Lhalung Monastery

Lhalung Monastery, also known as Serkhang Gompa or the Golden Temple, is one of the earliest monasteries in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Founded in the late 10th century by the translator Rinchen Zangpo, it served historically as a Choshor site for learning and debate. Located at an altitude of 3,658 meters in Lhalung village, the monastery is renowned for its ancient mud-plaster sculptures and golden frescoes within the main sanctuary.

Visitors can explore the historic Serkhang temple featuring intricate mud-plaster sculptures of over 51 deities and golden frescoes dating back to the 10th century. The monastery complex includes remains of ancient walls indicating its former scale as a major educational center. The surrounding village offers views of Tangmar mountain and traditional agrarian landscapes in the Lingti Valley. Visitors may observe daily prayers and experience a peaceful spiritual atmosphere in this remote high-altitude setting.

Founded in the late 10th century CE by the great translator Rinchen Zangpo during the reign of the Kingdom of Guge, Lhalung was originally a Kadampa establishment that later became a Sakyapa stronghold in the 14th century before being annexed to the Gelugpa fold in the 17th century. It functioned as a Choshor site, a major center for religious learning and debate, and originally comprised nine temples of which only one now remains.

The name Lhalung means 'land of the gods' and the local deity Lhalung Devta is considered the head of all valley deities, residing in Tangmar mountain which is said to change color based on divine moods. The monastery houses sacred art and statues that local folklore claims were crafted by gods in a single night, reflecting deep spiritual reverence within the community.