Tangyud Monastery

Tangyud Monastery is a fortified Tibetan Buddhist gompa belonging to the Sakya sect, located in Komic village at an altitude of approximately 4,520 meters in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Built in the early 14th century on the edge of a deep canyon, it is one of only two remaining Sakya monasteries in the region. The structure features massive slanted mud walls with red and white vertical stripes designed to resemble a castle. It overlooks Kaza and sits on the periphery of the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.

Visitors can expect to see a fortress-style monastery with distinctive red and white striped mud walls situated at high altitude above a canyon. Access to inner chambers, including a dark tantric room dedicated to Mahakala containing masks and statuary, may be granted by resident monks but photography is typically prohibited inside. A stuffed snow leopard is displayed near the entrance of the restricted section where women are reportedly not permitted. Basic homestay accommodation and food may be available nearby, though facilities are minimal due to the remote location and extreme altitude.

Built in the early 14th century when Sakyapas rose to power under Mongol patronage, possibly replacing an earlier Kadampa establishment founded by Rinchen Zangpo. The name may reference a Sakya revision of the Tang-rGyud (87 volumes of Tantra treatises) completed around 1310 CE. The monastery was damaged in a 1972 earthquake and relocated from Hikkim to its current site. It housed approximately 60 monks in 1855 and suffered repeated robberies between 1920-1940.

Serves as the primary remaining center of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism in Spiti Valley, where most other monasteries belong to Gelug or Drukpa traditions. Monks are renowned for proficiency in tantric practice and daily Mahakala pujas. The monastery maintains historical ties to local chieftains through a dedicated guest cell and preserves ancient thangkas and religious artifacts despite past losses.