In the world there are some of the most remarkable monasteries have stood for the long centuries. These high altitude monasteries are more than just a place of worship, as they are the symbols of faith, resilience, and architectural brilliance. These places were built on towering cliffs, rugged mountain slopes and remote valleys and continues to inspire pilgrims, trekkers, and travelers from all around the globe. From the world’s highest monastery in Tibet to the iconic Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan and the ancient monasteries of India’s Himalayas these sites offers the breathtaking views and fascinating histories. Here are the world’s seven most spectacular high-altitude monasteries.
Here Are World’s Most Spectacular High-Altitude Monasteries
1. Rongbuk Monastery, Tibet – The World’s Highest Monastery
At the peak of Mount Everest, located at an elevation of 5000 meters above sea level is the Rongbuk Monastery the highest monastery in the world. This stunning, peaceful location on the northern slopes of Everest provides visitors with incredible panoramic views over the highest mountain on the planet.
Rongbuk Monastery was built during the early part of the 20th century and is special for being one of only two monasteries in the world that accommodates both men (monks) and women (nuns) in the same religious facility.
Rongbuk Monastery is still a very important centre for the practice of Tibetan Buddhism, and is one of the most popular places to visit among climbers travelling to the North Base Camp of Mount Everest.
- Elevation: 5000 metres
- Location: Tibet Autonomous Region
2. Key Gompa, India – The Crown Jewel of Spiti Valley
The Key Gompa Monastery is located in India’s Spiti Valley at an elevation of 4166 metres above sea level. Key Gompa Monastery is home to one of India’s most important additions to the list of Buddhist monasteries and temples and it is over 1000 years old!
Key Gompa Monastery consists of a series of whitewashed mud brick buildings that appear to be tiered and rise in the shape of a cone, creating an incredible sight against the rugged terrain of Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley.
Visitors to the Key Gompa Monastery can explore historic murals, ancient Buddhist scriptures, prayer halls, and traditional Tibetan musical instruments that have been preserved by generations of monks.
- Elevation: 4166 metres
- Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
3. Phugtal Gompa, India – The Hidden Cliffside Monastery
In the Zanskar Valley of Ladakh, tucked away in the high mountains, lies the Phugtal Gompa (“Phugtal Monastery”). This monastery is built directly into a natural limestone cave, and it has an elevation of 3,800 meters (“12,467 feet”) above sea level, above a narrow river gorge and resembles a honeycomb carved into the mountainside.
The only way to get to this monastery is by walking (hiking) across suspension bridges and through mountain trails; therefore, it has been able to maintain its centuries-old traditions and is one of the most interesting and spiritual destinations in India.
- Elevation: 3,800 meters
- Location: Zanskar, Ladakh
4. Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan – The Icon of Bhutan
Paro Taktsang (“Tiger’s Nest”) is likely one of the most captured monasteries in the Himalayas. The (“Tiger’s Nest”) sits on the edge of a cliff, at an altitude of 3,120 meters (“10,238 feet”) above the Paro Valley.
Guru Padmasambhava (also called Guru Rinpoche) meditated in a cave when he arrived at this site on the back of a flying tiger.
Presently, visitors ascend a flight of stone steps to reach this remarkable site, where they are rewarded with spectacular views of the Himalayas and spiritual experiences.
- Elevation: 3,120 meters
- Location: Paro Valley, Bhutan
5. Holy Trinity Monastery, Greece – Suspended Above the Clouds
Perched atop a towering sandstone pillar, approximately 400 metres above the valley floor, the Holy Trinity Monastery is located in the stunning Meteora region of Greece.
The monastery, built during the 14th century, was originally only accessible via rope ladders and nets, today visitors can reach the monastery via approximately 140 carved stone steps, making it a unique Eastern Orthodox sanctuary, known for its breathtaking views and dramatic location.
- Elevation – 400 metres above the surrounding valley
- Location – Meteora, Greece
6. Sumela Monastery, Turkey – A Cliffside Marvel
Founded in 386 A.D., Sumela Monastery has been overlooking the lush Pontic mountains in northeast Turkey for over 1,600 years.
Built into a steep cliff 1,200 metres above sea level, the monastery is noted for its beautiful rock-cut chapels and colourful byzantine frescoes, which still attract historians, pilgrims, and photographers alike.
- Elevation – 1,200 metres
- Location – Trabzon Province, Turkey
7. Taung Kalat, Myanmar – The Monastery Above a Volcano
Taung Kalat is home to a monastery built on a volcanic plug 737 meters in the air. The monastery is extremely sacred and a center for Buddhism as well.
There are 777 total steps (all covered) to get to the monastery from bare feet and the fun of climbing is sharing the steps with monkeys that also use them.
While the Taung Kalat Monastery is a site for pilgrimage and thus a center for the traditional practice of spirit worship in Myanmar, this confluence of traditions presents a unique opportunity to experience both Buddhist beliefs and ancient local traditions at their finest.
- Altitude: 737 meters
- Location: Mandalay Region, Myanmar
Things To Do At This Special Places
Enjoy amazing views, both spiritual and physical, from the only two volcanic rock millions of years old in the Mandalay Region, travel along the incredible views of Mount Popa and appreciate the beauty
Many travelers are intrigued by the existence of high-altitude monasteries for many reasons, however aesthetically they are much greater in significance.
Many of these monasteries were built in extreme locations; therefore, other than the impressive buildings, they represent humanity’s search for inner peace, spirituality and harmony with nature.
Most of these monasteries are home to manuscripts, ritual, art and cultural practices that date back several centuries and have made significant contributions to Buddhist (and Christian) faith.
Their remote location also attracts many adventure travelers looking to combine cultural visits with adventure activities such as trekking.
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