ABOUT THE
Attraction
Located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, the imposing Dhankar fort and monastery complex is perched at a height of 3,893 m above sea level. Standing tall as a prime example of the Spiti valley’s traditional architecture, this structure is situated between the Tabo and Kaza regions. Also known as Lha-O-pa gompa, the monastery is a multi-storey structure with five halls. A life-size silver image of Vajradhara or, the Diamond Being, is housed in a glass altar and decorated with scarves and flowers. The star attraction of this monastery is the statue of Vairochana or Dhayan Buddha with four figures seated back-to-back. The small Lhakhang gompa, located above the main monastery building, has beautiful pictorial representations of Buddhist legends and icons. The monastery is home to around 150 monks.
In the local language, Dhankar means fort and that is exactly what it was once. In the past, it served as the castle of the monarch of Spiti, and currently, it showcases all of its history. It also serves as a treasure trove of Buddhist scriptures in the ancient Bhoti script.
The nearest major town is Manali, around 200 km away.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Kardang Monastery
The Kardang gompa is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century. Situated by the banks of the Bhaga river, the monastery is famous for its large library of ancient Buddhist scriptures.
Key Monastery
One of the oldest and largest monasteries in the valley, it is also a centre for Buddhism studies.
Nako Monastery
The monastery is also known as the “Lotsava Jhakang” which means “Complex of the Translator”. Situated by the Nako lake, this serene monastery, has been constructed on the pattern of the famous Tabo monastery