Lahaul-Spiti City Guide
The Dhankar monastery is one of the most beautiful monuments of Spiti valley. Dhankar means "A place in the mountains unreachable for strangers". The former capital of Spiti kingdom rulers is also a hill station worth visit.
Location : The Dhankar Monasteries are situated near Kaza town Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh.
The Pilgrimage
The spread of Buddhism in Asia Pacific region can be accredited to its non-violence and peaceful principles. Most of the East-Asian countries came under Buddhist influence. China, Tibet were no exception to this. Tibet shared its borders with Himachal Pradesh, and thus one can see the clear impact of Tibet art and culture on Himachal Pradesh. There are many monasteries in Himachal Pradesh which were built on the lines of Tibetan style. One such place is Dhankar, where many Buddhist mmonasteries were constructed. The Dhankar monasteries are among the most beautiful monasteries of Spiti valley. Dhankar is a big village and the erstwhile capital of Spiti King. Dhankar means "A place in the mountains unreachable for strangers" and is which is home to few monasteries associated with the Great Translator, Rinchen Zanggpo.
Design of the Monastery
Dhankar is situated on the altitude of 12,774 feet, near Kaza. It was traditional Capital of Spiti valley kingdom during 17th century. The Dhankar monasteries are sets picturesquely on a clay hill above Shichilling village. There is a castle on the hill top, which was once under rule of Spiti kings. The Dhankar monastery belongs to Gelugspa School of order. Set against a lunar landscape of crumbling cliffs, the ' Lha Opa Gompa' dates back to the 12th century. The Gompa has over 150 monks, some fascinating 'thangka' sculptures and a statue of the 'Dhyan Buddha'. Some of the Gompas were destroyed during a particularly harsh winter in 1989. Principal figure is a statue of "Vairochana" (Dhayan Budha) consisting of 4 complete figures seated back to back. It has relics in the shape of paintings and sculptures. The landscape and aura of Dhankar Monastery in Himachal makes a spell binding impact on the visitor of this Buddhist site, making it an experience of lifetime.
How to Reach
Dhankar is 24 kms from Kaza, the nearest town. Kaza can be appe\roached by road from Manali and Shimla. Kaza is 210 kms from Manali and 350 kms from Shimla. From Kaza, one has to move towards North to reach the Dhankar hill station.
