Tabo monastery
Often referred as Ajanta of the Himalayas, Tabo Monastery is situated at the height of 10,007 feet in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh in north India. It is one of the oldest Buddhist pilgrimage centres in the Trans-Himalayas region. Held in high regard by Tibetan Buddhists, Tabo is second in importance to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. Spread over an area of 6300 sq mtr, the monastery comprises of nine temples and gompas.
The monastery is known for its murals and stucco sculptures carved on the wall just like Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra.
Dhankar monastery
Like a series of whitewashed limpets, the 1200-year-old Dhankar Gompa clings precariously to an eroded cliff-edge rock pinnacle, high above the beautiful Spiti Valley. The result is one of Himachal’s most spectacular sights, especially seen from a distance. Climbing within the main building, stairs emerge beneath a stuffed goat as you reach the top-floor courtyard, off which lie a meditation cave, a room containing ceremonial masks, and the colourful quarters in which the Dalai Lama sleeps when visiting.
Accessed by a separate set of concrete steps, another prayer hall stands higher up the crag towards the fort. It has murals of the Buddha of healing, but far more memorable are the phenomenal views encompassing the twin peaks of Manirang (6593m) on the horizon.
Dhankar Lake
Dhankar lake is about a 1.5 Hrs high-altitude trek from the Dhankar monastery. The initial ascent of about 30-40 minutes is pretty steep for someone less fit like me. Then, the path is uniform till the time you reach the lake. The beauty of the lake is not the lake itself but the extreme feeling of solitude it offers.
Kee Monastry
Key in Himachal is the epitome of bliss in Spiti Valley. Ornamented by an array of white structures, the valley drenches in tranquility amidst the monochrome of nature.
Key is the home to the largest monastery of Spiti Valley, Key Monastery. However, if it is not for the scenic charms or spiritual relevance for what it is famous, it has to be for its survival through the sands of time.
Komic
Komic Village in Spiti Valley is believed to be one of the highest inhabited villages in the world with an elevation of approximately 15500 ft above sea level. This deserted village is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Komic Village is a quaint village with a population of approximately 114 people who live in very simple mud houses built quite close to each other with narrow lanes, making it very cozy and intimate, which explains the unity and love among the locals. The village houses a small monastery, called the Tangyud Monastery, which is also one of the oldest monasteries of Spiti Valley and is of great religious and cultural significance.
Lhalung
The name Lhalun literally means ‘land of the gods’ (Lha = deities, Devtas; Lung = land, area) and it is believed that the Lhalung Devta is head of all the Devtas of the valley. The local folklore dictates that the Devta emerges from the Tangmar mountain beyond the village. This is why, it is believed, that this mountain changes colors. Dependent on the mood of the Devta, one may be able to spot red showing anger, yellow depicting happiness, etc.
Lhalung, literally meaning “The land of the Gods”, is a small village surrounded by the Tangmar mountain on one side and the river Lingti on the other. Even though it is far-flung and difficult to reach, the Valley is best known for its natural beauty and stunning monastery.
