Sural Bhatori

Sural Bhatori is a remote Buddhist village located in the Sural sub-valley of Pangi Valley in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh. Perched at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters, it is the last inhabited village in the valley and is known for the historic Tashi Chholing Gompa monastery surrounded by Himalayan Birch trees. The village offers majestic mountain views, access to Chabi Waterfall, and serves as a base for high-altitude treks connecting to Zanskar and Kishtwar.

Visitors can expect a quiet, traditional Buddhist village experience with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and open meadows where cattle graze. The primary attractions include the ancient Tashi Chholing Gompa monastery, which houses old paintings and a large Buddha statue, and the nearby Chabi Waterfall accessible via a short hike. The environment is rugged and remote, with basic homestay accommodations available. Visitors can observe local life, including the use of birch bark for sacred texts, and enjoy the serene high-altitude landscape.

Sural Bhatori is home to the Tashi Chholing Gompa, considered the oldest monastery in the Pangi Valley. The monastery contains paintings that are over 300 years old and was further popularized by H.E. Apo Rinpoche in 1960. A new monastery structure was inaugurated in August 2021.

The village is inhabited by the Bhotia people, Buddhists of Tibetan descent, giving it the name 'Bhatori'. It serves as a center for Buddhist culture in the region, with the monastery playing a central role in community life. The area is known for its traditional practices, including the use of Himalayan Birch bark for writing sacred texts.