Village · Spiti · Lahaul-Spiti · 3,894 m

Dhankar — the complete village guide

Dhankar sits on a spur at the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers, with its ancient monastery clinging to the cliff. The old fort-monastery (now unsafe to enter fully) is one of the oldest in Spiti. A 45-minute trek above the village leads to the small Dhankar Lake.

"Monastery-fort on a cliff. Serious history."

Best time
May–Oct.
Nearest road-head
Dhankar (motorable)
Mobile network
BSNL only.
Stays
Dhankar Monastery Guest House, Sam-Chub Homestay. ₹1,000–2,500.

How to reach Dhankar

Nearest road-head: Dhankar (motorable). Cheapest one-way taxi is ₹2,500 from Kasol (132 km).

FromDistanceTimeSedanSUVInnova
Kasol132 km5 hrs2,5003,1003,900Route
Manali152 km5 hrs2,6003,3004,000Route
Kullu163 km6 hrs2,8003,5004,300Route
Mandi198 km7 hrs3,4004,3005,300Route
Shimla227 km8 hrs3,9004,9006,000Route
Dharamshala277 km10 hrs4,7005,9007,300Route
Chandigarh314 km11 hrs5,8007,3009,000Route
Delhi616 km22 hrs11,50014,40017,800Route

Things to do in Dhankar

  • Old cliff monastery (1,200 years)
  • Dhankar Lake trek (45 min uphill)
  • View of Pin-Spiti river confluence
  • Sunset from the fort ridge
  • Combine with Tabo + Pin Valley

Practical tips before you go

Frequently asked questions