Kungri Monastery

Kungri Monastery is a historic Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect located in the Pin Valley of Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh. Established around 1330 AD, it is recognized as the second oldest monastery in Spiti and the only one in the region belonging to the Nyingmapa order. The complex consists of three detached rectangular blocks facing east and houses ancient murals, silk paintings, and sacred texts. It serves as a significant center for tantric Buddhist practice and cultural heritage.

Visitors can explore three distinct rectangular temple blocks containing exquisite murals depicting deities of the Vajrayana pantheon and preserved volumes of Kenjur and Tenjur texts. The site offers views of snow-capped peaks and the Pin River from its elevated position at approximately 3,500 meters. Travelers may observe resident monks during prayer sessions or interact with them if permitted. During July, visitors might witness the traditional Devil Dance and sword dance performances unique to this Nyingma institution.

Founded around 1330 AD, Kungri Monastery is Spiti's second oldest gompa and provides unmistakable evidence of tantric cult practices in Buddhism. It has maintained its affiliation with the Nyingma school, the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, throughout its history. The monastery recently received large foreign donations for renovation, highlighting its continued importance.

As the main centre of the Nyingma-pa sect in Spiti, Kungri Monastery preserves unique iconography, thangka styles, and rituals distinct from the more prevalent Gelugpa monasteries in the region. It hosts the annual Devil Dance (Chham) and sword dance performed by buzhens of Mud village, which are integral traditions of the Nyingmapa order. The site safeguards ancient Tibetan Buddhist art, culture, and sacred textual heritage.