Dhankar Tourism (2024) - India > Top Places, Travel Guide

"The Fort on a Cliff"

Dhankar Tourism

Dhankar, nestled in the stunning Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is a serene village known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Perched at an altitude of 3,370 meters, it is home to the ancient Dhankar Monastery, which dates back nearly a thousand years and offers panoramic views of the Spiti River and surrounding mountains. The name 'Dhankar' translates to 'fort' in the local dialect, reflecting its historical role as the castle of Nono, the ruler of Spiti, and even a prison in its early days.

The monastery is renowned for its several Buddhist scriptures in the Bhoti script and a life-size silver statue of Vajradhara, displayed on a glass altar adorned with scarves and flowers. The awe-inspiring statue of Vairochana, or Dhayan Buddha, further adds to the monastery's splendor. Home to around 150 lamas, the monastery offers a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere. Visitors can explore the village's unique mud-brick structures and narrow, winding paths, embark on trekking routes that lead to the scenic Dhankar Lake, and immerse themselves in the traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. Dhankar is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the timeless charm and spirituality of the region.

1. Dhankar Lake, Spiti

At a distance of 5 km from the Dhankar monastery that sits dangerously on a cliff, lies the Dhankar lake on the other side of the mountain. It takes about an hour to reach the lake after following a w (Read More)ell marked trail from the monastery. If you spend enough time at the lake, you can see the sky change colors and reflect on the crystal-like lake, making it more spell binding each time, within a span of just a few hours.

Dhankar Monastery, also referred to as Dankhar, Drangkhar or Dhangkar Gompa is situated in the district of Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, India. At an altitude of 12,774 feet, the monastery is (Read More)perched unbelievably on the edge of a cliff and offers a panoramic view of Spiti valley. Built one thousand years ago on a 1000 feet high mountain and overlooking the heart-stirring sight of the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers, Dhankar Monastery is listed as one of the world's 100 most endangered monuments.

Rohtang Pass remains closed from November to April, hence Spiti valley remains inaccessible during this time.
Driving from Manali to Kaza can be quite risky, so avoid the self-drive at all costs. It is recommended to ride in a bus to reach your destination.
It is essential to have many copies of the permit as they may have to be submitted at different checkpoints along the way to Sarchu.