Komic Monastery is in the beautiful and remote Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, one of the world’s highest motorable monasteries. Located at 15,050 feet, Komic Monastery was established in the 14th century. It was also called Komic Gompa and belongs to the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism. With an impressive mountain background, this ancient monastery is perfect for seekers of quiet, natural beauty. It houses rare scriptures, Tibetan Buddhist paintings, and sacred relics. It is rich in unique architecture, while its inner part contains ancient scripts; it offers the opportunity to feel spiritual calmness.
Historical Facts About Komic Monastery
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As far as the history of Komic village is concerned, there are few stories showing its existence for centuries. It is believed that people living in the region state that monks at this monastery wanted to move a little down nearer Hikkim village because of draught some centuries ago. But it seems Mahakaal was unwilling to leave the ground no matter how they tried. The monastery was shifted, and only one monk remained with the statue to pray.
However, an earthquake in 1975 or possibly even earlier destroyed the new monastery, and on the slope that descends from Hikkim to Kaza, one can still see its remains. The statue of Mahakaal at the Komic village’s ancient monastery remained unshaken when the earthquake struck. However, the monks were convinced religiously that the monastery was indeed located in Komic, thus shifting the monastery back to Komic.
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Best Time To Travel To Komic Monastery
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Summer is the best time to visit the monastery in Komic. When May arrives, the roads are safe due to snow melting. The best months to visit Komic Village are May through September due to the beautiful weather, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the area.
Many tourists travel to Spiti Valley because it is only accessible in the summer. There are few hotels or homestays near the Komic Monastery and its surroundings, so lodging reservations should be made well in advance.
Places To Visit Near Komic Monastery
Here is the list of places to visit near the Komic Monastery:
1. Key Monastery
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The famous Key Monastery is situated in the fascinating Spiti Valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh for the following reasons. First, it is a beautiful location. It offers a splendid panoramic view of the entire range of the Himalayas. It is an ancient temple in Tibet that belongs to the Buddhist religion, helping people in their spiritual journeys. The primary focus is its magnificent structure, which was designed with the influence of India and Tibet. Here, visitors can see unique ancient paintings valued by the Tibetan people.
Entry fees: No entry fee
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Must see:
- Ancient paintings and frescoes
- Thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings)
- Beautiful view of the Himalayas
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2. The Langza Village
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Langza Village is in the Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, and provides a clear view of the Chau Chau Kang Nilda Mountain. This village and each of the people residing in it is guarded by the great Buddha statue and the Langza Gompa, where GOD lives. The endangered species of Langza village include snow leopards, foxes, and wolves. The beautiful sight of the stars at night will keep you awake, straining at the sight and give you any reason to go back home.
Entry fees: No entry fee
Timings: Open all day
Must see:
- Chau Chau Kang Nilda Mountain view
- Great Buddha statue
- Langza Gompa (Monastery)
- Endangered species
3. Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
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Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is the highest wildlife sanctuary in the world, composed of 2,200 square kilometres of land. Wildlife lovers will love this sanctuary because it has many rare and endangered species of animals and plants. Trekking, camping, wildlife watching, and photographic tours are among some of the activities that can be done in the sanctuary.
Entry fees: Rs 20 for Indians, Rs 100 for Foreigners
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Must see:
- Rare and endangered species of animals and plants
- Camping sites
- Wildlife watching
- Photographic tours
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How To Reach Komic Monastery?
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By Air: The three major airports closest to Komic Monastery are Chandigarh Airport, Kullu Airport, and Manali Bhuntar Airport. One can take a taxi or a cab to Komic Monastery from these airports. However, connectivity from the major cities to Kullu and Manali is very limited; therefore, the most convenient airport is Chandigarh.
By Railways: The nearest railway terminal to Komic Monastery is Shimla, and the nearby railway station is Shimla Railway Station. The Kalka-Shimla railway or toy train runs between the Kalka railway station and Shimla. From there, people can travel further by car to their destinations.
By Road: The riskiest and most challenging way to Komic Monastery is by road. People can prefer using cabs or taxis to go to Kaza from major railway stations and airports. Kaza Himachal buses ply the route between Himmik Village, Langza Village, and the destination at Komic. Visitors can avail of these buses for sightseeing, or they can move ahead on their own through taxis or their vehicles.
By Trek: People prefer this exciting path when climbing for the Spiti Valley Trek. No transportation to the village is possible for the trekkers, who must start their trek from Kaza and pass through Langza Village, Hikkim Village, to reach Komic Village. The trekking path is quite challenging, but the views and the joy of finishing the trekking are priceless.
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The Komic Monastery gives travellers a glimpse of the historical and spiritual side of the region while allowing them to indulge in the beauty of the Spiti Valley. Depending on your fascination with this place, perhaps the oldest building you have ever come across or the natural scenic view of the Himalayas, Komic Monastery is an imposing place that you would find interesting and informative. You must organize a trip to Himachal Pradesh by driving there to find out what to do.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Komic Monastery
Is there any place to stay around the Komic Monastery?
Camping and lodging near the Komic Monastery are minimal, and anyone planning to visit the place must plan early enough. Komic village has a small population, and there are no hotels or guesthouses. You may find one or two homestays that can accommodate you. As mentioned earlier, they might also be occupied because the only time to visit the area is during summer. Currently, Kaza is a much bigger town, 19 kilometres away from Komic Monastery; many hotels and homestays are available here.
What can travellers expect to see inside the Komic Monastery?
Komic Monastery consists of prayer rooms that have eye-catching and stunning Buddhist art pieces. This is amongst the oldest monasteries in the region with many of the paintings and the murals of the Buddhist deities.
Are some fees charged to anyone willing to visit Komic Monastery?
Visiting the Komic Village does not attract a fee meaning that entry is free for anyone interested. However, if they wish, they can give the money for religious purposes.
What are the opening hours to visit Komic Monastery?
After the morning prayers, tourists are free to visit the monastery. If they are staying near a monastery, it is best to visit in the evening when the monks are offering prayers that will create a calm atmosphere.
Is there any medical facility near Komic Monastery?
Komic has few or no health facilities available, which poses a significant problem for the residents of this village. Some medical facilities can be provided to the people, who can visit Kaza. Therefore, travellers should carry along more medications for their entire stay.
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