Kardang monastery is one of the biggest and oldest monasteries in Himachal Pradesh. As per record, the Gompa is around 900 year old. Its serene location and architecture are of great interest to the tourists. The statues of Padmasambhava and Tara Devi, Thanka paintings and the library that are housed in the monastery are other interest that attracts people from various corners of the world.
Location of Kardang Monastery
The monastery is located at a distance of around 5 km from Keylong in the Himachal Pradesh state of India. The monastery is situated exactly on the left bank of the river Bhaga, just above the village of Kardang. It is positioned at an altitude of 3500 m above sea level.
History of Kardang Monastery
It was constructed in the 12th century. The monastery falls under Drukpa Kagyud school of Buddhism. The Kardang monastery was in ruins until it was renovated in 1912 by Lama Norbu Rinpoche. The monastery has preserved the skull and ashes of Lama Norbu in its first room.
Attractions of Kardang Monastery
The architecture of this ancient monastery reflects the style which typically belongs to Lahaul and Spiti. The monastery houses statues of Padmasambhava and Tara Devi. It is designed with a Prayer Hall which comprises of eleven-headed idol of Avalokitesvara.
The monastery is enriched with an enormous collection of Thanka paintings and some old weapons. It also contains various musical instruments such as lutes, drums, and horns.
The monastery is constructed with a library which is considered as the largest Buddhist library in the country. It comprises of ancient Kangyur and Tangyur scriptures written in the Bhotia or Sherpa language.
Kardang monastery shelters around 30 monks and Buddhist nuns and allows them to have a family life. They are allowed to spend summers with their families and return in the winters. While with their family, they can be engaged in the work on the field, but once they are back, they have to concentrate on meditation.
Connectivity of Kardang Monastery
Kardang is well connected to Keylong by road. Keylong lies on the famous Manali Leh highway. It can be accessed by road during the period when the route is open. From Keylong, the monastery is around 5 km away.
