Key monastry
Posted by Vikas Acharya on December 31, 2025Key Monastery (also spelled Ki or Kye Monastery) is a famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Quick facts:
- Location: Near the Spiti River, about 14 km from Kaza
- Altitude: ~4,166 meters (13,668 ft) above sea level
- School: Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism
- Founded: Around the 11th century, traditionally attributed to Dromtön, a student of Atisha
Why it’s important:
- It’s the largest and oldest monastery in Spiti.
- Serves as a training center for young monks (lamas).
- Houses ancient murals, thangkas, scriptures, and a library.
- Built in a fortress-like style due to repeated historical invasions and earthquakes.
What visitors notice:
- White, stacked buildings clinging to a hill
- Prayer wheels, monks’ quarters, and assembly halls
- Stunning views of the Spiti Valley all around
