Key Monastery Spiti: Exploring the Ancient Buddhist Monastery
Posted on Jul 26, 2025Key Monastery of Kaza is located in Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is the largest monastery in Spiti Valley. It is also known and written as Kee, Ki, Key , Kyi etc Key monastery or Key Gompa. Key Monastery is located at 13668 feet height at Kaza city on the top of the hill. Key Monastery is dedicated to Lochen Tulku. Kaza is famous place in Spiti valley tour. From Kaza you can visit Dhankar Lake, Chicham Bridge, Langza, Komic and also a Chandratal Lake too. It is very cold at night and also altitude sickness may suffer by anyone. Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh in now a days one of the favorite destination in India. It is also very famous for Snow Leopard siting. Kibber village is the best place to see Snow Leopard during Winter from November to February.
Things to Know about Key Gompa Kaza :
- It is believed that Key monastery founded in 11 th sanctuary.
- In 17 th century the monastery damaged by Mongols and become Gelugpa establishment.
- In 1821 during war between Ladakh and Kulu was sacked again. The war is known as Dogra-Tibetan war.
- It was damaged by Dogra army and later by Sikhs.
- In 1840 it was wasted by fire and in 1975 earthquake make more damage to the monastery.
- Then it will repaired by Archeological survey of India and state public works department.
- Key monastery wall is full of painting and mural . Mural is of Buddha images and also monastery has lots of books too.
- Monastery has 3 floors : 1st floor is underground and used for storage. Ground floor has decorated assembly hall and cell for monks.
- Key monastery serves as religious training center of Lamas.
- Monastery is designed irregular structure and interconnected rooms and corridors.
- Monastery has prayer hall, library and quaters for monks.
- Monastery overlook Spiti river and it is very near to Kaza town.
Best Time To Visit Key Monastery In Kaza Spiti Valley :
Key monastery can visit throughout a year. Road condition is very good now a days and you can visit in winter also. Road to Kaza is open all the time. Just in heavy snowfall you have to wait for sometimes to clear the roads. May be sometimes it will stuck on road to if landslides happen. During Summer from May to August is very pleasant weather. Although it is very cold at Kaza in summer but you will not freeze.
Staying Options at Spiti Valley :
You can book your homestay or hotel from https://himachaltourism.gov.in/accommodations-travel/ is the official website of Himachal Pradesh Tourism.
Also you can book when you reach your destinations. There are many homestays available at the village. All homestays are very neat and clean and they serve their local food too.
Kaza key monastery is one of the best destination in Lauhal Spiti. Also it is accessible via road so it is easy to travel. Also breathtaking views from the monastery of Himalayas and the spiti river make memorable moments of sunset and sunrise. Altitude sickness is common at this height so plan accordingly and take necessary medicines with you.
Places to visit near Key Monastery :
Kaza town, Chicham bridge, Langza, Komic, Highest Post office in the world, Kibber Village
Camera Used : Canon 6D, Canon 80D, Canon 18-55 mm lens, 14mm lens
Accentor is a small bird of prunellidae family. In India it is generally found in East Sikkim area. It built its nest low in a bush. When i was on a trip to Singalila National Park. I found at sandakphu area. Sandakphu is high altitude place in Singalila National Park located in West Bengal. From here you can see Mt. Kanchenjunga very clear which is highest peak of West Bengal. Lots of Birds here. To visit Singalila Park November to February you can found lots of snow and good landscapes too with snow on Mt Kanchenjunga. Also if you are going for birding you can visit March to May/June Month is the best . It is very cold weather during winter November to February at Singalila National park.
About Alpine Accentor Bird :
- Alpine Accentor bird is robin size bird. Length of bird is around 15 -17 cm.
- Bird just like similar to house sparrow in color with brown back streaked.
- Adult Alpine Accentor have red brown spotting on underparts
- Also adult have grey head too.
- In Asia Accentor found at 2000 m above height. Specially at Himalayas.
- It build nest in bush.
- It laying 3-4 plain (not spotted) eggs of sky blue color.
Singalila National Park :
Singalila national park is located in West Bengal. There are lots of birds in this sanctuary. Also its good for trekking at Sandakphu. From here you can see Mt. Kanchenjunga easily and very closely. Also a beautiful Himalayan Mountain range with snow. Amazing weather very cold in winter and moderate in summer. Summer season is the best for birding at sandakphu.
