Introduction

Twelve centuries after the Buddha attained 'nirvana', the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo who ruled from 618 to 649 CE, married Wen Cheng from the court of China's Tang dynasty and Bkrikuti Devi, a Nepalese princess. Under their influence, Buddhism slowly developed in the Central Himalayan and Trans Himalayan regions till it became the predominant faith. When the kingdom of Guge rose in western Tibet after the assassination of the king, Lang Darma, it encompassed the present day tracts of Spiti, Lahaul, Zanskar and upper Kinnaur. The strong cultural and religious identity of the region dates back to those years.

Lahaul, and the area around the town of Keylong has twenty large and small Buddhist monasteries and Buddhist shrines. Tayul is six kilometres from Keylong and the word ‘Tayul’ means the "place that is chosen", and so it must be for local legend maintains that the main prayer wheel rotates on its own accord on certain occasions. It has a huge statue of Padmasambhava and its library houses the one hundred and one volumes of the sacred Kangyur text.

Gemur lies eighteen kilometers away and is a small monastery, but is held in great sanctity and is well known for its 'dance-drama' enacted every July. Sissu is twenty-eight kilometers from Keylong and the monastery houses an image of Lahaul’s patron deity, Gyephang. Gondhla is sixteen kilometers short of Keylong on the Manali-Keylong road and its most distinctive feature is the eight-storied timber and stone tower that was the residence of the local 'thakur', chief. The monastery at Gondhla has historical importance and every July, this is the site of a large fair where masked dances commemorate the victory over Tibetan king, Langdarma, an enemy of Buddhism. Shansha is where the deity Gyephang is believed to have been born and a shrine is dedicated to him. Jalma is located in the Pattan valley by the waters of the Chandrabhaga, this is considered to be the legendary abode of many of Lahaul’s deities.

Special Attributes

Unique monasteries and shrines

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative

Connectivity

By taxi, bus and on foot

Enjoyed by

Religious and cultural enthusiasts

Exposure

Yes. UV is high. Sunscreen lotion and other appropriate precautions are suggested.

Avoidable Season

November, December, January and February

Facilities

Parking and restaurants in Keylong

Things Not Allowed

Not such restriction

Tip

Make circuit if you want to visit more than one place in a day

Type of site

Monasteries and shrines