Key Monastery

Key Monastery also known as Ki Gompa is a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India. Situated at an altitude of 4,166 meters (13,668 ft), it offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the Spiti River.

It is the largest monastery in the world for the Gelugpas sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Architecturally, the Key Monastery resembles a castle, with a row of white buildings, each separate, against a white mountain. The interior is decorated with beautiful historical collections, thankas (Buddhist art), scriptures and sculptures.

In addition, the monastery is a place of learning for lamas and houses about 250 priests. Visitors to the monastery can immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere, take part in prayer time and see the entire Spiti Valley. In the summer, the annual Cham Dance Competition is the first attraction, featuring traditional masked dances. 

Key Monastery is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the rich cultural history of the region, making it a holiday destination for worldly seekers and travellers they can take beautiful pictures and enjoy this place through the Spiti Valley tour of various types.

Points to Remember

Timing: Sunrise to Sunset.

Duration: 1-2 Hours.

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.

Best Time to Visit: May to October.

Key Monastery Weather

It is the largest Monastery in Spiti which can be visited in any season, any weather with any temperature makes it a beautiful place to visit with Himachal Pradesh tour packages.

Summer (June to September): 

Temperature: 10°C to 25°C.

Weather: It is a pleasant weather. It is advised to wear loose garments and light sweaters. For the evenings, it's also a good idea to wear a lightweight jacket.

Autumn (October to November): 

Temperature: 0°C to 15°C.

Weather: The temperature begins to decline. Bring warm clothes, such as coats and sweaters. 

Winter(December to February):

Temperature: 0°C to -10°C

Weather: Key Monastery is at the height because of that the weather and snowfall are higher there. For layering don't forget to carry thermal woollens and boots 

Spring(March to May):

Temperature: 5°C to 20°C.

Weather: The weather is amazing and quite cold. Carry light woollens for the day and warmer clothes for the night.

How to Reach

Go from Manali towards Spiti Valley to go to Key Monastery by road. Take the Manali-Rohtang-Leh route (NH 3) and then the Kaza road. Depending on the state of the roads, the 200-kilometer trip from Manali to Kaza takes eight to ten hours. Prepare to traverse Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass. There are toll plazas along NH 3, for example. Expect to pay between Rs.50 and Rs.100 each. Before you travel, check the most recent information on roads and tolls, as prices and circumstances often vary. Kaza is 12 kilometres away from the Key Monastery, which is just a short drive from the town.