In the northern part of India lies the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh. The word “Himachal” equates to “snowy slopes” and “Pradesh” means “state”. There are countless peaks and mountain lakes in the state, and some of these are considered sacred by believers who visit during an annual pilgrimage. With views of the high mountains and low gorges all around, Himachal Pradesh is an excellent choice for your next getaway if you are looking for a peaceful holiday, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nature lovers can explore the winding valleys and serene lakes. Whether spiritual or not, check out our list of the 10 amazing monasteries to visit in Himachal Pradesh, India.
1. Key Monastery
This spectacular Tibetan Buddhist monastery is situated on a hill at an altitude more than 4,100 meters (13452 feet) above sea level. This religious building that is aged a millennium is the biggest monastery in Lahaul and Spiti districts of India. It holds up to 300 monks and even serves as fully functional religious training institution. Inside, you will find the walls adorned with beautiful murals inspired from Chinese culture. The monastery also holds an incredible history, as it has survived several raids by the Mongols.
Key Monastery
Address: Key, Himachal Pradesh 172114, India
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm
Price: Free
2. Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nestled in a tiny hamlet, Tashi Jong, this monastery follows Kagyu branch of Buddhism. Many travelers flock to this attraction to enjoy the tranquil environment and hymns sung by the monks. The monastery is also peppered with beautiful art inspired by the Tibetan culture, and walls that are brightly painted.
Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery
Address: Tehsil, Tashi Jong, P.O Taragarh, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh 176081, India
Opening hours: 8am - 12pm
3. Nako Monastery
Erected in the 11th century, this peaceful monastery can be found in the Nako village. It is positioned along the Indo-Tibetan border. The monastery is divided into four halls. During your visit here, you can look out for intricate patterns engraved on the gate of the monastery. It is also surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and you can revel in the gorgeous views of the nature. The monastery stands out with its Victorian-style of architecture. The main temple is known to be the oldest building in the village.
Nako Monastery
Address: Nako, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm
Price: Free
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4. Dhankar Monastery
Nestled at an altitude of 3,894 meters (12,776 feet), this monastery offers amazing views of the Spiti valley. Dhankar Monastery is more than a millennium old and houses to a vast collection of scriptures and murals. During your explorations here, look out for the many Thangka paintings adorning the walls of the monastery. However, due to the fragile condition and deterioration of the building, no more than 20 people are allowed to enter the monastery.
Dhankar Monastery
Address: Sichling-Dhankhar Gompa, Dhankhar, Himachal Pradesh 172113, India
Opening hours: 6:30am - 5pm
Price: Free
5. Kardang Monastery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
In the Kardang village lies the namesake monastery that contains the statues of Sakyamuni and is home to many monks. The monastery is erected at a height of 3500 meters (11482 feet), near the Bhaga River. There is even a library for visitors to explore and learn more about sacred Buddhist texts. During your visit here, admire gorgeous walls decorated with colourful paintings.
Kardang Monastery
Address: Kardang, Himachal Pradesh 175140, India
6. Tashigang Rong Gompa
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A sacred site for people of the Buddhist faith, Tashigang Rong Gompa also doubles up as a base for trekkers travelling from Namgaya. A distinct feature for you to look out for is temple’s old and new gompas. The former draws numerous visitors in with its beautiful interior design and intricate designs, while the latter houses the idol of the Shakyamuni Buddha. History enthusiasts can also explore the collection of Buddhist religious texts available here.
Tashigang Rong Gompa
Address: Zanda, Dhar Potan, Himachal Pradesh 172112
7. Tabo Monastery (from USD 348.45)
Tabo Monastery can be found at a whopping elevation of 3050 meters (10,007 feet) and can found in Lahaul and Spiti district. This massive monastery spans nine temples and gompas, and is highly regarded by Tibetan Buddhists, being one of the oldest pilgrimage centers for believers of the faith. There are tours you can attend, where you can stand before gorgeous views of the mountains of Spiti Valley.
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Duration: 8 Day(s) Duration
8. Nako Gompa
Situated on the west of Nako, in a small Buddhist village, Nako Gompa consists of monastery buildings that have elements from the 11th century, making it an ideal pit-stop for visitors interested in historical and ancient design and culture. The gompa is filled with incredible murals and sculptures that are stylistically similar to Spiti’s well-known Tabo Gompa.
Nako Gompa
Address: Nako, Himachal Pradesh 172112, India
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm
Price: Free
9. Tayul Monastery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Tayul monastery is said to be the oldest monastery in the northern region of Tibet. At an impressive elevation of 3900 meters (12795 feet), this monastery is nestled among mountains. “Tayul Gompa”, when written in Tibetan, translates to “chosen place”. The monastery is accessible only on foot, with a walking path passing through humbling potato and pea plantations. However, brace yourself for an hour-long uphill climb on concrete steps. During your visit here, look out for the statue of Padmasambhava that stands at 12 feet (4 meters), along with elaborate murals and ancient artefacts, including Buddhist scriptures at the library.
Tayul Monastery
Address: Himachal Pradesh 175132, India
Opening hours: 5:30am – 9pm
10. Shashur Monastery
Literally meaning “blue pines,“ this monastery is surrounded by beautiful patches of blue pine. Shashur monastery is built at an elevation of 600 meters (1969 feet) and can be accessed through via a small trek of 3 kilometers (1.8 miles), starting from a main road in Keylong. In recent times, a 5-kilometer (3 miles) road was built to allow visitors to visit the monastery via car. Tucked away on the hilly terrains of the Himalayas, the monastery was established in the 16th century by Lama Dewa Tyatsho from Ladakh. Due to its exquisite architecture, Shashur monastery has gained recognition all over India. There are annual festivals held here in June and July, where monks donned in bright colours and masks perform a “devil dance”, or also known as “chaam dance”.
Shashur Monastery
Address: Keylong, Himachal Pradesh 175132, India
Explore the historical and spiritual monasteries of Himachal Pradesh
Known as a summer destination, Himachal Pradesh is the go-to place for travelers looking for a vacation filled with serenity and spirituality, against the backdrop of picturesque mountains. With it’s never-ending list of monasteries to visit, take the ultimate history and culture lesson and learn the fascinating stories behind Buddhism, and everything that comes with it.
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