This monastery holds the history of 900 hundred years, the Kardang Monastery from the Drukpa Lineage is a popular gompa in Lahaul and Spiti Valley. It is located in the village of Kardang on the banks of Bhaga River. Kardang was the former capital of Lahaul and Spiti. 

The Rangcha Peak offers a stunning backdrop here. The architectural trend of Kardang Monastery is symbolic of Lahaul and Spiti district. Travellers can behold the gigantic golden Buddha statue, a peaceful library and ancient wall frescoes are the most impressive part of monastery. 

The Lahaul and Spiti Valley is home to many other monasteries worth visiting during your holiday in Himachal Pradesh.

• Shashi Monastery - This is a 17th-century gompa, located approximately three km from Keylong town. In the month of July, there will be an annual festival celebration which is popular among pilgrims.

• Tayul Gompa - Elevated up to 3,900 meters above sea level, it is discovered 6 km away from Keylong and is believed to be one of the oldest monasteries in the region. This gompa is famous for its collection of Kangyur texts. 

WHAT IS KARDANG MONASTERY FAMOUS FOR:

Discover the zest spirituality and wealth Buddhism in this Monastery of Himachal Pradesh. The Kardang Monastery is one of the most visited Buddhist sites in Himachal Pradesh. It is famous as a treasury of great Buddhist relics, Tantric and Thangka paintings embellish its interiors. The library is well stocked with books of Buddhist scriptures and texts. You can notice an extensive collection of Kangyur and Tangyur texts as well. You get to witness the 12th and 13th-century old weaponry and scriptures here. Apart from these, the first room of the monastery has the Chorte means a small stupa, preserving the remains of the founder of the Kardang Monastery - Lama Norbu. 

Statue of Padmasambhava, Tara Devi and Tagden Shakya Shri from the Tibetan ancestors are also placed in the room.

The second room is the chief prayer hall bearing the majestic statue of Avalokitesvara. The third room carries the belongings of Lama Norbu.

There are approximately thirty monks and Buddhist nuns who live in this monastery now. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT MONASTERY IN HIMACHAL PRADESH:

The months between May to early November are considered as the best time to visit the Monastery in Himachal Pradesh.

HOW TO REACH KARDAND MONASTERY:

The only possible way to reach the monastery by road is to travel from Keylong via Leh-Manali Highway and Tandi. The distance between Keylong and the monastery is around twenty kilometres and from there you will have to hire a taxi or drive your own vehicle since no buses are available on this route.