When it comes to the beauty of Spiti Valley, Dhankar Monastery in Spiti always stands with spiritual charm and historical importance. It is a journey into the soul of Spiti Valley, where the peaceful chants of monks, the colourful murals, and the raw beauty of the mountains create an atmosphere that touches every traveller’s heart. For those planning a trip, exploring Spiti Valley tour packages is the best way to include Dhankar Monastery in your itinerary.
The monastery, also called Dhankar Gompa, belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and served as both a place of worship and a fort to protect the valley. Experiencing the Dhankar Monastery allows visitors to connect with colourful murals, the Buddhist culture and its heritage. It is one of the best monasteries that you should not miss.
Best time to visit Dhankar Monastery
May to October is the best time to visit the Dhankar Monastery. During these days, the road from Manali and Shimla remains open, making it easier for travellers to reach this high-altitude destination. These days, the weather is pleasant, the skies are mostly clear, and the panoramic views of the Spiti and Pin rivers from the monastery are truly breathtaking.
The most difficult time of the year to reach Spiti Valley is in winter, when snow blocks access paths and roads can be extremely challenging to travel along. Severe cold in this season and limited transport make visits difficult. However, poor conditions may not deter adventurous lovers of the outdoors, who are looking to enjoy the natural wilderness of Spiti Valley, but only with adequate care and planning.
Entry fees for the Dhankar Monastery
The Dhankar Monastery entry fees range between 20 Rs and 50 Rs for the basic maintenance and upkeep of the ancient structure. These fees are the same for both Indian and foreign visitors.
These fees are nothing when you walk through the monastery; you not only enjoy the peaceful surroundings but also get a chance to experience the Dhanker Monastery history up close.
How to reach Dhankar Monastery
Dhankar Monastery is hidden like a jewel in the high mountains of Spiti Valley. The journey to Dhankar is about enjoying every turn of the road, every mountain view, and the fresh air in a remote land.
1. By Air
Bhunatar Airport near Kullu is the nearest Airport to reach the Dhankar Monastery Spiti. It is about 250 km from Kaza, one of the main towns of the Spiti Valley. From Bhuntar airport, you need to take a bus or taxi to Kaza. Once you need the kaza, rent a bike or a cab for the further destination, it barely takes 1 to 1.5 hours to reach the Dhankar Monastery from Kaza.
2. By Train
Shimla Railway Station is the closest railway station to reach the Dhankar Monastery. It is about 415 km from Kaza. You have to hire a cab or take a local bus from Shimla station towards Dhankar via Reckong Peo and Tabo.
Another nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, located near Mandi. It is 360 km from Kaza. You can hire a taxi for Manali from here, and continue the same journey from Manali to reach the Spiti Valley.
3. By Road
From Kaza to Dhankar Monastery
Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti & a major town to the monastery. The Kaza to the Dhankar Monastery distance is just 34km, which can be covered in 1h to 1.5h. Biking from here is one of the best experiences a traveller can enjoy, witnessing snow-covered peaks, high mountains, and a cold desert landscape of Spiti all around.
From Manali to Dhankar Monastery
If you are coming from Manali, the journey is adventurous and passes through high mountains like Rohtang and Kunzum La. It is about 230 km from the destination. You have to reach Kaza first from Manali, then continue towards Dhankar.
From Shimla to the Dhankar Monastery
This is another route to Dhankar via Kinnaur Valley. It is about 430 km from Dhankar; the route is longer but smoother compared to the Manali side. Travellers prefer this slide because the gradual altitude gain makes it easier for the body to adjust to high mountains.
Things to do in the Dhankar Monastery.
Once you step into the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, there are several things to do in Spiti where you can explore nature and connect with nature’s beauty. Some of the best things you can enjoy in Dhankar Monastery are,
1. Step into the History of Dhankar Gompa
Steeping at Dhankar Gompa is like stepping back in time. The old gompa, 1000 years old, perched dramatically on a cliff, offering travellers a chance to explore its ancient prayer halls, centuries-old murals, and statues that reflect deep Buddhist traditions.
2. Trek to Dhankar Lake
Trek to Dhanker Lake is one of the best experience activities in the Dhankar Monastery. The trek begins near the village, and it takes about 45 minutes to an hour uphill. The high altitude lakes look natural, set in the mountains, and the calm waters mirror the sky, creating a perfect view for photography.
3. Enjoy Panoramic Views of the Valley
Dhankar Monastery is built on top of a cliff with natural balconies that overlook the dramatic landscape of Spiti. From here, you can enjoy the real beauty of the Spiti and Pin rivers, vast barren mountains, and snow-tipped peaks on the horizon.
4. Interact with Monks and Locals
Meeting with the monks who live in the monastery is the most enriching experience. They allow you to get aware of the Monastery's history, Buddhist teachings, and the traditions of Spiti. With all these, the locals are very friendly and they love to share their cultures, daily lives, and festivals with visitors.
5. Experience local life in Dhankar Village
Dhankar is incomplete without exploring the charming village that surrounds the monastery. Walk through narrow mountain paths, see traditional mud houses, and experience the slow pace of life in this remote settlement.
CONCLUSION
A traveller who asked Where is Dhankar Monastery? It is located in the middle of the Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, standing on a rocky cliff that feels both dramatic and peaceful at the same time. It offers you panoramic views and touches the visitor's heart with the raw & untouched beauty of Spiti.
The rich Dhankar Monastery history is older than a thousand years, telling tales of when it was once the capital of Spiti and a powerful centre of politics, spirituality, and learning. From its high-altitude beauty to its centuries-old stories, this gompa represents the very soul of Spiti Valley.
