About Gemur Monastery
Gemur Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist gompa belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu sect, located above Gemur village in the Bhaga River valley of Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh. Dating from the first half of the 17th century, it was relocated to its current site in 1870. The monastery houses an 11th-century statue of Marichi Vajravarahi and serves as a central religious seat in the sTod valley. It is situated approximately 18 km from Keylong on NH-505.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a short 15-20 minute uphill walk from Gemur village to reach the whitewashed monastery complex at 3,370 meters elevation. The site features a three-storey main building, prayer flags, stone carvings, and murals inside the prayer halls. Access to inner sanctums depends on monk availability, as there are no fixed opening hours or formal ticketing. Panoramic views of the Bhaga River valley and surrounding mountains are visible from the courtyard. Daily rituals like chanting and butter lamp offerings may be observed.
Key highlights
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17th-century Drukpa Kagyu monastery relocated in 1870
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Houses an 11th-century statue of Goddess Marichi Vajravarahi
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Panoramic views of the Bhaga River valley from the courtyard
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Annual Tshechu Fair featuring Cham masked dances (subject to local confirmation)
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Scenic 15-20 minute uphill trek from Gemur village
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Traditional Tibetan Buddhist murals and stone carvings
History of Gemur Monastery
Founded in the first half of the 17th century by sTagtshang Raspa or constructed by Lama Tenzin Paldan with patronage from the Thakurs of Khangsar. Originally built at a higher elevation, it was relocated to its present site in 1870, possibly due to avalanche damage. It has historically been one of the richest monasteries in Lahaul and a central seat of Tibetan Buddhism in the sTod valley.
Culture & Context
A vital center for the Drukpa Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Lahaul. Hosts the annual Tshechu Fair, traditionally featuring Cham masked dances that enact the triumph of good over evil. The monastery preserves ancient religious artifacts including an 11th-century deity statue and maintains daily devotional practices such as mantra chanting and butter lamp offerings.