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 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.
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 Lahaul Spiti, and a perfect addition to your itinerary if you’re planning on exploring Spiti in 8 days.
Location: Key, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
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. Travellers 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, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
The monastery in Lahaul Spiti is settled on top of a hill at an elevation of 4,587 meters 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 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 in Lahaul Spiti 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
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.
Location: Gemur, Lahaul district, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
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: Dhankar, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
The monastery has a 12 feet tall statue of Padma Sambhava, along with vibrant and intricate murals which 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.
Location: Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
One of the fascinating stories about this monastery is that the area surrounding the monstery can change colours, and the colours 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
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
Travellers from all over the world visit this monastery to get a glimpse into the Buddhist culture and their way of life. Travellers 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
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: 6 AM to 6 PM
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