Buddhism
Spiti is known for its ancient Buddhist monasteries many of which were built on craggy hills and doubled up as forts in times of trouble. The Gompas as they are sometimes known are still active and cared for by monks. Many of the old residential buildings have exquisite frescoed paintings and carvings on their walls —a rich heritage of their unique art. These monasteries serve as erudite centre of culture and have influenced the life of the people for centuries. Even today, the people there are religious and a strong spiritual atmosphere encompasses the valley.
KI MONASTERY is situated 8kms north of Kaza on a craggy hill at 13,500 ft. It is the largest in the valley and the most active, built in conical style and thought to be built by Dromton (1008-64AD), founder of the Gelupa sect.
DANKHAR MONASTERY was built in the 12thC AD and is 32kms south from Kaza. Dankhar was once the traditional capital of the Spiti Valley. The Monastery was built as a Fortress and was lived in from the 17thC until recently by the Nonos or Rajas as a Royal Palace. Dankhar stands at a height of 3,870 metres, or13,500ft and rises 300 feet above the river.
GUNGRI MONASTERY is.18kms into the Pin Valley and was founded by Padmasambhava in 1330AD. It is the main centre for the Nyingma-pa sect in Spiti and famous for the ancient 15th century stone breaking ceremony to ward off evil spirits.
TABU MONASTERY is 46kms from Kaza at 10,000feet. It is said to been founded in 996AD by Richen Zhangpo. The main complex comprises of nine temples five of which are original, and the rest are modern. A new temple was inaugurated in 1996 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tabu monastery was one of the largest and always the most famous in ancient times as a seat of learning.
