Dhankar Monastery

Travel to India > Lahaul and Spiti > Dhankar Monastery

Dhankar monastery is located at an altitude of 12,774 feet, 24 Kms from Kaza. It was the traditional capital of valley of Spiti date back to 17th century. The Dhankar castle is sets attractively on a clay hill above Shichilling village. Now new monastery has already built below the castle. This monastery belongs to Gelugspa School of order. The monastery has over 150 Lamas and is in position of Buddhist scriptures in Bhoti language. Principal figure of Dhankar monastery is a statue of "Vairochana" (Dhyan Budha) consisting of four complete figures seated back to back. It has relics in the figure of painting and sculptures.

History of Dhankar monastery:

The monastery was the traditional capital of the Spiti valley territory during the 17th century and has some features dating back to the 12thcentury. It was the place of the early ruler of Spiti, the Nonos, who has the right to promote the government lands nearby and were necessary to keep the fort in repair. They also give justice to the people and were famous for their harsh penalties until the British replaced them.

Dhankar Monastery Architecture:

Dhankar village is situated on the altitude of 12,774 feet, near Kaza. It is a big village and erstwhile capital of Spiti village kingdom during 17th century. The Dhankar monasteries are sets prettily on a clay hill above Shichilling village. There is a fort on the hill top, which used to be the prisoner in olden times. The monastery belongs to Gelugspa School of order. It is set against an astral landscape of crumbling cliffs, the 'Lha Opa Gompa' date back to the 12th century. This old story complex comprises a number of multi storeyed buildings perched together. This old complex is also referred as the Lha-O-Pa Gompa and has five different halls Kanjur, Lhakhang and Dukhang. A huge size silver picture of Vajradhara, the Diamond being iskeptin a glass altar decorated with scarvers and flowrs. The landscape and ambiance of Dhankar monastery in Himachal Pradesh makes a spell binding impact on the tourist of this Buddhist site, making it a memorable experience.

How to reach Dhankar monastery:

The nearest airport to Dhankar monastery is at Kullu and Shimla. After reaching airport you can either take bus or hire taxi to reach Dhankar monastery. The closest railways station to reach Dhankar monastery is at Shimla and Pathankot. After reaching station you can opt for roadways to Dhankar monastery. By road you can reach Kaza from both Manali and Shimla. Form both the places, buses and taxis are available to Kaza. From Kaza you have to arrange your own vehicle to reach the Dhankar Monastery because it does not fall on bus route. Otherwise, you can walk form the main road to Dhankar monastery.