Publish On May 28, 2025

A trip to Spiti Valley offers an experience of visiting an entirely new world. You can find adventure in Spiti Valley while simultaneously exploring a spiritual sanctuary and peace because of its bleak landscapes, monasteries, and the meandering rivers that flow beneath countless blue skies.

The Buddhist monasteries in Spiti Valley have preserved ancient knowledge and cultural artifacts as well as celebrated spirituality for centuries. When planning your Spiti Valley trip from Delhi, you must witness these holy sites among the list of places to see in Spiti Valley tour packages. These Tibetan monasteries in Spiti Valley offer tranquility, breathtaking views, and cultural depth.

Visitors consider these monasteries among the most serene spots to explore within Spiti Valley:

Key Monastery

Key Monastery has gained its reputation as the most famous monastery in Spiti Valley, and also as the largest monastery of the Spiti Valley. Rising from cascading rock formations at 4,166 meters high, Key Monastery impresses visitors as a naturally formed Tibetan monastery from the rocky cliffs surrounding it. This centuries-old monastery found in Spiti has experienced multiple historical events, including invasions and religious transformations. The fortress appearance of this architecture protects inner spaces which contain ancient artistic elements like murals and thangkas along with prayer wheels. A visit to this place reveals chanting monks alongside the powerful aroma of butter lamps inside its prayer halls.

Location: Key Village, near Kaza
Traveler Tip: The panoramic views of the Spiti River Valley, perfect for meditation or photography.

Tabo Monastery

Often referred to as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas', Tabo Monastery is considered the oldest monastery in Spiti and one of the oldest monasteries in India. Established in 996 A.D., Tabo Monastery is a national treasure under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India. All of Tabo Monastery's walls are covered in ancient frescoes and paintings that have survived the ages. The monastic complex has nine temples, many chortens, and meditation caves built within the nearby cliffs.

Location: Tabo Village
Traveler Tip: Tabo is one of the most accessible monasteries in Spiti Valley, ideal for the start of your spiritual adventure.

Kungri Monastery

The fourteenth-century Kungri Monastery in Pin Valley ranks as the second oldest monastery in Lahaul Spiti, but lacks commercialism while retaining deep spiritual power. Kungri Monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism that adheres to ancient Tibetan Buddhist texts and rituals. This hidden gem is famous for its lively sacred dance ceremonies among the locals, along with its venerated symbolism and its attractively sophisticated monastic buildings. The slower pace of Kungri offers opportunities to develop a stronger bond with both monks and local traditions because it lacks mass tourism.

Location: Pin Valley
Traveler Tip: Visitors can explore Pin Valley National Park while in the region.

Dhankar Monastery

Dhankar Monastery stands at nearly 3,900 meters and offers visitors one of the top scenic views in the valley by presenting the Spiti and Pin River confluence. Some of the monastery’s areas within the premises display ancient Buddhist scriptures alongside sacred art pieces such as thangkas, together with statues that highlight an outstanding portrayal of Vairocana. Nearby Dhankar Lake becomes reachable through a brief mountain hike from the present location.

Location: Dhankar Village
Traveler Tip: For a spiritual detox, meditate while watching the clouds drift over the valley.

Tangyud Monastery

High above sea level in the remote village of Komic, Tangyud Monastery is one of the world’s highest and most isolated monasteries of Spiti Valley. At 4,520 meters, the monastery seems to touch the sky. Its fortress-like walls give it a unique appearance, different from the typical architecture of other monasteries in Spiti. The surrounding moonscape adds to its mystical feel, and the sense of peace here is unmatched. Due to its high altitude and lack of light pollution, this is a stellar place for night photography and stargazing.

Location: Komic Village
Traveler Tip: Komic, being the world's highest motorable village, give yourself time to acclimatize to the high altitude to avoid acute mountain sickness.

Lhalung Monastery

Historians recognize Lhalung Monastery as one of the earliest monasteries, built by Rinchen Zangpo, and it stands as an ancient place of worship in Spiti. Lhalung represents 'Land of the Gods', and its serene ambiance explains its divine name. The temple’s main attraction consists of its exceptional clay sculptures, which, according to local beliefs, were fashioned by deities themselves. 

Location: Lhalung Village
Traveler Tip: The multi-headed Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the most revered deities in Mahayana Buddhism.

Gue Monastery

Gue Monastery, possibly the most mysterious stop on a Spiti Valley tour, is the home to the mummified monk Sangha Tenzin. The mummy of Sangha Tenzin is believed to be over 500 years old and incredibly well preserved without any of the modern ways of embalming. Though the shrine is rather new, the spiritual pull to it is ancient and profound. This Tibetan monastery in Spiti Valley offers not only an encounter with a supernatural occurrence, but ancient asceticism as well.

Location: Gue Village
Traveler Tip: Gue is slightly off the regular route and perfect for those who like to explore lesser-known beautiful monasteries in peace.

Bonus: Travel Tips for Monastery Visits in Spiti Valley

Here are some recommendations to consider to contribute to a meaningful experience:

• Be considerate: Do not interrupt prayers, and if you're going to photograph monks or any artifacts, ensure you ask for permission beforehand.
• Dress appropriately: Cover your shoulders and knees, and wear something loose-fitting. Slip-on shoes are preferable, being that they will be easier to slip on and off.
• Acclimatization: Give your body plenty of time to adjust to the high altitudes, particularly if you are visiting Tangyud or Komic.
• Best time to visit Spiti Valley: May to October is the right time to explore Spiti, as the roads are open at this time of year, and the conditions are better suited for traveling.
• Stay locally: Consider staying in a homestay close to a monastery or temple for more local experiences, local people, and even home-cooked Spitian food.
• Carry the essentials: The majority of monasteries in Spiti, especially Komic and Tangyud, are in very remote regions, so please carry enough water, snacks, cash, and a charging bank for unanticipated scenarios.

The monasteries of Spiti Valley are more than just places to see on a map, they are real-life representations of spirituality, resilience, and peace. With experienced guides who understand the region’s landscapes and religious and cultural nuances, Go4Explore transforms the Spiti Valley trip into more than just a trek, it becomes an unforgettable spiritual experience.