blues, with traditional Tibetan motifs like dragons, lotus flowers, and protective deities.
Some doors lead to prayer halls filled with ancient murals and statues of Buddha, while others open into small meditation rooms or balconies with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Photography
Enjoy your moments while capturing amazing photos with the views at Shashur Gompa. Inside the monastery, the walls are decorated with old thangkas (Buddhist paintings), colorful murals, and traditional wooden carvings.
If you enjoy detail photography, this is a great place to focus on the beauty of this place. Be mindful, though, flash photography is not allowed inside, and it’s best to take photos silently and respectfully. But, you must not miss out on this opportunity as it turns out to be one of the best photography places in Spiti to look out for.
3. Engage with Buddhist monks
One of the most enriching experiences at Shashur Monastery in Lahaul is engaging with the resident monks. Take the opportunity to have a quiet conversation, they’re often warm and welcoming and happy to share insights into Buddhist culture, daily rituals, and spiritual practices.
What might surprise you is that all the serving lamas at Shashur Monastery Keylong are from Bhutan. This unique connection adds a special layer of cultural richness to the monastery, blending Bhutanese traditions with the serene setting of the Indian Himalayas.
4. Participate in Festivities
If your visit happens to align with Tseshu, the vibrant Buddhist festival at Shashur Monastery, consider yourself incredibly lucky. This is a rare and unforgettable experience you won't want to miss.
The festival in Spiti brings the monastery to life with colorful rituals, traditional Cham dances, sacred mask performances, and a deep sense of community. Locals and monks come together in celebration, creating a joyful and spiritual atmosphere that offers a true glimpse into Himalayan Buddhist culture.
5. Explore Thangkas
There are several rooms within the Monastery that contain valuable thangkas, one of which is nearly fifteen feet long and is the major attraction of the Shashur Monastery. There are also well-preserved wall murals showing all 84 Mahasiddhas in Buddhism.
Places to stay near Shashur Monastery
Here are some great places to stay in Spiti when visiting Shashur Monastery, all located in or near Keylong, just a short drive away.
1. Zomsa Culturehub
It is just 0.75 Kilometers from the Shashur Monastery Keylong and is a boutique style homestay. Comprising of cozy rooms and a lovely garden, it also offers you complimentary Wi-fi and hearty breakfasts.
Distance from Keylong: 0.5 Kilometers
Cost: INR 2,000 - 3,000/Night (Approximately)
2. Tandi Sarai
Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and open skies, this homestay gives you a real taste of local life - simple, warm, and welcoming. It offers clean rooms, tasty home-cooked meals, and a chance to slow down and soak in the natural beauty around you.
Distance from Keylong: 5.4 Kilometers
Cost: INR 3,000 - 3,500/Night (Approximately)
3. Chandra Bhaga Camps
It is a popular eco-camp setting offering simple comfort with wi-fi and parking as well. You get to have a good time here while having a unique experience as well.
Distance from Keylong: 5.4 Kilometers
Cost: Starting from INR 800
4. Hotel Nalwa
Hotel Nalwa in Keylong is a cozy, mid-range accommodation ideal for travelers exploring the Lahaul region. Conveniently located on the Manali–Leh Highway, it offers easy access to local attractions like Shashur Monastery.
Distance from Keylong: 1.4 Kilometers from Keylong
Cost: Starting from 2,000 (Approximately)
5. Lammaney Homestay
Lammaney Homestay is a warm and welcoming place to stay near Shashur Monastery, located in the peaceful village of Tandi, just a short drive from Keylong. It’s run by a friendly local family who treat guests like part of their own.
Distance from Keylong: 9.4 Kilometers
Cost: Starting from INR 1,511/Per night
