Introduction

It is a combination of a few very rare things that give Kungri a distinctive identity. There is, of course, the remarkable ‘high-desert and narrow-valley’ terrain that is the hallmark of Spiti. Add to this a monastery that is one of the oldest in the area, the location in valley of the river Pin (which is a part of the Pin Valley National Park) and that this valley is the home of the wandering monks, the ‘Buzhen’ whose feats of breaking rocks with their bare hands and impaling themselves on sword points without even a nick to show for it, are legendary. The monastery at Kungri was built in the fourteenth century and is under the Nyingma-pa order of Vajrayana Buddhism (the Nyingma-pa is considered to be the oldest of the four original orders). The Pin valley is accessed after crossing the river Spiti at Atrangoo and is ten kilometers from this point. The monastery has three blocks that stand independent of each other; all face east. The monastery has undergone a recent restoration. This has several rare and remarkable thangka paintings and the sacred Tangyur texts.

Special Attributes

Ancient monastery in the Pin valley

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 shorts and the like. Always factor in local sensibilities.

Connectivity

Walking

Enjoyed by

Art and history buffs, besides those who are religiously inclined

Exposure

High levels of UV. Adequate protection like sun block and head gear are recommended.

Avoidable Season

October, November, December, January, February, March

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No shoes in the monastery area

Tip

This is en route on the Pin-Parbati or Pin-Bhaba trek routes

Type of site

Monastery and village