20 Attractions to Explore Near Dhankar Lake

Tabo Monastery, also known as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas,' is one of the most popular monasteries in the Lahaul and Spiti Valley and was founded more than a millennium back in 996 A.D. This ancient structure stands on the barren, cold, and rocky desert of the Tabo valley at a dizzying height of 3050 meters above sea level. This untouched beauty has preserved the glorious heritage, traditions, and culture of Buddhism through the passage of centuries.

Sakya Tangyud Monastery is built like a fortified castle on the edge of a deep canyon, with massive slanted mud walls and battlements with vertical red ochre and white vertical stripes which make them look much taller than they really are. It is one of the highest altitude gompas (monasteries) in India, at an altitude of 4,520 metres (14,830 ft), on the edge of a deep canyon and overlooking the town of Kaza, Spiti.

This is a huge Buddha statue located in the Langza village and it is located in the top of a hill and many tourists come here to see this huge statue.

Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayas in the north-eastern part of the Himachal Pradesh. The name "Spiti" means "The middle land", i.e. the land between Tiber and India. The valley and surrounding region is one of the least populated regions in India and is the gateway to the northernmost reaches of the nation.

Mantalai Lake is located at 4200 m on the trail to Pin Parvati pass and is the source of Parvati river. The lake is formed by the melting of snow from the nearby mountains and glaciers. There is a legend associated with a stone crossing at Mantalai and a shrine lined with tridents has been built to this effect. The Parvati river is crossed on Pandu Pul, which marks the route that the Pandava brothers took in an earlier age.

The Key Monastery is a famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Lahaul and Spiti District of India. Located at an altitude of 4,166 metres above the sea level, the monastery is very close to the Spiti River in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh in India. Also known as the Kye Monastery and Ki Monastery, it is believed to have been founded by Dromton, who was a student of the famous teacher Atisha in the 11th century.

Pin Valley National Park is a national park located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Steeped in historical and present-day Buddhist and Tibetan culture evident architecturally in Monastries and Stupas and in the daily living of its residents and Lamas. Pin Valley National Park was established by India on 9 January 1987. The park is located in the desert habitat of the Spiti valley.

The bridge is at a staggering height of 13596 ft and connects the two villages named Chicham and Kibber. Look down this one and you will find yourself gaping below, at a 1000 ft deep gorge! The gorge below is known by the name of Samba Lamba Nallah; the making of this bridge cuts down the journey from Kibbar to Losar by 40 km.

This is a mountain peak close to the Spiti valley. Its peak is 6,132 metres (20,118 ft) above sea level. The Shilla peak is on the divide between Lingti and Shilla Nullah/nala.

This is the highest village in the valley and the existence of lake formed out of the masses of the ice and snow above adds beauty to the village.The lake is fringed with willows and populars. Yaks, kine, horses and asses are reared here in abundance. Local village deity is Deodum and another Lagang temple with several idols exist here.

Kothi is also called Koshtampi is an ancient large village in tehsil Kalpa, little below the Kalpa and nearby Reckong Peo. The village is environed by the fields and fruit trees punctuated by vineyards. It is over shadowed by Kinner Kailash peak which forms a magnificent backdrops. The village with its attractive temple, tanks and gracious willows makes an altogether lovely landscape. The goddess Shuwang Chandika temple is in the village.

Kalpa is a small town in the Sutlej river valley which is well known for its apple orchards. This is a beautiful village to inhibit and there are so many small locations to see.

Reckong Peo is situated at an altitude of 2670 m from the sea level, located 235 km from Shimla. It is the District Headquarter having a panoramic view of Kinner Kailash. Kinner Kailash mountain is regarded as one of the mythical homes of Lord Shiva, here is a 79 feet high rock formation that resembles Sivalinga. This Sivalinga changes the colour as the day passes. Also visible on the stretch is the peak of Raldang (5499 m). Reckong Peo has many hotels and rest houses.

This is a mountain that is fully covered with snow in the Lahaul and Spiti district. There is so much variety of Flora and Fauna. Trekkers paradise, mountaineering, rock climbing, etc.

Kunzum Pass or Kunzum La, as it is called by locals, is one of the highest motorable mountain passes of India, located at an altitude of 4,551m above mean sea level. It serves as a gateway to the beautiful Spiti valley Via Kullu and Lahaul. It lies on the eastern Kunzum Range of the Himalayas and is at a distance of 122 km from Manali. Kunzum La offers an incredible 360-degree view of Bara- Shigri Glacier , a jaw-dropping vista of Chandrabhaga Range and a spectacular view of the Spiti valley.

Regarded as one of the most challenging treks in the northern Himalayan region, Parvati Valley Trek is perfect for those seeking adventure. The mesmerising views all around will not only leave you spellbound by its beauty but also filled with adrenaline by the challenges it throws at you at every nook and corner.

Kheerganga is located amidst the astounding Parvati Valley in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Parvati Valley is considered the trekker’s paradise. Kheerganga is the most popular trek in Kasol 14 kilometres uphill from base camp. If you are a novice trekker, this is where you want to start.

Chandra Taal lake is on the Samudra Tapu plateau, which overlooks Chandra river. The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape. It is at an altitude of about 4,300 metres. Chandra Taal is a tourist destination for trekkers and campers.

Sangla, a populous village, situated on the right bank of the Baspa river, is famous for its high fertile soil, at an elevation of 2621 m above the sea level and falls at a distance of 17 km from Karcham. It is built on a slope with the house rising one above the other; the scene being closed by the gigantic Raldang peaks towering behind. The forest scenery all-around and the eternal snow peaks are picturesque.

This small town is known for its hot springs and pilgrim centers. It is a pilgrim center for both Hindus and Sikhs, hence there are many temples and a gurudwara here.