Dhankar Monastery: Discover Spiti's Majestic Cliffside

Introduction

Imagine a 1,000-year-old monastery precariously perched on the edge of a cliff, gazing over the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers — that’s Dhankar Monastery. Once the royal seat of the Spitian kings, today it’s a serene stop blending spirituality, history, and jaw-dropping Himalayan views.

Just a short trek above it lies Dhankar Lake, a hidden alpine jewel surrounded by untouched beauty. Together, these two make for one of the most unforgettable experiences in Spiti Valley.

Location & Access

🏯 Dhankar Monastery
- Altitude: ~12,800 ft (3,900 m)
- Located between Kaza (34 km) and Tabo (23 km)
- Accessible via a narrow, scenic road that climbs steeply from Shichling village
🏞️ Dhankar Lake
- Altitude: ~13,600 ft
- A 1.5-hour trek from the monastery (approx. 2 km one way)

Dhankar Monastery: A Royal Past & Spiritual Present

🔹 Historical Significance

Built over 1,000 years ago
Was the capital of Spiti and residence of the local king
Features traditional Tibetan architecture made of mud and stone
Overlooks the Spiti-Pin confluence, a sacred meeting of rivers

🔹 Inside the Monastery

Old prayer rooms with murals, scriptures, and statues
Vairochana Temple with rare Buddhist iconography
Ancient Thankas and a small library
Monks chanting in low tones add to the mystical vibe

⚠️ The old monastery is fragile and crumbling, but still functional. A new monastery has been built nearby for safety.

What to See at Dhankar Monastery

🏯 Monastery Complex

Old Gompa (main attraction): fragile but beautiful
New Gompa: more accessible and safer
Cliffside platforms: unmatched panoramic views
Museum Room (optional): Learn about Spiti’s past

📸 Must-Capture Views

Spot	Best Time	Shot Idea
Cliff edge near Gompa	Sunset	Rivers and valley below
Inside prayer room	Morning	Candles and murals
Dhankar Village	Anytime	Houses stacked on hills
Lake ridge	Golden hour	Lake with snow peaks reflection

Dhankar Lake – The Hidden Beauty Above

🚶 Trek Overview

Trail starts behind the monastery (ask locals)
Moderate difficulty — steep but short
Carry water, wear trekking shoes
No facilities en route — totally offbeat

🌟 At the Lake

High-altitude lake surrounded by mountains
Extremely peaceful — zero tourist crowd
Watch wild yaks, blue sheep, or eagles if lucky
No camping allowed near lake to preserve ecology

✅ Take time to sit silently — you’ll hear only wind and your heartbeat

Where to Stay

Option	Features
Dhankar Monastery Guesthouse	Simple rooms, spiritual setting
Tashi Homestay	Local food, warm hospitality
Dhankar Retreat	Views of the confluence, cozy ambiance

✅ Rooms are basic but clean
✅ Eat with families — taste authentic Spitian thukpa and tingmo

Food Options

No restaurants, only homestay kitchens
Dishes: butter tea, barley porridge, thukpa, rajma-rice
Limited availability — notify your host in advance

Best Time to Visit Dhankar Monastery

Month	Experience
May–June	Pleasant, clear roads, blue skies
July–Aug	Green fields, some risk of landslides
Sept–Oct	Best light for photography, fewer crowds
Nov–April	Not accessible due to snow

Travel Tips

Acclimatize in Kaza before visiting — altitude is high
No ATMs or petrol pumps — fill up in Kaza
Network is weak to non-existent
Dress modestly and remove shoes inside gompas
Carry snacks and water — especially for the lake trek

How to Reach Dhankar Monastery

🚗 From Kaza: 34 km (1.5–2 hrs)
🚙 From Tabo: 23 km (1 hr)
🛻 Road is narrow and bumpy — drive carefully
🏍️ Popular with bikers on the Spiti circuit loop

Summary

Dhankar is more than just a stop between Tabo and Kaza — it’s a moment of stillness you’ll remember forever. Whether you gaze into the valley from the monastery or trek up to the secluded Dhankar Lake, this place touches something deep within.

It’s not about how long you stay — it’s about how deeply it stays with you.

Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh? Don’t miss our other posts on amazing places in the Lahaul-Spiti District.