Alpine Accentor bird Binominal Name is Prunella Collaris . Total 9 subspices are recognised of Alpine Accentor bird.
Gear used : Canon 1000 D, Canon 55-250 mm Lens.
Road To Heaven is named to the road from Khavda to Dholavira in Kutch Gujarat. The road is so wonderful and scenery so it known as Road to Heaven . Khavda to Dholavira distance is around 58km but from Khavda there is a single line narrow road passes through small villages around 15-20 km approx. The main road starts after it and it is around 30-35 km approx. strait to Dholavira. Road is under constriction but almost 70-80% work done. The road heading to the city of Harappan Civilization Dholavira which is one of the largest site of Harappan Civilization and Indus valley Civilization.
Kutch is a largest district of Gujarat and also of India. Main City or Headquarter of Kutch District is Bhuj. Kutch is famous for White Desert or White Rann. In Every winter season from December to February celebrate “ Rann Utsav “ to attract foreigners and also locals. Tent City made in white desert to stay and also cultural programs arranged in it. The main Rann Utsav held in Dhordo of Kutch.
After visit White desert people also visit Dholavira which is nearest destination from Dhordo and also Kalo Dungar in between. From Dhordo you will have to go Khavda first and then from Khavda to Dholavira which is connected through “ Road To Heaven “. Dholavira is located at Khadir Bet. Khadir bet is separated because after monsoon the water filled outer side of bet. So the Road To Heaven is the way to connect Khadir bet to main city Bhuj.
About Road To Heaven Dholavira / Road to Heaven in Kutch :
- · It connected from Khavda to Dholavira.
- · Road to heaven distance around 30-35 km.
- · After monsoon the rain water on the both side of the road. You can see beautiful Greater Flamingo birds in between. Water level is low but muddy.
- · After winter in January –February the water on both side of the road is evaporated and turn into salt. Not all water but some areas during the road.
- · Water on the both side of the road or Salt/ white layer on both side of the road make the beauty of the road and that’s why it name as “ Road To Heaven “
- · When you are on the road there is hardly some traffic you face the open road with both side water or salt at morning or evening make the scenery like a Heaven.
I must suggest to visit Road To Heaven in Kutch while you visit Kutch. Also Visit Dholavira which is one of the largest Harappan Civilization site.
Places to visit near Road To Heaven :
Dholavira, Kalo Dungar, Dhordo, White Desert
Places to Visit near Bhuj : White Desert , Kadiya dhro, Chhatardi, Mandvi beach, Vijay vilas palace, Bhujyo Dungar, Smriti Van, Vande matram memorial
Camera Used : Canon 80D, Canon 6D, DJI Mavic Air2
Thol bird sanctuary is located in Kadi Taluka in Mehsana District near sanand Gujarat. It is an artificial lake located near village Thol. In 1912 thol lake was built and it was declared as a Sanctuary in 1988. The main use of lake is use of water for irrigation. The Thol Bird Sanctuary or a Thol lake wildlife Sanctuary India is a habitat of more than 150 spices of birds. Also it is famous for migratory birds Flamingos and Sarus Crane which breeds here.
About Thol Lake / Thol Bird Sanctuary
Thol lake is located near Thol village and its area around 38000 acres. Lake faces all season winter , summer and monsoon. During winter temperature goes to 8 degree and in summer temperature goes to 43 degree. Thol lake is under control of Forest and Irrigation department of Gujarat. Thol lake water storage capacity is around 84 million cubic meters. Thol wildlife sanctuary is declared as Eco Sensitive Zone .
Flora and Fauna Thol Sanctuary :
Thol lake has many vegetation plants like Zizyphus, Acacia nilotica, Ficus, Capparis, Azadirachta indica etc. There are also some mix flora of Marshy and Aquatic plants reported in Thol Lake.
Thol lake is protected area and it is very good habitat for water birds. In thol bird sanctuary there are more than 150 spices of birds found . Among these more than 60 % of birds are water birds. Flamingo bird is most prominent bird of Thol Lake. Also Sarus Crane nest in large number here.
Famous Migratory Birds of Thol Lake
• Flamingos
• Sarus Crane
• Great White Pelican
• Mallards
• Bar Headed Geese , Grey Headed Geese
• Waterfowl
There are also some spices reported here like Dalmatian Pelican, Indian Skimmer, Greater Spotted Eagle, Indian Vulture and white rumped Vulture etc. In Mammals Bluebull, Blackbuck and Golden jackal reported here.
