Dhankar: Spiti's old capital, balanced on a ridge of crumbling rock
A monastery and fort built on clay-and-rock pinnacles hundreds of metres above the meeting of two rivers — one of the most dramatic sights in the Himalaya, with a high lake an hour’s climb above.
- ~3,890 m Dhankar Monastery
- ~32 km from Kaza
- ~4,100 m Dhankar Lake
- 1–1.5 h hike to the lake
Photo: Deepank Ranka, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
Dhankar Monastery stands at about 3,890 m on a spur of eroded rock above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers, about 32 km from Kaza. Dhankar was once the capital of the kings of Spiti, and its fort (khar) and the old monastery are built straight onto the crumbling pinnacles. Because the structure is fragile, a new monastery was built a little below, where the monks now live and hold prayers. A steep path of about 2.5 km (1–1.5 hours) climbs to Dhankar Lake, at about 4,100 m, with views of the Manirang peak. Visit between May and October; in winter Dhankar is very cold but reachable via Shimla and Kinnaur when roads are clear.
- HeightMonastery about 3,890 m; Dhankar Lake about 4,100 m.
- Distance~32 km from Kaza; ~8 km off the Kaza–Tabo road; ~30 km from Tabo.
- Lake hike~2.5 km, steep, 1–1.5 hours up; acclimatise first.
- Best monthsMay – October; winter possible via Shimla with care.
- EntryA small donation or fee at the old monastery; dress modestly.
Kaza and Tabo weather today
Dhankar lies between Tabo (lower) and Kaza (higher), and is colder than both at night. Current temperature and the next days’ high, low and snow.
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed about once a day — last update —.
Dhankar's history: the old capital of Spiti
The name comes from dang (cliff) and khar (fort). From the high spur the rulers of Spiti could watch both valleys, and the fort served as the seat of the Nono, the local ruler, for centuries. The monastery beside it belongs to the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and is generally said to be around a thousand years old, though its buildings have been rebuilt many times.
The old monastery stands on soft, eroding rock. It was listed by the World Monuments Fund in 2006 among the world’s most endangered sites, and conservation work has continued since. Inside are old murals and statues; a new monastery was built lower down in 2009 for the monks. Walk gently on the old floors and follow the monks’ guidance.
The hike to Dhankar Lake
From the village, a clear but steep path climbs about 2.5 km to Dhankar Lake at about 4,100 m. Most people take 1–1.5 hours up and 45 minutes down. On a calm day the lake mirrors the surrounding peaks, with Manirang (about 6,600 m) to the east.
Do this only after a night or two at Spiti’s height — Tabo or Kaza — to avoid altitude sickness. Carry water, a warm layer and sun protection; there are no shops on the way.
| From Dhankar | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kaza | ~32 km | 1–1.5 h |
| Tabo | ~30 km | 1 h |
| Pin valley (Gulling) | ~25 km | 1 h |
| Nako | ~90 km | 3–3.5 h |
| Dhankar Lake (on foot) | ~2.5 km | 1–1.5 h up |
How to reach Dhankar
Dhankar is on a side road that climbs about 8 km from the Kaza–Tabo road near Sichling. From Shimla the route runs through Kinnaur via Kalpa, Nako and Tabo (about 400 km, two or three days); from Manali it is over Kunzum Pass via Kaza (about 230 km, open only in summer). See Spiti via Shimla or Manali and the Himachal distance chart.
Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit for the stretch near the border between Kinnaur and Spiti; Indian citizens do not. Read Spiti for international travellers.
Dhankar in pictures
The old monastery and fort on their pinnacles, the river confluence, the new monastery and Dhankar Lake — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Around Dhankar
Dhankar sits in the middle of Spiti’s monastery circuit.
Our Spiti trips
Homestays or hotels, meals and a private car with a mountain driver — one written quote.
Planning Spiti with Dhankar?
Tell us your dates and whether you would like to come via Shimla or Manali. We plan an itinerary with time to acclimatise, check the roads and passes, and send one written quote with stays, meals and a private car. Suzu Travels is a travel agent registered with HP Tourism, based in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.
Dhankar Monastery: frequently asked questions
How far is Dhankar from Kaza?
About 32 km, roughly 1–1.5 hours by road.
How high is Dhankar Monastery?
About 3,890 m above sea level.
How long is the hike to Dhankar Lake?
About 2.5 km one way, steep; 1–1.5 hours up for most people.
Why was a new monastery built at Dhankar?
The old monastery stands on fragile, eroding rock, so a new one was built lower down for the monks; the old one is still visited.
Can I visit Dhankar in winter?
Yes, via Shimla and Kinnaur when the roads are clear, but it is very cold and the lake path may be under snow.
Do I need a permit for Dhankar?
Indian citizens do not. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit for the Kinnaur–Spiti border stretch.
Sources
Photo credits
Dhankar Monastery above the valley — Photo: Deepank Ranka, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The monastery on its ridge — Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY 4.0 · The confluence below Dhankar — Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The cliff-top fort — Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dhankar gompa and fort — Photo: Akhila Srikanta Rao, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The new monastery — Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 · A chorten in autumn — Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY 4.0 · Dhankar Lake — Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Manirang from Dhankar Lake — Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta, CC BY-SA 4.0
