If you have ever stood somewhere so high that the ground seems to disappear beneath you, you know the mix of awe and unease it brings. In Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley, there is a village that takes this feeling to another level. Dhankar, once the capital of Spiti, sits on a barren slope in a stark Himalayan desert. And at its heart is a sight that seems almost impossible - a 1,000-year-old monastery built on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the meeting point of two rivers. Far from Himachal's crowded hill stations, Dhankar is where history, faith, and survival come together. Getting here isn't easy, but that's what makes the journey and the view so unforgettable.
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Where Is Dhankar Village Located?
Photo: Pexels
Dhankar sits in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti Valley, about 32 km from Kaza, the region's main town. At nearly 3,900 metres above sea level, the village overlooks deep gorges and snow-fed rivers, making it one of the most strikingly positioned settlements in the Himalayas. Its isolation has shaped its identity—once a natural fortress and later a spiritual hub, Dhankar remained shielded from invasions while Buddhism thrived in this high-altitude desert.
The Cliffside Dhankar Monastery
Photo: Unsplash
The highlight of Dhankar is its monastery, which is believed to be over a thousand years old. Built on a rocky spur, it looks almost impossible from below - balanced on the edge of a cliff. Inside, narrow corridors lead to prayer halls lined with murals and statues, their faded colours telling stories of centuries past. Despite erosion and earthquake risks, the monastery still functions, watched over by resident monks who keep its traditions alive.
Why Dhankar Feels So Different From Other Himalayan Villages
Dhankar isn't like the green hill stations most travellers know. Its landscape is stark, barren, and almost lunar. There are no pine forests or bustling bazaars here, just silence, wind, and open space. Standing near the monastery, with the valley dropping sharply below, gives you a sense of how closely life and landscape are intertwined in Spiti. It is a perspective that feels rare and humbling.
Dhankar Lake: A Short Hike With Big Views
A short, steep hike from the village leads to Dhankar Lake, a calm water body surrounded by brown hills and endless sky. The trek takes about 45 minutes and rewards you with sweeping views of the valley below. The lake itself is small but serene, often mirroring the mountains around it, making it a perfect spot for those who prefer quiet breaks over adrenaline-filled adventures. Check out @prateek_matoria's video to know what it looks like!
Best Time To Visit Dhankar
The ideal time to visit is June to September, when roads to Spiti are open and weather conditions are relatively stable. Winters are harsh, with heavy snowfall cutting off access and temperatures plunging well below freezing. Even in summer, nights are cold, and the thin air means visitors should prepare for sudden weather changes.
How To Reach Dhankar Village
Photo: Pexels
Dhankar is usually accessed via Kaza, the base town for Spiti.
- By Road: From Manali via Kunzum Pass (seasonal) or Shimla via Kinnaur. The Shimla route is longer but more reliable.
- Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Bhuntar, near Kullu. From there, you will need to travel by road, a long but scenic drive through the mountains to reach Spiti Valley. Most travellers first head to Kaza, the main town in Spiti, which serves as the base for visiting Dhankar.
- Nearest Railway Station: If you're travelling by train, the closest stations are Shimla or Kalka. From either station, you will continue by road into Spiti. Local taxis or self-drive vehicles are common for the final stretch.
Where To Stay In Dhankar
Accommodation is simple with mostly homestays and small guesthouses offering basic rooms and home-cooked meals. There are no luxury options here, which adds to Dhankar's untouched charm and authenticity.
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Is Dhankar Worth Visiting?
Dhankar isn't for hurried itineraries or comfort-first travellers. It is for those who enjoy slow travel, high-altitude landscapes and places with deep historical roots. The sight of a 1,000-year-old monastery clinging to a cliff, still standing against all odds, makes the journey worthwhile. For anyone looking to understand Spiti beyond photographs, Dhankar is a powerful place to pause and reflect.
So, if you are looking for a place where time feels slow, travel to Dhankar for a wholesome experience.
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