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Why to visit Key Monastery
While Himachal Pradesh is home to a dozen different monasteries, this spectacular place is not just the biggest, but also the oldest one around. A must visit tourist place in Spiti Valley, the Key Gompa is encircled by picturesque mountains and soothing valleys.
A wonderful example of monastic architecture and decorated with beautiful paintings, murals, manuscripts, and wind instruments.
This is one place in Spiti Valley that almost everyone who comes this way visits. Its proximity to Kaza town makes it very easy to plan a trip here. It is the largest monastery in Spiti Valley and is also known as the Ki, Kee, or Kye Monastery.
Things to do at Key Monastery?
- You can visit Kye Monastery. The structure is distinguished by narrow corridors that lead to low rooms. On the top floor, there is a library that is worth seeing.
- Stay overnight for an unforgettable experience. It will not be a luxurious stay, but you will be comfortable and warm.
- You can also try their Butter Tea, also known as 'Po Cha' in China, which is made by churning tea, salt, and Yak butter.
Interesting facts about Key Monastery
- Key Monastery also known as Key Gompa, Spiti Valley's largest Buddhist learning centre, is over 1000 years old.
- It is situated at a height of 13,668 feet above mean sea level in the Himachal Pradesh district of Lahaul Spiti in northern India.
- Founded in the 11th century by Dromton, a famous disciple of teacher Atisha, the monastery once housed approximately 350 lamas.
- The monastery is well-known for its Pasada-style architecture.
- The monastery is divided into three floors: underground, ground, and first.
- The underground is primarily used for storage, while the ground floor serves as an assembly hall known as Du-Khang.
- Key Gompa belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as the Yellow Hat sect.
How to reach?
The Key Monastery is 14 kilometres from Kaza, the monastery's nearest bus station. From there, you hail private cabs which can take about 40 mins. The ascent to the monastery is steep and difficult.
Entry Fees : Nil
Best time to visit : May - October
Visiting Duration : 5-6 hours on average
