- Altitude
- 3,894 m
- Distance
- 32 km from Kaza · 30 km from Tabo
- Best time
- May – October
- Ideal stay
- Half day
About Dhankar Monastery & Lake
Dhankar monastery clings to a crumbling cliff above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers — the old capital of Spiti, with a high lake an hour’s walk above.
Dhankar was the capital of the Spiti kingdom and its gompa-fort is over 1,000 years old. Built on a spur of eroded pinnacles, it is one of the most dramatic buildings in the Himalaya.
A steep 1-hour trek leads to Dhankar lake with views of the Mane Rang peaks.
Things to see & do
- Cliff-top monastery fort
- Spiti–Pin confluence view
- Dhankar lake trek
- Old and new monastery
Suggested itinerary
Full day
Kaza → Dhankar → Pin valley → Kaza
Dhankar in the morning, then the Pin valley to Mud village.
Local tips from our drivers
- The old monastery is fragile — follow the monks’ instructions.
