Built at the highest location in Spiti Valley, Dhankar Monastery is one of the Spiti region’s five main Buddhist centers and tourist destinations. The ancient monastery is located in the erstwhile capital of Spiti. The shared roots of Buddhism have flourished here.
Dhankar Gompa is nestled on a beautiful site. It offers a panoramic view of the Spiti valley and the beautiful sight at the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. The barren yet beautiful view of clusters of villages, rugged peaks, and the blue skies is heart-stirring. The Gompa is remote and cut off from other parts of the country. Modernization has bypassed the region, and it remains blissfully in the bygone era.
Location of Dhankar Monastery
The spectacular 1200-year-old Dhankar Gompa is perched quite unbelievably between weather-beaten rocky peaks on the cliff’s edge at an altitude of 12,774 feet. The monastery is listed as one of the world’s 100 most endangered monuments.
Dhankar Monastery History
Dhankar Gompa is the second highest in the world after Ki Monastery and has been an important center of Buddhist learning since the seventh century. The monastery was built approximately one thousand years ago. The monastery has belonged to the Gelugspa Order of Tibetan Buddhism since the 1450s. Before this, the monastery was devoted to Nyingma-pa, Sakya-pa, and Kagyu-pa, depending on the religious allegiance of the King’s family. The new monastery has been constructed at Shichilling Village and houses about 150 Lamas.
Main Delights of the Dhankar Monastery
- Statue of Vairochana or Meditating Buddha’s idol forms.
- Ancient murals
- Thankas
- Buddhist Scriptures
- Shrines containing ceremonial masks well-kept in the old environs.
If you are planning to visit Spiti then you can check our Spiti Tour packages.
