Key Monastery

Getting there

Key sits on the road from Kaza to Kibber, on the left bank of the Spiti river. From Kaza it is a short, steady climb by taxi, car or motorbike; park below the monastery and walk up the last stretch. In summer there is usually one bus a day from Kaza towards Kibber in the late afternoon, passing Key, which comes back early the next morning. Times change, so check at the Kaza bus stand.

Spiti Villa is on Kibber Village Road, just below the monastery, about 4 km by road and a short, steep walk on foot.

Visiting

The gompa is a warren of low doorways, steep wooden stairs and small chapels, stacked up the hill like a fort. The rooftop looks straight down the Spiti valley. If you come early you can usually sit quietly at the back of the morning prayers.

• Walk clockwise around chapels, stupas and prayer wheels.
• Ask before taking photos indoors. Some halls don’t allow it.
• Take your shoes off where you are asked to, and leave a donation if you are given tea or a tour.

Key holds its masked Chham dances once a year in summer, on a date set by the Tibetan calendar. Ask locally for that year’s date.

Key, Kibber and Chicham in one morning

Key is on the way to Kibber and Chicham Bridge, and most people see all three in half a day. If you are staying in Key you start the loop half an hour ahead of everyone driving up from Kaza.

The altitude

At over 4,100 m, the monastery’s stairs will leave you short of breath. If you have come straight up from Kinnaur or over Kunzum Pass from Manali, rest for a day before you climb around the gompa. Our safety guide covers the warning signs.