Introduction

Lha-lun or Lalung lies in Spiti’s marginally explored Lingti Valley and is at an altitude of 3,658 meters above sea level. This is fourteen kilometers from the main road and is the largest village in the valley carved by the Lingti stream. The place name, Lha-lun is a derivative of two words and means 'land or area of the gods'; this is from ‘Lha’ = deities or gods and ‘Lung’ or ‘Lun’, land or area. The mountain of Tangmar that towers over the village is said to be the residence of the primary deity and that the mountain changes color with the moods of the deity – it has a reddish hue when he is angry and a yellowish one when he is pleased. The picturesque village has around fifty houses.

The monastery lies by the village of the same name and like many other ‘gompas’ of the region, the foundation of this is also ascribed to Lotsaba Rinchensang-po, the Great Translator. It is believed that the gompa originally was run by the Kah-dam-pa sect of Vajrayana Buddhism till it was taken over by the Geluk-pa sect in later centuries. It is also surmised that like Tabo, Lhalun was originally conceived as a ‘chos-hKhor’, a place of learning where doctrines were imparted. The passage of centuries and the rivalry between the various sects took their toll on Lha-lun and of what is believed to have been a cluster of structures, only one now stands. This, the primary monastery, has a gSer-Khang (temple and assembly room) and a room for the sacred Tangyur texts; there is a courtyard before these.

Lha-lun is the start of some of the most arduous high-altitude treks in the area.

Special Attributes

Ancient monastery and attractive village

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

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

Avoidable Season

October, November, December, January, February, March

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No shoes in the monastery

Tip

Take all precautions for altitude sickness

Type of site

Monastery and village