Lahaul-Spiti is a district in the state of Himanchal Pradesh which are made up of formally two separate districts known as Lahaul and Spiti. Lahaul and Spiti constitutes of two valleys namely Lahaul and Spiti Valley and are cut off by each other via Kunzum Pass. Both valleys have completely different characteristics than to each other Lahaul is greener as compared to Spiti which is mountain desert and is barren. The administrative center of the district is Keylong. Lahaul and Spiti are known for its natural beauty and deep valleys. Apart from that it is known for Buddhist ministries which are spread throughout the state. Some of the monasteries are over 1000-year-old such as Tabo Monastery which was established in 996 CE and Gandhola Monastery which dates back to 8th century CE. Some other famous monasteries in the region are Gandhola Monastery, Dhankar Gompa and Key Monastery.
Summer: 5°C to 15°C
Winter: -10°C to -20° C
Monsoon: 0°C to 10°C
Kardang Monastery
Located at the distance of about 5kms from Keylong, Kardang Monastery is known for Kangya and Tangyar volumes of Buddhist scriptures. The Monastery was constructed in 12th century AD, which associated to the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Tayul Monastery
Tayul monastery is one of the most popular and the oldest monastery of Keylong. It is located at about 6kms away from the town. There is a huge library and a big statue of Guru Padmasambhava.
Shaspur Monastery
Situated at about 03kms from Keylong, Shaspur Monastery is another major attraction of the town. It is known for its beautiful paintings of the history of the 84 Buddha.
Guru Ghantal Monastery
Guru Ghantal monastery is another major attraction of this region. It is the oldest monastery of the region, which is situated about 8 kms from Keylong.
Kelang Wazir Temple
This is a small temple in the house of Shri. Nawang Dorje. It is dedicated to the local deity Kelang Wazir Permission is required to visit the temple.
Lahaul & Spiti Tribal Museum
It is another major attraction of Keylong. It is the home of traditional costumes, old traditional masks used in dances, treasures from various Gompas, stone utensils, archaeological; and anthropological artefacts, farm etc.
Kunzum Pass
Situated at an elevation of 4551 meter above sea level, Kunzum Pass is one of the major tourist attraction of Lahaul and Spiti, it is popular among the adventure lovers and trekkers. It connects Lahaul to Spiti valley. It is open during the months of June to October and closed for rest of the months due to heavy snowfall.
Key Gompa or Key Monastery
Key Gompa, Key Monastery is one of the major spiritual attraction of Lahaul and Spiti. It is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, located in the district of Spiti. Key Monastery is the most significant study and research centre of Buddhists in India. This amazing monastery is, situated at an altitude of 4166 meter above the sea level. The monastery is one of the ancient and largest monastery in town. It also houses some of the most important Buddhist scriptures and rare paintings.
Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery is also known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas'. It is situated at an altitude of 3050 meter amidst arid and rocky landscape which is located at about 45 km from the town of Kaza. It houses the large number of Buddhist documents and scriptures, along with beautiful paintings and Buddhist statues. The Monastery is managed by Archaeological survey of India.
Darcha
Darcha is a small and beautiful village of Lahaul & Spiti, which is located on the banks of river Bhaga. It is situated at an elevation of 3360 meter above the sea level. It is also a hub of trekking to many beautiful trekking trails nearby.
Tandi
Tandi is one of the most beautiful village of this region which is situated at around 8kms away from Keylong . The village is located at the meeting point of the Bhaga River and Chandra River.
Kardang Monastery
One of the oldest monastery of the region which is about 900 years old. Kardang Monastery is situated at an altitude of 3500 meter above sea level. This beautiful monastery is surrounded by mountain along with scenic landscape. It has the largest Buddhist Library.
Langza
Langza is another most beautiful remote village in the Spiti valley, located an altitude of 14,500 feet above sea level with chau Chau Khang Nilda peak (20,679 ft). It considered to be one of the highest villages in the world with a motorable road. This amazing village is most popular among trekkers and other adventure sports.
Losar Village
Losar is a small and remote village in spiti valley, which is situated at an altitude of 4,085 meters above sea level adjacent to the Indo Chinese border. It is the last inhabited spot before Kunzum La the gateway to Lahaul. The main attraction of this village is Chandra Tal Lake.
Gemur Monastery
Situated at about 18kms away from keylong Valley, Gemur Monastery is one of the oldest monastery of this region, which is date back to around 700 years ago. It is known for its amazing arts and crafts of Buddhist origin.
Tabo
Tabo is another popular attraction of Himachal Pradesh. It is a small town in the Lahaul and Spiti district on the banks of the Spiti River. The town is situated on the road between Rekong Peo and Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti. Tabo is renowned for Tabo Monastery. Tabo’s complex of 9 temple and cave shrine represents the oldest functioning Buddhist enclave in India. The 10th century Tsuglhakhang (the main temple) has murals and well mounted stucco clay sculpture.
Keylong
Keylong famous stopover on the Manali- Ladakh highway on the banks of Bhaga River. It is the capital of Lahaul and Spiti district. Renowned for Kardang Monastery, the largest and an important monastery in Lahaul, of the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is on a slope across the river from Keylong.
Jispa
Jispa is another beautiful town of Lahaul & Spiti , which is located at about 22kms from Keylong on the road to Leh, Jispa in Lahaul region. This picturesque town is located on the bank of Bhaga River. While here, explore the Gemur Gompa, 4 kilometre away.
Kaza
Kaza one of the most picturesque town of Himachal Pradesh. Which is also known as the district headquarters of Spiti. It is known for its amazing surroundings. The Sakya Tengyyu monastery here in only a few years old but worth to visit.
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