Himachal Pradesh has many ancient monasteries, including the Dhankar Gompa. Sitting high on a cliff in the Lahaul and Spiti districts are monasteries that look at the past of this Buddhist-dominated area. The Dhankar Gompa is the oldest monastery; it has a rich history and is heritage-filled in terms of culture. It is even more beautiful with its mountainous background and several beautiful, calm scenes. The Gompa allows visitors to learn more about the monastery’s history, have stunning views, and spend time with friendly people.
About Dhankar Gompa
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The Dhankar Gompa is perched at over 3,800 meters in the Spiti Valley. It is a 16th-century old monastery that offers visitors the perfect blend of tradition and culture. The Gompa is connected to the rest of the valley through a Motorable road. The monastery is associated with the Great Translator, Rinchen Zanggpo, and its complex comprises many multi-storey buildings perched together. Furthermore, the monastery has five different halls, including Kanjur, Lhakhang, and Dukhang, and a vast life size silver image of Vajradhara, kept in a glass altar adorned with scarves and flowers. This place is beautiful, and the surreal mountain backdrop is cheery.
Location: Dhankar Village, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India
Distance: Approximately 34 km from Kaza, the main town in Spiti Valley
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, daily
How to Reach: Dhankar Gompa is accessible by road from Kaza. Travelers can hire a taxi or drive from Kaza, which is well-connected to major cities in Himachal Pradesh. The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu), and the railway station is Shimla.
Entry Fee: N.A.
Also Read: Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh In July
Places To Visit Near Dhankar Gompa
Dhankar Gompa is situated amidst the beautiful valley of the Himalayas. There are several stunning Places to visit near the Dhankar Gompa
1. Tabo Monastery
Image Credit: Manish Pathak for Wikimedia Commons
The essential built-up area comprises the older Tabo Monastery, built in 996 AD, and is among the oldest and most sacred monasteries found in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is called the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas.’ It has depicted wall paintings that date back over a thousand years and contains manuscripts written in Buddhist script. The monastery complex includes nine temples thirty-two kilometres apart, twenty-three chortens, and one monk’s chamber. This building features beautiful artwork in Indo-Tibetan styles. Tabo Monastery teaches Buddhism for monastic learning and meditation exercises among the monks. It invites scholars and pilgrims from all over the world. Its history and good vibes make it one of the most significant assets in the Himalayas area.
Location: Tabo, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Distance: Approximately 34 km from Dhankar Gompa)
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
2. Pin Valley National Park
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Pin Valley National Park is another in Himachal Pradesh, in the Spiti area. It is a cold desert. Wildlife and nature enthusiasts will enjoy themselves when they visit the park. It is well known for snow leopards and has many other species of animals from the Himalayan region, such as the Siberian ibex and Bharal (blue sheep). Its hostile geography, in the extreme ends of Pin Valley covering an area of 440sq.km at an average altitude of 4500mtrs has been a good hunting ground for wildlife and nature photography since 1987. The park also sustains a diverse vegetation appropriate to the environment since most of the area gets very dry. It has to be visited because it is a place that does not have a neighbour, it is very remote, and it is rich in BioDiversity.
Location: Pin Valley, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Distance: Approximately 60 km from Dhankar Gompa
Entry Fee: ₹100 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily (best visited during summer months)
Related Post: Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh In December
3. Key Monastery
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Kye Gompa, also called Key Monastery, is the largest Monastery in the Spiti Valley. This is one of the most beautiful designs ever to be implemented. It is situated on a hill with an altitude of 4,116 meters. Kye Gompa also presents a first-class scenic view of the Spiti River and the mountains. Founded over a thousand years ago, it is a premier institution of Buddhist learning and a place of meditation. This has many old thangkas (Buddhist wall paintings), weapons, and religious documents. They represent its diverse culture. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the stunning confluence of the rivers, Spiti and Chandra, Key Monastery has a peaceful aura that is perfect for a trekker/Seeker on the Roshang la road trip of Spiti valley or for tourists seeking the lessons of Buddhism.
Location: Kye, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Distance: Approximately 40 km from Dhankar Gompa
Entry Fee: Free (donations welcome)
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
4. Kunzum Pass
Image Credit: John Hill for Wikimedia Commons
Kunzum Pass is at a high altitude. This road connects the Kullu and Lahaul districts and the Spiti district in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The pass, at a height of 15,000 feet, offers some splendid views of the Chandrabhaga range and the imposing Himalayas. The crossing is enjoyable on this pass. It tours in a circular pattern with great winding roads and beautiful views of nature. Kunzum is famous for the Kunzum Devi temple. This is because travellers proceed there to seek blessings from their gods on their journey. The stunning scenic spot and risky allure earned its recognition as a top highlight for adventure tourists and historical sightseers.
Location: Border of Kullu and Spiti districts, Himachal Pradesh
Distance: Approximately 80 km from Dhankar Gompa)
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Accessible 24/7 during summer (May to October), closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.
Related Post: Himachal Pradesh In May
5. Dhankar Lake
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Dhankar Lake, also known as Dhankar Tso, is a high-altitude lake atop the Dhankar Monastery in the Aphrodite Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The mountain lake sits 4,270 meters above sea level and gives vantage points to view some prominent Himalayan ranges. This is a perfect place for those who love trekking, as the trail offers breathtaking and noise-free views. Being a naturally formed lake, it is pretty shallow, and the water is clear. This is the right place to relax, have your picnic, or just think and be inspired by the beauty of nature. Many of its features are not altered by the human hand and convey the spirit of the Spiti Valley perfectly, so travelling here is mandatory for people interested in this area.
Location: Above Dhankar Monastery, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
Distance: Approximately 2 kilometres trek from Dhankar Monastery.
Entry Fee: No entry fee.
Timings: Open all day, best visited during daylight hours.
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Dhankar Gompa is a unique and old monastery that provides information about Tibetan Buddhism and the traditions of the Himalayan people. It encompasses religious, historical, and astonishing geographical appeal. Plan a trip to Himachal and explore the excellent site of Spiti Valley.
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Cover Image Credit: Gerd Eichmann for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Dhankar Gompa
What is the best time to visit Dhankar Gompa?
The best time to visit Dhankar Gompa is from May to October when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are accessible.
How can I reach Dhankar Gompa?
Dhankar Gompa can be reached by road from Kaza, the main town in Spiti Valley. The nearest airport is in Kullu, and the railway station is in Shimla.
Is there an entry fee for Dhankar Gompa?
No, there is no entry fee for visiting Dhankar Gompa. However, donations are always more than welcome at Dhankar Gompa.
What are the timings for visiting Dhankar Gompa?
Dhankar Gompa is generally open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Are there any accommodations near Dhankar Gompa?
Yes, guesthouses and homestays are available in Dhankar Village and nearby areas like Kaza.
What other attractions are near Dhankar Gompa?
Nearby attractions include Dhankar Lake, Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, and Pin Valley National Park.
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With a passion for travelling, and carving beautiful stories of stunning locations I chose my profession as a content writer. The unique blend of creativity and strategy ensures that each narrative takes readers on a journey to their desired destination. With distinct locations and unique vibes, I strive to deliver captivating content that speaks to the hearts of readers.
