Kungri Monastery

The ever beautiful Kungri Monastery is located around 10 km from Attargo and 3 km from Gulling in Pin Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The town of Attargo is located approximately 12 km from the sub-divisional district headquarter of Spiti and one has to cross the stunning Spiti River to reach the Pin Valley, most of which has been declared a National Park. The Kungri Monastery happens to be the second oldest Gompa in the Lahaul and Spiti Valley and has the distinction of being the only monastery, which belongs to the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism. It is also the oldest order of Tibetan Buddhism.

History

The Kungri Monastery is believed to have been erected in the first half of the 14th century, and it consists of three separate rectangular blocks, all of which stand facing the eastern direction. It depicts the strong impact of the Tibetan tradition that has been there in the Pin Valley from the past till today.The Kangri Monastery has assorted silk paintings of various Buddhist deities on the inner walls and showcases huge statues and over 300 volumes of the sacred Tibetan texts, Kenjur and Tenjur preserved carefully in white muslin.

Highlights

Built in 1330, this monastery is a popular destination for Buddhist scholars, pilgrims, and tourists from all over the world and India and its primary purpose is to exhibits the treasure trove of ancient Tibetan Buddhist art, culture, and tradition. Another attraction of this historic monastery is the traditional 'Devil Dance,' which is performed in the month of July every year. Several tourists visit the monastery during this period to witness this popular dance. The sword dance is another popular dance form, which is an integral part of the tradition of the Nyingmapa.

The Kungri Monastery is located close to the Tabo Monastery, Attargo Monastery, Kye Monastery, Kibber Monastery, Sichling, and Dhankar Monastery and it is easily accessible from Kaza by bus.

Festival

The Devil Dance is performed in this monastery during the month of June or July.

Other Attractions

Tabo Monastery :- With sobriquets such as Spiti's pride and the Ajanta of the Himalayas, the Tabo Monastery is definitely one of the most significant one in the valley. Constructed by the Ringchen Zangpo in the 996 AD, the monatsrey is more than a place of worship. Rather, it is also place for learning and debate as well as repository of Buddhist art.

Dhankar Monastery :- Located 7 km from Sichling, a village at the confluence of the Spiti and Pin river, the Dhankar Monastery is an extremely important centre of religious training. Around 70 lamas reside in this monastery which is associated with the Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. A figure of Vairochana or Dhayan Buddha, Buddhist scriptures in Bhoti language, murals of Medicine Buddha, protector deities and Budhist thangkas are the prime highlights of this monastery. The monastery is located 24 km from Kaza.

Kye Monastery :- One of the oldest gompa in the Spiti valley, Kye has had a history full of troubles. Three invasions post 17th century and an earthquake in 1975 have had their impact on the monastery which today resembles more like a defensive fort. However, still it is amongst the most renowned monasteries in the region. Constructed in the 10th century, Kye houses and displays rare thangkas, paintings and musical instruments.

Thang Yug Gompa :- 14 km from Kaza, this monastery too was affected by the earthquake of 1975. Its old monastery structure was seriously damaged and the villagers had to shift it to a new location near Comic village. The monastery belongs to the Sakya-pa sect and has a head lama from Tibet.

How to Reach

Attargo can be reached from both Shimla as well as Manali. The Manali route is open between July to October depenpding on the weather conditions and passes through Rohtang Pass, Kunzum La, Losar, Rangrik to lead upto Kaza and then Attargo.

The second route is from Shimla till Sumdo, via Narkanda, Rampur Bushehr and Pooh in Kinnaur. From Sumdo, take the state Highway of Spiti valley to reach Attargo via Tabo.

From Attargo, the Kungi Gompa can be easily reached on foot.