Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery, located in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, is known as Kais Monastery. In 2005, the monastery was inaugurated in the month of May by the Dalai Lama. This monastery is where Buddhist monks live, and it is a mix of Indo-Tibetan style. A beautiful view of the mountains and the elegant design of buildings make it a must-visit place in Kullu. To reach the monastery, one must climb nearly 50 stairs. Tourists should leave their footwear below them before climbing. Tourists can enjoy the peace and spirituality of this place.
About Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery
The monastery is an extremely peaceful environment where visitors can also meditate and offer their prayers, which will calm them. It also has picture-perfect views and a message to save Mother Nature. It was a beautiful monastery with bird shipping and hauling throughout the day. The monastery’s architecture blends the Tibetan style, which is a few centuries old. This monastery is situated on the left side of the Beas River. This monastery is dedicated to the Dalai Lama and the prayer hall is very big with a huge Buddha statue, which gives a calm and peaceful energy.
Many monks prefer to stay in this place because of its peaceful environment, which helps them search for inner peace. These monks present in the monastery also help the visitors understand the temple better. The strong flow of the river creates a splashing sound, which is quite relaxing to listen to. A trip to this monastery will help tourists explore the spirituality and the mesmerising landscapes of Kullu in a peaceful environment. While climbing the steps to the monastery, tourists can experience and feel the spirituality and look at the breathtaking architectural marvel and surroundings with mesmerising beauty. The monastery is 10.1 km away from the Kullu bus stand, and it is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Kullu
Places To Visit Near Dhakpo Shedruling Monastery
Here are a few places to visit near Dhakpo Shedruling Monastery to explore the beauty and nature of Kullu.
1. Basheshwar Mahadev Temple
Image Credit: Ms Sarah Welch for Wikimedia Commons
Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as Visweshwara Temple, is located in Bajaura on National Highway 21. This temple is known to be the largest stone temple in Kullu Valley. A large Yoni Lingam representing Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati resides in this temple. This temple was built in the Pahari style and is famous for its amazing stone carvings, sculptures, and flat shikhara. The exterior part of the temple is sculpted with floral designs and decorated with carvings in the stone. There are also many other small temples in this complex, like those of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Tourists can visit the temple from 6 am – 7 pm. This temple is 4 km from Kullu-Manali airport and 16 km from Kullu bus stand.
Location: Shri Basheshwar Mahadev Temple (Ancient Hindu Temple), Bishweshwar Temple Rd, Bajaura, Himachal Pradesh 175125
Timings: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2. Naggar Castle
Image Credit: Pratishkhedekar for Wikimedia Commons
Lofty hills surround Naggar Castle and the Beas River, a beautiful architectural wonder. This castle used to be the home of the Kullu rulers. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation now owns it. This castle is famous for its elegance and has great historical significance. The Naggar Castle was built nearly 5 centuries ago by Raja Sidh Singh. This castle was used as a royal residence and administrative quarter in Himachal Pradesh. It is believed that Raja Sidh Singh built this castle with stones from an abandoned place in Baragaon village known as Gardhak.
In 1846, the British government used it as a courthouse, which was later sold to the Punjab Department in 1947. Then, in 1978, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation took the rights to the castle and turned it into a beautiful heritage hotel. The castle’s architectural style is a blend of European and Himalayan styles. The castle is beautifully carved with stones and wood. The architectural style is traditionally known as Kathkooni. The furniture and windows are beautifully carved with unique patterns, and the walls are nearly 42 inches wide. The walls were built so strongly that it survived an earthquake in 1905. Rooms surround one part of the castle, and the other side has the famous Jagatipatt temple. The entry fee to this castle is Rs. 30 per person.
Location: Naggar Castle, Patlikuhal – Naggar Rd, Patlikuhal, Naggar, Himachal Pradesh 175129
Timings: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Suggested Read: Adventure Sports In Kullu
3. Great Himalayan National Park
Image Credit: Suresh Karia for Wikimedia Commons
The Great Himalayan National Park is a beautiful park located in Kullu. It was established in 1984 and is 1171 square kilometres in size. This national park is elevated from 1500 to 6000 m high. This national park is home to nearly 375 species. 31 mammals, 181 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 127 insects, and many more have been identified and documented. The Indian Wildlife Act of 1972 protects these species.
A trek from the park’s valley to an elevation of nearly 35 km gives an amazing view of many other species, such as blue sheep, snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan brown bears, and more. There are many types of lofty pines, alpine herbs, horse chestnuts, alpine meadows, and other richer types of vegetation.
Location: Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
4. Jagannathi Devi Temple
Image Credit: By Photo Dharma for Wikimedia Commons
Jagannathi Devi Temple, surrounded by lush green forests, is located in a small village inhabited by Brahmins known as Bhakali. This temple is known as Bekhli Mata among the locals near the Kullu valley. Mata Bhubaneshwari Devi, the sister of Lord Vishnu, resides in this temple. This temple gives huge importance to religious practices.
This temple was built nearly 1500 years ago and is known to be one of the oldest temples in Kullu, built in Pahari style. The Rajasthani and Gaddi tribes inspire the sculptures of the idols. The entire temple is carved with various depictions of the avatars of Goddess Durga. This temple is 1800 m above sea level. The Dussehra festival is the most celebrated in this temple, where a fair is held in the village and grandly celebrated by pulling the chariot of the idol of the goddess. This temple is open from 6 am – 9 pm. This temple is also known as Bekhli Temple.
Location: Jagannathi Temple, Bhekhli Rd, Bhekhli, Sari, Himachal Pradesh 175101
Timings: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Further Read: Things To Do In Kullu In May
Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind while visiting Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery, plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh to explore the beauty of the mountains. Whether travelling solo or with your family, these nearby places will surely make your trip memorable and more thrilling. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery
What is Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery famous for?
Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery is famous for its calm and peaceful surroundings between the mountains, especially for meditations. Many monks live here to find their inner peace.
How to reach Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery?
Kullu is the main town where tourists can reach that place by air, rail or road. From there people can take any kind of local transportation like taxi or cabs to reach the monastery.
Is accommodation available near Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery?
There are many hotels and resorts with various facilities according to the preferences of tourists available near the Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery. Tourists can also observe the lives of the monks living there by spending time near the monastery.
What is the best time to visit Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery?
The best time to visit Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery is in the month of August because His Highness Dhakpo Rinpoche visits this place and gives his valuable blessings and teaching classes to all the human beings. It is one of the most beautiful spiritual experiences.
How is the climate in Kullu?
Kullu is most chilly throughout the year. It receives snowfall from November to January. Even in summer, it is moderate in the morning and chilly at night.
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