Monasteries in Spiti Valley: Key, Tabo, Dhankar and More

The largest monastery in Spiti, built up a conical hill above the Spiti river near Kaza, at about 4,166 m. It is around a thousand years old and still home to monks. Our trips visit it on the Kaza local day, along with Kibber and Chicham Bridge.

Founded in 996, Tabo is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Himalaya still in use. Its plain mud-walled temples hide painted murals and statues inside, which is why it is often called the Ajanta of the Himalaya. It sits at about 3,280 m, between Nako and Kaza.

Perched on a crumbling ridge above the meeting of the Spiti and Pin rivers, Dhankar was once the seat of Spiti's rulers. The view down the valley is one of the best in Spiti. All three of our Spiti trips stop here between Tabo and Kaza.

Komic, at about 4,513 m, is among the highest villages in the region reachable by road, and its small monastery is a short stop on the loop with Hikkim and Langza above Kaza.

Nako, in Kinnaur, has an old monastery beside its small lake. Further on, the village of Gue keeps the naturally preserved mummy of a monk, said to be about 500 years old, in a small shrine. Our summer and bike trips stop at Gue on the way to Kaza.

• Dress modestly and remove shoes and caps where asked
• Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels
• Ask before taking photos inside; some prayer halls do not allow it
• Keep small change for entry fees and donations (₹10 to ₹100 on our winter trip)
• Speak quietly during prayers