The Himalayas are a colossal work of mother nature. The magnificent splendor of the king of the mountains has allured mankind since its inception. Although rugged and sparsely populated, the Himalayas have been home to mankind for ages and man has left indelible footprints for the ages to come. There in the middle of the mighty Himalayas flows the river Spiti carving out for itself a beautiful valley. On the left bank of the river Spiti, locals laid the foundation for the Key Monastery, known as Ki Gompa in the local dialect. Tripbeam offers international flights to India from USA so that you can delight yourself with the taste of the Himalayas this autumn.
The monastery is the biggest center of learning in the Spiti valley. Over 1000 years old, it stands on a hillock at 13660 ft above mean sea level in Lahaul & Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh, India.It is believed that the monastery has been established by Dromton in 1008 CE. Dromton was a student of Atisha, a famous Buddhist teacher of the 11th century. Book your online cheap flight tickets to india and get the hands-on experience of the religious community now.
A general survey of the monastery
The monastery is located on a hillock amidst the snow-capped lofty Himalayan ridges and peaks on all sides. Also they serves as home to around 300 lamas who are spiritual seekers of Tibetan Buddhism. The abbey is run by Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is a religious training ground for lamas. The most iconic of the things that surround the monastery is its architecture. Pasada style is the name given to the architecture and it is characterized by two or more stories designed in a way so as to serve as a fort cum monastery. The monastery spans three floors- underground, ground, and first floor. Underground is mainly used for storage purposes. The ground floor is used for prayer and assembly purposes while the first floor has rooms for monks.
Tourists and travelers often favor the abbey for its picturesque setting, being enchanted by the breathtaking views that draw them in for inner peace. Wait for no more and book your direct flights from USA to India now from tripbeam before reading further.
As you enter the monastery, beautiful walls adorned with murals and paintings depicting centuries-old monastic architecture welcome you. Travelers must see the murals known as Tangyur. The abbey has images of buddha in meditative positions. The abbey also has a good collection of musical instruments such as trumpets, cymbals, and drums. International flights to India from USA are waiting to welcome you onboard so that you can have a comfortable journey to the Himalayas.
Way to monastery
The monastery is located 14 km from Kaza which itself is a picturesque town and the headquarter of the Spiti valley. To reach Kaza there are two ways; one through Manali by crossing over to Lahaul valley from Manali and then crossing over the Kunzum pass to enter Spiti valley. One from Shimla through Rampur and poo crossing over the Kinnaur district and entering the Spiti valley from the left. Once at Kaza, a motorable road leads to the bottom of the key monastery from where a steep climb on foot leads up to the door of the monastery.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the monastery is during the summer months of May to early October. Now, a tunnel connects the Manali region to Lahaul, eliminating the need to cross over the Rohtang pass. This enables visits from late April to early October. The weather of the key monastery is very pleasant in summer with temperatures seldom going above 20’C and below 8’C and a cool breeze blows in the evening which makes the experience completely surreal. Book this surreal experience with International flights to India from USA from tripbeam now.
A brief History of the monastery
The monastery has a history that spans thousands of years. We initially talked about the founder of the monastery up above. The monastery was destroyed by a terrible fire in 1840, and Sikh forces took control of it in 1841, pillaging and robbing it.
In the 17th century, the Mongol army raided the monastery when the fifth Dalai lama was in power, and then again in the 19th century, various armies wreaked havoc on the monastery bringing destruction and loot.
In 1830, the monastery suffered again when the state of Kullu was at war with the state of Ladakh. A devastating fire engulfed the monastery, and in 1841, Sikh armies overran, plundered, and looted the monastery.
However, the major earthquake of 1975 caused severe destruction, leading to the collapse of some monastery walls. Thanks to the Archaeological Survey of India, they diligently repaired all the damages.
Interesting things about Key monastery
A paradise for nature lovers, the monastery is also a treasure trove for history buffs. The monastery houses manuscripts from the old ages, thangkas, stucco images, murals on the walls, and strange-looking wind instruments, which are ancient remains.
The monastery also has a rich collection of ancient and medieval weapons used by the monks from time to time to defend the monastery. The weapons are a peep into the past about the means and ways of previous generations. Visitors can explore a collection that includes numerous books and relevant historical documents. If the interesting thing about the monastery charms you then have a look at the best online affordable India packages from tripbeam.
Some great places to visit near the monastery
Spiti valley
Spiti is a vast and broad valley spanned by the Spiti river. Although sparsely populated, the valley is home to a beautiful and barren landscape, numerous wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks. The valley also has fossil remains of ancient times crystallized in rocks here and there. You can spot the fossil-filled rocks by the side of the roads as well. The valley is also home to the famous ibex and snow leopard.
Kibber village
Kibber is the highest motorable village in India that is worth visiting. It is only 1.5 km from the key monastery and is one of the hottest locations for night gazers around the globe. Get your field scopes ready and head to the place.
Chandartal lake
One of the most beautiful lakes in India, Chandra Tal offers breathtaking views not only during the day but enchants the night with fully lit stars. Located at 15km trek from Kunzum pass, the lake is a paradise for trekkers and hikers.
Kunzum pass
Kunzum pass is one of the highest passes of India. Located at 4551 meters above sea level it offers magnificent views of bara Shigri glacier across the pass and Spiti valley on the left. Photographers consider the place a paradise.
Other than the things mentioned, the key monastery is very famous for its cham festival. Celebrated in the month of June, cham dancers perform traditional rituals and dances, followed by a procession of lamas in various attire. The festival celebrates the mood of the triumph of good over evil.
Some of the stories and facts associated with the key monastery nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Words apart, the place is so surreal that one will seldom want to come back after a visit.