Thol Lake Timing and Fees :
Thol lake open everyday at 6 AM in morning and close at 5.30 PM in evening. Entry fees for Thol Lake or Thol sanctuary is 50 INR for per person. Also Camera fees extra at 200 INR and if you go via car then car fees also 500 INR. Foreigner fees are 10 $ per person.
Best Time to Visit Thol Sanctuary / Thol Lake :
Best time early morning for Thol Lake. In winter if you go before sunrise you can see Twilight sky amazing with lake shore and birds sound .During all season Thol lake has its own beauty. Every season you can visit at Thol Lake. But mostly during winter from November to March season is best for Thol Sanctuary visit. Because during winter lots of Migratory birds came here and stay for long time so for birding winter season is best at Thol Lake. Also during summer some of birds stays here like flamingos and pelicans, geese etc. So you can also see them in summer too. Also during summer water level of lake is low so may be the birds you can get in deep or sometimes closer. During monsoon most people don’t visit but if you like macro photography then you must visit Thol lake in monsoon. You can get some excellent macro subjects like waterdrops , Spiders, Insects etc.
What to do and What not to do in Thol Lake / Keep in mind while visiting sanctuary in India :
• Keep silence in sanctuary
• Maintain discipline
• Keep sanctuary clean
• Do not throw plastic waste anywhere in sanctuary
• Protect wildlife
• Observe birds, mammals etc and protect them and identify them
• Follow rules of wildlife protection act -1972
• Don’t disturb birds and animals
• Don’t enter in sanctuary with liquor and inflammable objects
• Don’t make loud noice.
• Enter in sanctuary with permit only and keep receipt till you leave sanctuary
• Don’t feed birds and animals
Where to Stay near Thol Lake :
Well near to Thol Lake there are not good places to stay at night but you can go near to destinations like Kadi, Kalol or Gandhinagar , Ahmedabad where you can get good places to stay at night. Nearest I suggest Kalol around 15-18 km or you can go Ahmedabad around 25 km.
Places to Visit near Thol Lake :
If you are staying at Ahmedabad then go for Ahmedabad Darshan , Pol area of Ahmedabad and Adalaj Ni Vav ( Heritage places ) etc. Also go for fast food test at night at Manek Chauk and SindhuBhavan road there are lots of option for food lovers like Urban Chauk, Freezbee etc.
If you stay at Gandhinagar then visit Mahatma Mandir at Gandhinagar, Sarita udyan , Akshardham Temple etc.
I would suggest Modhera Sun Temple if you had some more time which is around 100km from Ahmedabad. For bird lovers and bird photographer I would suggest visit Little ran of Kutch (LRK) during Winter season, Pariej Lake, Indroda park Gandhinagar, Jessore Sanctuary Banaskantha etc.
How to Reach Thol Sanctuary :
Nearest airport is Ahmedabad and from Ahmedabad thol lake distance is around 30-40 km
Also for Railway station is Ahmedabad because you can get all frequency and destinations from Ahmedabad railway station.
Bahucharaji or Becharaji is located in Mehsana district Gujarat. It is a Hindu Temple of Hindu Goddess Bahuchara Mata.Bahucharaji Temple is in Bahucharaji town near shankhalpur village Mehsana. Bahucharaji Temple is in center of town. Bahucharaji temple managed by State Government. Ma Devi Bahucharaji is worshipped here as Goddess Bala Tripura Sundari.
Story of Bahucharaji temple
As per old people says Dandasur demon was stayed near Becharaji and won Patallok, Mrutyulok and Devloka all three lokas. The Devil has boon from Lord Shiva that a godeess appeared against him in small girl form. All 3 lokas Devas went to Goddess Parambaa to save them from demon. The Bahuchar mata appeared in form of small girl for fist time at Varakhadi tree . So bahuchar mata known as Bala Bahuchara Mata. Goddess killed demon with Trishul and bought peace for people of earth.
- Main vehicle of Bahuchar Mata is cock.
- Bala Yantra of Crystle and encased In gold is worshipped at temple.
- Bahuchar Mata carries sward on top right hand, Abhay mudra on bottom right, a text of scriptures on top left and trident on bottom left.
- In my family we believed that new born male child first time hair removed ( Mundan ) after 1 year in temple.
- It is also believed that any new child don’t speak properly then bought here and on his behalf cock donated to Mata and in few days child can speak properly.
