Culture · Dhankar, Spiti & Lahaul

Inside the cliff-top gompa of Dhankar

Climb through the narrow rooms of Spiti's old capital monastery, perched 300 m above two rivers, and see why conservationists have spent two decades trying to save it.

Takes: 1.5 hours
Best time: 9 am–noon or 4–6 pm, May–Oct
Altitude: 3,894 m

Photo: John Hill · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons

The old gompa is a stack of small rooms and passages built into a ridge of eroded earth. Ladders connect the levels, and some rooms hold old paintings and statues dimly lit through small windows. A caretaker monk usually opens it in the day and collects a small fee or donation.

Move carefully. The building is fragile, and in 2006 it was named among the 100 most endangered sites in the world. Do not lean on walls, sit on ledges or climb outside marked areas. Ask before photographing indoors; flash is never appropriate.

Finish on the terrace for the view over the Spiti–Pin confluence. Then walk down to the newer monastery below the village to see where the monks live and pray today. If you have time and energy, add the hike to Dhankar Lake.

Good for

First-timersPhotographersCouplesSolo

Also in Dhankar

More days here

The Dhankar guide

Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons

Dhankar · 2.5–3.5 hours return

Hike to Dhankar Lake

A steep climb of about an hour from Dhankar village to a small high lake with views of the Manirang peaks. Short, hard …

Free; local guide ₹800–1,200 optional

Photo: Arup1981 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons

Dhankar · Half day

Lhalung village and its old temple

A quiet side valley above Dhankar leads to Lhalung, a farming village with an old temple full of clay figures. Few visi…

Taxi from Dhankar ₹1,500–2,500 return; donation at the temple

Trips through Dhankar

Do this on a trip

Each of these trips stops in Dhankar. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.

Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons Saver

Spiti & Lahaul · 9 nights · sleeps to 4,420 m

Spiti village homestays: Dhankar to Langza

Shared car to Kaza, then local buses and short taxi transfers

From, per person₹25,500Jun – Jul · Sep

Questions

Before you book

Is Dhankar Monastery safe to visit?

Yes, in the areas open to visitors. Follow the caretaker's directions, use the ladders carefully and stay off roofs and ledges.

Is there an entry fee at Dhankar?

Usually a small fee or donation, about ₹50–100. It supports the monastery and its conservation.

Can seniors climb inside Dhankar Gompa?

The ladders are steep and the altitude is 3,894 m. Fit seniors manage with care; others may prefer the terrace and the new monastery.