Lhalung Monastery

Nestled in the heart of the charming Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, the Lhalung Monastery is an ode to the deep-rooted Buddhist tradition and culture. It is located at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet and is also commonly known as the Sarkhang or Golden Temple. It was built during the 10th century CE by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo. It was previously a complex of nine shrines and was used as an ancient center of debate and learning.

The primary highlight of the Lhalung Monastery is a willow tree planted outside that is said to be over a thousand years old. There is also a white temple built outside the shrine. It houses four stucco images of Buddha placed in the four cardinal directions. This monastery has several gold leaf deities placed on the shrine. The walls of the chamber are beautifully studded with pictures of more than fifty deities. Additionally, there is a dark passage around the temple that is meant for the inner sanctum. The walls of this passage were once decorated with paintings that have now been destroyed over time.