Himachal Pradesh Monasteries
The monasteries of Himachal Pradesh are highly significant and revered by the people of all religion. These monasteries do not just preserve the rich Buddhist culture in the state, but also make for an attractive tourists destination. Quiet a few of these monasteries have gained fame on international level, while many others are popular just locally.
Dhankar Monastery and Topa Monastery
Monasteries In Himachal Pradesh
1. Guru Ghantal Gompa
This Buddhist temple is situated 4 kms above the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga in village Tupchiling in Lahaul. The Avalokiteshwara - a marble head sculpture belongs to 8th century AD. The monastery is completely built in wood. An annual fair is held here in the month of June called 'Ghantal Festival'. There is also an idol dedicated to Brajeshwari Devi in the Gompa.
2. Kardang Gompa
The Kardang Gompa is situated in the village Kardang at 15,000 feet high 'Rangch peak' in Lahaul. It was erected in around 900 AD. Kardang is the largest Gompa and most popular in the region. With colorful frescoes and murals, it has an enormous prayer drum containing strips of paper upon which the sacred mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum' is inscribed a million times. The liberary here contains largest collection of 'Kangyur' and 'Tangyur'. Lamas can marry and generally they stay with their families during summer and work in fields only to return in winter. The store here has large collection of musical instruments, dresses, tankhas and other articles.
3. Gemur Monastery
The beautiful sculpture of 'Marichi Vajravarahi' belongs to 11th century AD and is located in Lahaul. The figures of the goddess are lovely and sophisticated. It is 18 kms from Keylong in 'Bhaga Valley' where devil dance is held during July in the Gompa.
4. Nechung Monastery 
Nechung Monastery is an ancient monastery situated at Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. Situated just below the Tibetan Library, the monastery is the seat of Nechung, the state oracle and protector-deity of Tibet. It has a large collection of gilded bronzes of Buddha, Avalokitesvara and Padmasambhava. The temple can be reached by bus from Dharamsala and Kangra.
5. Shashur Monastery
Situated on a hill about 3 kms. far from Keylong towards north on the same slope. During June/July this monastery attracts lot of visitors when Lamas perform devil dance. It was founded in the 17th century a.d. It belongs to red hat sect and is located among the blue pines. The paintings are representing the history of 84 Buddha's.
6. Tayul Gompa
Tayul Gompa is 6 kms. from Keylong and is one of the oldest monasteries of the valley having a big statue of Guru Padmasamhava about 5 m high and houses library of Kangyur having 101 volumes. In Tibetan language Ta-Yul means the chosen place. There is an interesting story behind this.
7. Kungri Gompa Lahaul
It is situated in the Pin valley about 10 kms. from Attargo where Spiti river has to be crossed to enter Pin valley. It is serves the population of Pin valley.
8. Kanam Monastery Kinnaur
In Kanam monastery there are 7 big and small monasteries built by Rin-Chan-Sang-Po. The principle one is situated at the top of the village. There are about 25 rooms in the monastery. They contain copies of Kanjur and Tanjur, the great encyclopaedia of Lamaism. The image of Buddha in the shrine is of gilt Bronze with blue hair.
9. Pooh Monastery Kinnaur
The Pooh monastery built in the 11th century has a stucco statue of a seated Buddha and two images of his disciples, Sariputra and Maudgallyana. In front of these are two images of Buddharattana Avalokiteshwara, one each in stucco and in wood. There are also various illustrated Tibetan manuscripts
10. Namgyal Monastery Dharamshala
The Second Dalai Lama founded Namgyal Monastery in the sixteenth century. From the time of its creation, it has served as the private monastery of each of the successive Dalai Lamas. InTibet, this prestigious but small monastery was located in the Potala in Lhasa. At present, the monastery is re-established adjacent to His Holiness' residence in D
11. Pangram Monastery Manali
There is another monastery at Pangran, about 7 km from Patlikuhl a small town on National Highway. The lamas (Monks) are given training to be preachers. During the training the lamas are not allowed to go out. They are 
provided with
12. Kee Monastery Spiti
Kee, the largest monastery in Spiti, situated on the left bank of Spiti river has the appearance of a hill fort. The monastery was probably built early in the eleventh century. The monasteries in Spiti represent three different sects of Lamaism. Kee belongs to the Go-Ing-Pa sect. Walls and books are half covered by Thanka (scroll paintings). These paintings are the oldest. These monasteries are extensive buildings on high ground, away from the villages.
