Kardang Monastery

One of the most popular gompas in Lahaul and Spiti Valley, Kardang Monastery is located in Kardang village on the banks of the Bhaga river. At an altitude of 3,500 metres, it sits on a ridge below Rangcha Peak, facing the town of Keylong. For 900 years, the Kardang Monastery has remained an important centre for Buddhist culture and principles. It is known worldwide for its architecture, religious significance and collection of murals, thangkas, paintings and instruments.

There are about thirty monks and nuns at Kardang Monastery who have equal rights and permission to marry. They spend the summer with their families while in the winter they return to the monastery. Every year in the months of June and July, an annual Chaam dance is also organised where monks are dressed in dramatic masks and headgears. For peace seekers and those interested to get an insight into Buddhist culture, Kardang monastery is the place to be.