Key Monastery

Key Monastery is the biggest monastery and a prominent religious training centre for lamas in Spiti Valley. Around 11 km drive from Kaza takes you to the gompa that is located on top of a hill at an altitude of 4166 m (13,668 ft). After you are done with your prayers you will be escorted by a young lama. Climbing mud stairs through a dark alley you will keep wondering where are you headed till you reach a wooden and mud kitchen lit by the sunlight coming through a hole on the roof. You will be offered a hot cup of tea that seems like the elixir in the cold weather. I loved spending moments of quietude standing on the rooftop of the monastery, admiring the serene nature all around. You too can experience the same, feel the cold breeze on your face, watch the valley below and be a part of the mighty Himalayas. That’s what divinity means to me—being one with the majestic nature.