The Key gompa (monastery) located in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, is a renowned site of Tibetan Buddhism. Surrounded by a dramatic Himalayan landscape, the quaint monastery is situated at an altitude of 4,116 m above the sea level. A hub of hundreds of nuns and monks, this monastery is very popular among followers of Buddhism. One of the oldest and largest monasteries in the valley, it is also a centre for Buddhism studies. Surrounded by dramatic Himalayan landscape, the quaint monastery has several murals and books of high aesthetic value.
The nearest prominent town is Manali, 210 km away. But regular buses and cabs ply from Kaza town, 12 km away.
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.
Lhalung or Tayul gompa is among the oldest Tibetan Buddhism monasteries in Himachal Pradesh.
The oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monastery in India, five of the nine shrines inside its campus date from the 10th and 11th centuries.