Lhalung Monastery, Buddhist monastery in Lahaul and Spiti district, India.
Lhalung Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery situated at high altitude with multiple buildings containing temples and prayer halls spread across the compound. The complex features carved wooden details, painted murals, and structural elements that reflect the traditional craftsmanship typical of this region's architecture.
The monastery was founded in the late 10th century by a Buddhist translator who worked to bring Sanskrit texts into the Tibetan language. Its development across the centuries mirrors the shifts in religious tradition that took place in this Himalayan region.
This monastery serves as a living center where pilgrims and visitors observe Buddhist practices that have remained largely unchanged over centuries. The way people use the spaces for prayer and reflection shows how this place continues to hold deep meaning for the local community.
The monastery sits off the main roads and requires a willingness to walk or travel over unpaved paths to reach it. The high elevation can be tiring for visitors arriving from lower areas, so taking time to acclimate is helpful.
An old tree standing near the monastery is venerated as sacred by the local community and has endured since the complex was built. Local people share stories about the spiritual strength of this tree and its connection to the monastery's past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
