Dhankar Gompa, also known as Dhankar Monastery, is a beautiful and ancient Buddhist monastery in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. The sanctuary is perched high on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of around 3,900 meters above sea level, overlooking the stunning landscapes of the Spiti Valley.
The monastery is believed to have been founded more than a thousand years ago, making it one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the region. It was originally a fort built to protect the valley from invading armies but was later converted into a monastery.
The Dhankar Gompa is a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and is known for its unique architecture and beautiful wall paintings. The monastery is divided into two sections - the old and the new. The old section is the original fort and is now used as a museum. It houses a collection of ancient scriptures, thangkas (religious paintings on silk), statues, and other artefacts that offer insights into the history and culture of the region.
The new section of the monastery is a beautiful complex of prayer halls, living quarters, and administrative buildings. It houses a large statue of Vairocana, the fifth Dhyani Buddha, and other important Buddhist icons and relics. The prayer halls are adorned with beautiful frescoes, murals, and intricate wood carvings that depict Buddhist deities and scenes from Buddhist mythology.
The monastery also has a beautiful courtyard that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can spend some time here, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the place and soaking in the beauty of the landscapes.
Places To Visit Near Dhankar Gompa:
Dhankar Gompa, or Dhankar Monastery, is an ancient Buddhist monastery on a hilltop in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is around 3,894 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Dhankar Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake located near the village of Dhankar. It is situated at an altitude of around 4,270 meters above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
Tabo Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 48 km from Dhankar Gompa. It is one of the region's oldest and most famous monasteries and is known for its beautiful frescoes and murals.
Pin Valley National Park is located near Dhankar and is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to rare and endangered species like the snow leopard, Siberian ibex, and Himalayan blue sheep.
Kibber is a small village located around 16 km from Dhankar Gompa. It is known for its beautiful landscape and ancient monasteries, and the town is also a popular base camp for treks to nearby peaks.
Kaza is the Spiti Valley's largest town, located around 31 km from Dhankar Gompa. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, ancient monasteries, and adventure activities like trekking and mountaineering.
Langza is a small village located around 24 km from Dhankar Gompa. It is known for its beautiful landscape and ancient fossils of marine creatures found in the surrounding hills.
Hikkim is a small village located around 25 km from Dhankar Gompa. It is known for having the world's highest post office and is a popular tourist destination among adventure enthusiasts.
Komik:
Komik is a small village located around 30 km from Dhankar Gompa. It is known as the highest village in Asia and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys.