Dhankar Gompa.
Dhankar Gompa is also know as "Dhankar Fort". The actual meaning of "Dhan - Kar" is "Dhan means Cliff" and "Kar means Fort" It means Fort on cliff is called "Dhankar". It is a Buddhist monastery and Dhankar Monastery is the only real example of such monastery vibes , meditation and architecture in the entire spiti valley. it has very unique architecture and location where it situated.
It is situated in Dhankar Village, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh with 3,894 meters altitude. In winters Oxygen level is very low in spiti valley because of low air pressure.
Important : In Dhankar Village There is a Beautiful Lake Named By "Dhankar Lake" which is lies above the Dhankar Gompa. it is around 2kms from the village.
Dhankar Lake is high altitude lake at an elevation on 4,410 meters. it also can be approached by a trek from the Dhankar monastery only. it is a 1.5 hour trek from Dhankar village. This lake is worth to visit, you'll never disappointed with the views of this lake. So don't forget to trek this beauty when you're in Dhankar.
This land is between India and Tibet. It is a part of Spiti Valley.
It is looks like Birds Nest, Surrounded with high mud rocks. It is incredible to see.
Dhankar Gompa also known as in ; One of the Oldest & Tallest Monastery in the world.
Dhankar was the capital of the "Spiti Valley" in 17th century. This fort has a beautiful view of confluence of the river " Spiti & Pin". This monastery has real vibes of Tibetan Calture.
History says Dhankar was the seat of the Early rulers of Spiti.
Monastery is approachable by a Motorable road. people can easily take light motor vehicle till monastery. It is on Tabo-Kaza road and 24 kms before Kaza. The Branch road is 8kms upside to village.
How To Reach Dhankar Monastery/Fort :
There is 3 source to reach Dhankar Monastery.
1. If you travelling through your own personal Car or Riding through bike, it'll be very easy to visit it and reach there.
You can visit it when u travelling towards to Kaza/Pin Valley from Tabo village.
2. If u are a budget Traveller and you travelling Spiti circuit through HRTC bus. First you have to reach Tabo/Kaza and from there hire a private rental taxi to visit this place. there is 2 buses running every single day from kaza to tabo or tabo to kaza. Reach schilling which is 10kms on road side and you can try hitching from there and you'll get Hitch hike for sure.
3. or also u can hire a private taxi from Tabo/Kaza to visit Dhankar. it'll cost around 1500/- for visit.
Best Time To Visit Dhankar Monastery/Village.
In Summers : May - September.
Where To Stay In "Dhankar Village" :
Dhankar is a very small village but there is a load of options to stay in very affordable prices.
There is a Home Stay by the name "Dhankar Monastery Guesthouse", it has very cheap prices with Common amenities.
Also there is so many Homestays available.
Note : if you have any query/questions for Dhankar or Spiti Valley Trip, feel free to contact me.
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