Shashur Monastery Travel Guide & Tourism in Lahaul and Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Shashur Monastery, located in Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, is a Buddhist monastery known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Built in the 17th century, the monastery is surrounded by blue pine trees, giving it a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The monastery is famous for its large Thangka paintings, some of which are over fifteen feet tall, and its wall paintings depicting all 84 deities of Buddhism. Tourists and pilgrims visit the monastery throughout the year, with the best time to visit being during the month of July when the weather is pleasant.

The monastery, belonging to the Red Hat Sect or the Gelukpa order of Tibetan Buddhists, was founded by Lama Dewa Tyatsho from Ladakh. However, construction was halted and later restarted by Lama Dewa Gyatsho in the 17th century. The monastery is perched at an elevation of 600 meters above the valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills. The walls of the monastery are adorned with beautiful paintings, and an annual festival is held in June or July, where monks perform the famous devil dance known as chaam. Shashur Monastery is not only a place of religious significance but also a prominent learning center for Tibetan Buddhism, attracting tourists and scholars from around the world. Read more on Shashur Monastery in Lahaul & Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.