Keylong

In the fertile Bhaga valley, Keylong, the capital of Lahaul and Spiti, is a reasonable place to break up the journey from Leh to Manali (although you are almost at Manali anyway), or to base yourself for day trips to nearby gompas.

Around Keylong

KHARDONG GOMPA : The 90-year-old gompa at Khardong, formerly a capital of Lahaul, lies directly across the Bhaga valley from Keylong. This Drukpa Kagyud monastery is the largest in the area with about 30 lamas and chomos (nuns) .There are excellent frescoes but you'll have to track down a nun to open the doors for you. To get the monastery, head through the bazaar, follow the stepped path down to the hospital, continue to bridge over the Bhaga River and then hike up to Khardong.

SHASHUR GOMPA :
03 kilometers from Keylong is the Shashur Gompa. Dedicated to a Zanskari lama, it was built in the 16th century and is of the Gelukpa order. The 5 m thangka is famous in the region. An annual festival held every June or July (depending on the Tibetan calendar) is renowned for the mask dances performed by the lamas.