Tayul Monastery in Spiti Valley- Iconic Buddhist monastery in Keylong

Tayul in the Tibetan language means “Chosen Place”. Local folklore is that founder and Drukpa Yogi Serzang Rinchen discovered this place during his pilgrimage to Drilbu Ri Mountain. Built-in the 17th century,  it belongs to the Red Hat Sect of the Drukpa Monastery. 

The most fascinating attraction of the Tayul Monastery is the huge prayer wheel which is known to rotate on its own on special occasions. It is also one of the four Monasteries in Lahaul Valley, which are of significant importance for the Buddhist people. 

You can include Tayul Monastery in your Spiti Trip Packages, to plan your Spiti holidays and explore some of the most beautiful remote areas of the country.

How to Reach Tayul Monastery

To reach the Tayul Monastery, you will have to proceed northwards from Keylong town through the Manali-Leh Highway. You will have to cross the HPTDC Hotel Chandrabhaga and a small PO in a small village called Yurnath. Thereafter, a trek of 5 km just before arriving in the Satringi village, you will see a trail going upwards through a jungle. You will have to hike for some km through this barely existing trail to reach the Tayul Monastery. 

The hike itself is absolutely stunning and is surrounded by picturesque vistas of the Drilbu Ri mountain and potatoes and pea farms laden with an exotic variety of wildflowers like poppies, foxgloves, asters and strawflowers amongst many others.  It is an uphill climb of almost an hour with several mani stones scattered amongst the juniper trees flanking the trail as you approach the monastery and a string of old chortens with fabulous views of the mountain on the other side. There is a Djomo (female monk) gompa on top and a lovely monastery with old mud and stone construction nearby. Tayul Monastery itself isn’t a huge monastery, but is prettily perched on a hilltop that offers a panoramic vista of the beautiful valley and the interiors of the monastery is filled with brightly-coloured doors and windows. 

By Road

Keylong is accessible via the Manali-Leh Highway and is around 7 km from the nearby Chandra Valley and Bhaga Valley. Rohtang Valley Way from Manali is closed from the end of October.

By Rail

The closest railway station is Chauntra Railway Station in Mandi District at a distance of 68.4 km. Also, there is another railway station at Joginder Nagar at a distance of 231 km.

By Air

Bhuntar Airport in Manali is the nearest airport to reach Keylong.

Suggested Read: Shashur Monastery

Best Time to visit Tayul Monastery

This is the time when the snow is melting and the landscape is turning lush green and meadows are filled with vibrant wildflowers in full bloom. The roads leading to Lahaul Valley are also cleared of snow, making it accessible to explore the beauty of the region without any hiccups.

Visitors should keep in mind that the monastery is located in a remote location and is often cut off from the rest of the country during winter months due to heavy snowfall that blocks the Rohtang Pass. Hence, travelling during the winter months can be quite challenging and is therefore not recommended. 

Moreover, important Buddhist festivals are held during the summer months which also serves as an icing on the cake for most travellers who want to participate in an added cultural experience. You can check for specific festival dates that are held in this region each year which can provide an opportunity to witness some of the unique rituals and ceremonies. 

Nevertheless, it is always advisable that one should be prepared for sudden weather changes and plan accordingly, as the region can experience cold nights even during the summer period.

Stays near Tayul Monastery

• Juniper House Homestay

Distance from Tayul Monastery: 710 m

Rate: Rs. 2000-2500

• Yolagpa Homestay

Distance from Tayul Monastery: 1.5 Kms

Rate: Rs 2000-2500

• The Chandrabhaga

3* Hotel

Distance from Tayul Monastery: 2.6 Kms

• Hotel New Gyespa Keylong

Distance from Tayul Monastery: 1.5 Kms

Rate: Rs 2000-2500

Suggested Read: Trilokinath Temple

• Drilbu Ri Homestay

Distance from Tayul Monastery: 1.5 Kms

Rate: Rs 2000-2500

• Kalinga Abode

Distance from Tayul Monastery: 3.6 Kms

Rate: Rs 2500-3000