Tangyud Monastery

Tangyud is a monastery located at high elevation in the remote Spiti region and features massive slanted mud walls with distinctive red and white striped patterns. The structure shows the characteristics of a Tibetan fortress with characteristic vertical patterns on the outer walls.

The monastery was established in the early 14th century when Buddhism expanded across the region under Mongol influence. Its architecture reflects the Tibetan fortress-building style that developed during this period in the Himalayan region.

The monastery serves as a spiritual center for the local Tibetan community, where daily rituals shape the rhythm of daily life. The interior spaces follow traditional practices that define how different areas are used for specific purposes.

The site is accessible year-round, but winter months bring difficult conditions due to snow and the isolated location. Visitors should prepare for extreme altitude and cold weather, with the best time to visit being during the warmer months.

The monastery houses a preserved snow leopard display that allows visitors to learn about these rare animals that inhabit the surrounding mountains. This unusual museum exhibit within the monastery shows how the local community honors the wildlife of the region.