Introduction

Backed by a high mountain and placed on a rise that juts out of its sheer face, is the setting of the Ki (Key, Kye) gompa, in Spiti. On the left bank of the river Spiti, the Ki gompa, is regarded as the largest in the sub-division. It is a collection of rooms and a labyrinth of corridors that do not follow any defined plan, but seem to have grown over the years. Portions of the structure are three stories high, while others are lower. No definite date can be ascribed to the construction of the gompa - that acted both as a monastery and as a fort. Some scholars believe this to have been built by Dromton (1008 - 64 CE). Others differ and place its origins in later centuries, but by and large, most concur that it was built before the fifteenth century.

In the eighteenth century, Ki was subjected to several attacks - first during the wars between the princely states of Kullu and Ladakh in 1820 CE, and then it was sacked by the armies of Jammu and Kashmir under the generals Ghulam Khan and Rahim Khan in 1841 CE - and the same year saw it pass under the destructive hands of Punjab’s soldiers. These repeated attacks have given the Ki of today its loosely strung collection of rooms that were repeatedly rebuilt - as well as its defensive character. In the architectural definitions given to various monasteries, Ki falls in the pasada style which is characterized by more stories than one and often plays the role of a fort-monastery.

Ki is the repository of rare thangka paintings, and several ancient musical instruments - trumpets, cymbals and drums. Its library holds the manuscripts of the sacred Tangyur texts. Apart from the cells occupied by the monks, the gompa has a large du-khang, assembly chamber lined by religious paintings and other chambers for worship and gathering. The chamber of the incarnate abbot, the zim-chung is the highest point in the building.

The village of Ki is just short of the monastery.

Special Attributes

Large monastery

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative and comfortable attire is recommended. Since these are remote areas, it is best to avoid anything too revealing. Always factor in local sensibilities.

Connectivity

Taxis,and buses

Enjoyed by

People interested in culture, nature and religion.

Exposure

None indoors, but high outside. Appropriate precautions like headgear and sunscreen lotion are suggested.

Avoidable Season

November, December, January, February, March

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

No shoes in some parts

Tip

The view from the top is magnificent

Type of site

Monastery