Kardang Monastery, established some 900 years back in the 12 century, is located on the left bank of the river Bhaga, just above the village of Kardang. The location of the monastery, with the stunning backdrop of the bare mountains of the Rangcha massif, ensures maximum sunlight during the winters.
The Kardang Monastery was in ruins, until Lama Norbu decided to renovate it in the year 1912. The architecture of the monastery reflects the style which typically belongs to Lahaul and Spiti. Within the monastery, the colourful frescoes and murals are excellent. Additionally, the monastery also a houses a huge repositery of some exquisite thangka paintings, old weapons and musical instruments like lutes, drums, horns etc.
Also to be seen in the monastery is a huge library and a huge drum. The former is stocked with Kangyur and Tangyur volumes of Buddhist scriptures in Bhoti while the latter contains strips of paper upon which the sacred mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum' is written a million times.
The monastery is associated with the Red Hat sect and has a Narbo as its head Lama. Equal rights are granted to both nuns and monks and the lamas have the permission to marry. The lamas balance their worldly and religious life by staying with their family in the summers and returning to gompa in winter. While with their family, the lamas work on the field, however, once they return to the monastery, meditation becomes their prime focus.
A silver Chaitya/stupa dedicated to Lama Norbu¸ the founder who died in 1952 is preserved in this monastery. The stupa preserves the mortal remains of Lama Norbu.
Lahaul
Occupying an area of 12,210 sq km, the district of Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh was formerly two distinct district. Lahaul had its capital at Keylong while Spiti's capital was Dhankar. Today, Lahaul is a sub-division with same capital, Keylong. Its people follow a religion which is a mix of Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. Accordingly both temples and monasteries dot the area.
The headquarters, Keylong, though not an attraction in itself, is visited quiet frequently by the tourists. Accommodation as well as fooding facilities is available in this small town.
Other Attractions
- Shashur Gompa : Located quiet close to the Keylong, just 3 km away, is the Shashur Gompa which dates back to the 17th century. The gompa belongs to the red hat sect and has beautiful paintings showcasing the history of 84 Buddha. The monastery celebrates its festival in the month of June - July in which lamas perform the devil dance.
- Tayul Gompa : 6 km from Keylong, the Tayul Gompa stands at an altitude of 3900 m. The monastery is believed to be one of the oldest one in the valley and houses 5 m tall image of Guru Padmasambhava. Additionally, 101 volumes of Kangyur text are also in possession of the monastery.
- Guru Ghantal Monastery : The monastery, founded by Guru Padmasambhava some 800 years back, stands on a hill above the Tandi village. Apart from the images of Padmasambhava, Brajeswari Devi and lamas, the monastery also houses an image of Hindu deity Kali in its innermost chamber.
- Ghemur Gompa: A small hamlet, Ghemur, which is around 18 km from Keylong, is home to a small gompa where devil dance is performed during the month of July.
How to Reach
Keylong lies on the famous Manali Leh highway and as such is easily reachable by road during the period when the route is open. The period extends from June to November. From Keylong, the monastery is at a walkable distance (5 km).
