Key Monastery

Key Monastery, also called Ki or Kye Gompa, is the primary monastery of Kaza region. Located on the edge of a hill, overlooking the Spiti River, this is the most beautiful landmark of Kaza. You can see it from quite some distance, hanging from an almost cliff-like hill. When you reach the entrance arch of the monastery, look towards the valley and you are probably looking at the most beautiful part of Spiti Valley. Key Monastery, situated at a height of more than 4100 m, dates back to 11th CE and monks have been living and getting trained here since then. Inside the monastery is a prayer hall that is quite ornate. If you happen to visit in the morning, you can witness the morning chanting and prayer session of monks. Young and old monks in their trademark red garment chant in unison, creating a beautiful ambience. The gompa also has a library that has a number of ancient murals and manuscripts. Having said that I personally feel that Key Monastery looks far more beautiful from a distance and is best admired from across the river where you get to see it as a part of the landscape of Spiti.