- All over from India devotee came here and pray for blessing of Goddess. On purnima ( full moon ) day is special for devotees. On Chaitri Poonam 5 days fair arranged near the Temple and in city.
Where to Stay in Bahucharaji or Bechraji :
There are lots of Dharamshala , Hotels, Guest Houses in Bahucharaji. All places are in good rate available. People can also go to Mehsana , Shankhalpur for stay . Also people can go to Modhera Sun Temple for visit.
Bahucharaji Mata Temple Darshan Timing :
Bahucharaji Mata temple darshan timing is from 5.30 AM to 10 PM .
Nearest Airport : Ahmedabad
District : Mehsana
Pincode of Bechraji : 384213
Ambaji is a town in Banaskantha district. The town surrounded by aravalli Hills. Ambaji is Famous for Ambaji Temple. Millions of devotees visit Ambaji Temple every year. Even my family also visited Ambaji Temple once in a year Climate of Ambaji is change in all season . Summer is very hot around 45 degree and in winter temperature goes down to 6-7 degree. Rainfall average 15 -30 in in monsoon.
About Ambaji Temple:
- Ambaji Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas .
- Ambaji Mata Temple is a major Shakti peethas in India. It is also known as Arasuri Ambaji Mata Temple.
- Shree visa Yantra is worship as main God. No one can see Yantra with nacked eye. And also the Photography of Yantra is not allowed.
- The original seat of Ambaji Mata is at on top of Gabbar Hill.
- On purnima day large number of people come to Ambaji temple for darshan. On Bhadarvi Poornima there is a large mela in city. People from all over the country come here by walk from their destination on Bhadarvi Purnima . People make food camps, medicine camp, refreshment camp in between the road for people who come by walk in Ambaji Temple.
- The shrine of Shri Amba is regarded as a revered shrine by Shakta Shaktism sect of Hinduism. There was a say and also it believed that the heart of Sati Devi has fallen here.
The Myth of Ambaji Temple :
According to Lord Vishnu cut the corpse os sati with his weapon Sudarshan Chakra and 51 pieces fell on earth. That 51 place built shrine. And at Ambaji there was a say that Sati Devi’s heart was fallen so Ambaji is one of most important Shakti Peeth.
Gabbar Hill , Ambaji Temple
Gabbar is located at west of Ambaji Village at around 4-5 km away. It believed that original seat of the Goddess is at top of Gabbar Hill. There are around 999 steps for climbing Gabbar Hill. Among them 300 stone steps and rest are very narrow passage so it’s a thrill to climb. On the flat top of the hill there is a small temple of Ambaji. In this temple small covered lamp keep constantly burning. The lamp also seen from Ambaji Temple at night. There are footprint of Goddess their under the pipal tree.
In Ramayana there is a say that Lord Rama worship devi Ambaji so Devi Ambaji gave him an arrow name AJAY and with this arrow Lord Rama killed Ravan in the war.
9 Swaroop of Devi Ambaji :
- Shri Bhramcharini
- Shri Chandra Ganta
- Shri Katyayini
- Shri Kalratri
- Shri Mata Gauri
- Shri Kushmanda
- Shri Shail Putri
- Shri Siddhi Datri
- Shri Skandmata
Ambaji Temple Darshan Timing
Arti timing every day 6.00 AM in the morning
Winter Timing
|
Morning |
7.00 AM to 11.30 AM |
|
Afternoon |
12.30 PM to 4.00 PM |
|
Evening |
6.00 PM to 8.30 PM |
Summer Timing
|
Morning |
7.00 AM to 10.45 AM |
|
Afternoon |
12.30 PM to 4.30 PM |
|
Evening |
5.30 PM to 9.15 PM |
Monsoon Timing
|
Morning |
7.00 AM to 11.30 AM |
|
Afternoon |
12.30 PM to 4.30 PM |
|
Evening |
5.00 PM to 9.00 PM |
Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust has installed Udan Khatola ( Rope –way ) facility for Gabbar hill.
Rope way price for adult is 125 rs and for kids below 110 cm is 64 rs.
Where To stay In Ambaji :
There are lots of hotels in Ambaji. Most hotels near to the temple. Generally i prefere at Reva Prabhu hotel or Jethiba Sadan which provide good Gujarati Thali in food and good condition rooms with good fare. Now a days there is a resort near Pancha village bus stand name Vanraji Resort before 3-5 km from Ambaji Temple. It is the first resort in Ambaji and resort is awesome. You can stay and enjoy the arravalli hills.