Buddhist Monasteries

Buddhism survives as a living tradition in Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur, and since 1959 in Dharamshala.

• Tabo (Spiti), 996 CE — founded by the great translator Rinchen Zangpo under the Guge king Yeshe-Ö. Called the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas' for its murals; a Monument of National Importance and the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist enclave in India. The Dalai Lama has held Kalachakra ceremonies here.
• Key (Kye) Gompa (Spiti) — the largest monastery in Spiti, a fortified hilltop complex of the Gelug school.
• Dhankar (Spiti) — the old capital of Spiti, perched on a spur; now on the watch-list of endangered sites.
• Kardang, Shashur, Tayul, Guru Ghantal (Lahaul) — Guru Ghantal is the oldest in Lahaul, associated with Padmasambhava.
• Trilokinath (Lahaul) — worshipped by Hindus as Shiva and by Buddhists as Avalokiteshvara; the clearest example of the shared tradition.
• Nako and Lhalung (Kinnaur/Spiti) — Rinchen Zangpo foundations.
• Rewalsar (Tso Pema), Mandi — associated with Padmasambhava, who is said to have left for Tibet from here.
• Tsuglagkhang and Namgyal Monastery, McLeodganj — the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama and seat of the Central Tibetan Administration since 1960.