Adventures in India

The Ki Monastery or Ki Gompa is one of the largest monasteries in the Punjab region of India. It has celebrated over one thousand years of existence, and a good hard look at the structure will quickly reveal some of the physical hardships the Gompa has withstood.

Attacked by the Mongols in the seventeenth century and withstanding other violent assaults during the 1800s the original architecture of the building has become a bit degraded and hidden by the many necessary repairs, expansions and improvements. Temples have been built one on top of the other, but scholars of monastic architecture still sight it as an excellent example of its era. Fourteenth century architecture was characterized by the “pasada” style seen at Ki Monastery – with multiple floors and levels, and playing a dual role as a fortress for self-defense.

Today it serves as a training center for Lamas, or Buddhist monks, and is considered a valuable religious training center. On average there are approximately 300 students receiving training at Ki. The monastery also provides spiritual guidance, leadership and support to the western population of the Spiti Valley.

Ki Monastery is also valued for its collections of ancient murals and its well developed library. At the Ki Monastery are extremely important “Thangka” paintings. These highly valuable silk paintings are traditionally used as meditation focus tools, devotional images and teaching tools. The monastery also houses ancient musical instruments such as trumpets, cymbals and drums that have served the monastery for centuries. The library currently holds many sacred Tangyur texts, or translations of the teaching of Buddha.

There are over thirty monasteries in the Spiti Valley and most of them make guest accommodations available. Ki Monastery is among those that welcome travelers into their guesthouse. The travel infrastructure in the valley is quite poor and most visitors to the monasteries will have to trek to the area, though there are the occasional taxis available. The best trek route is along the Spiti River which winds its way through several villages and comes close to many of the monasteries. The river will also lead trekkers through the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the happy home of snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, ibex and many other rare and unusual animals and wildlife.

The Spiti Valley monasteries are popular among many of the prominent practitioners of the Buddhist faith. It is rumored that the Dalai Lama, or spiritual leader of the Buddhist people has chosen a Spiti Valley monastery for his retirement. The serene and austere beauty of the region creates a sense of peace and tranquility for many visitors, and this is only added to by the friendly and hospitable nature of the inhabitants in the Ki Monastery area.