Tabo, Dhankar, and Pin Valley form the heart of sightseeing in Spiti Valley. If you are planning a trip to Spiti in 2026, these three spots should be at the top of your itinerary. A thousand-year-old monastery, a dramatic cliff-top fort, a high-altitude lake trek, and a national park teeming with rare wildlife. All of this packed into one stretch of the Spiti circuit, roughly 50 km from Kaza.
I have visited this stretch multiple times over the years, and each time, these places have left a different impression. The silence at Dhankar Lake, the ancient murals inside Tabo Monastery, and the raw beauty of Pin Valley are things that grow on you with every visit. In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Tabo, Dhankar Monastery, Dhankar Lake, and Pin Valley on your Spiti trip.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
How Should You Plan the Tabo, Dhankar, and Pin Valley Circuit?
The ideal way to explore Tabo, Dhankar, and Pin Valley is over 2 days when you are entering Spiti from the Kinnaur side. As I have recommended in the most common Spiti itinerary, when you start from Kalpa, plan your first overnight stop at Tabo. The altitude at Tabo is lower than Kaza (about 3,280 meters compared to 3,650 meters), so it helps with acclimatization.
On Day 1, explore Tabo village, visit the monastery, and hike up to the meditation caves. On Day 2, drive to Dhankar Monastery, do the Dhankar Lake trek, and then take the 20 km diversion into Pin Valley to reach Mud Village. You can head to Kaza the next day, maybe covering Lingti Valley, Rama village, and Lhalung village on the way.
There is so much to cover in Spiti Valley. I have already written detailed guides about Ki, Kibber, Gette, and Tashigang and Langza, Komic, and Hikkim. This guide focuses specifically on the Tabo, Dhankar, and Pin Valley stretch. The best part is, all these places are roughly a day’s drive from each other.
Practical Info: Best time to visit: May to October. Tabo altitude: 3,280 m (10,764 ft). Dhankar Monastery: 3,894 m (12,776 ft). Dhankar Lake: 4,140 m (13,583 ft). Mud Village: 3,800 m (12,467 ft). Nearest fuel pump: Kaza (47 km from Tabo). Mobile network: BSNL works intermittently. No ATM at Tabo, Dhankar, or Pin Valley. Nearest ATM: Kaza. Carry cash.
What Makes Tabo Village Special in Spiti Valley?
Tabo is the second most important village in Spiti Valley after Kaza, and it sits 47 km from Kaza on the Kinnaur-Spiti highway. The village is famous for its ancient monastery, founded in 996 CE by the great translator Rinchen Zangpo. That makes Tabo Monastery over a thousand years old, and it is often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” because of its extraordinary wall murals and frescoes.
The monastery complex includes nine temples, 23 chortens, monks’ chambers, and a nuns’ chamber. The Dalai Lama has expressed his desire to retire at Tabo, which tells you how significant this monastery is in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. There was a proposal to declare it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though I am not sure about the current status of that survey. You can learn more about Tabo Monastery on Wikipedia.
What Can You Do in Tabo Village?
Tabo is not a place you rush through. I always recommend spending at least one full day here. Here is what you can do:
- Visit Tabo Monastery: Walk through the ancient prayer halls. The butter lamp-lit interiors and thousand-year-old murals are remarkable. There is no entry fee. Photography is restricted inside the main temple.
- Hike to the Meditation Caves: Above the village, you will find caves carved into the hillside where monks used to meditate. The hike takes about 30 minutes one way, and the views of the Spiti River valley from there are worth the effort.
- Stroll Through the Village: Tabo is a quiet, unhurried place. The monks at the monastery grow organic apples that you should taste if you visit during September or October.
- Stay Overnight: Tabo has numerous stay options now. For a detailed list, check my guide on good hotels and accommodation in Spiti Valley. Budget homestays start from Rs 500-800 per night, and mid-range options go up to Rs 1,500-3,000 per night (as of 2025).
For people coming from Kinnaur, Tabo is the perfect acclimatization stop because it is lower in altitude than Kaza. You give your body a chance to adjust before heading deeper into Spiti. I have a dedicated Tabo Monastery travel guide if you want to read about it in more detail.
What Is the History and Significance of Dhankar Monastery?
Dhankar Monastery sits at an altitude of 3,894 meters (12,776 ft), perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. It is about 32 km from Kaza and 31 km from Tabo, including an 8 km diversion road from Shichilling on the main highway. You can easily visit Dhankar when traveling from Kinnaur to Spiti.
In the local language, “Dhang” means a cliff, and “Kar” or “Khar” means a fort. Hence, Dhankar literally translates to “a fort on a cliff.” And once you see it, the name makes perfect sense.
The monastery was once the capital of the Spiti Valley kingdom and served both as a fort and a religious center. Today, it belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The original structure is getting increasingly fragile due to erosion of the cliff on which it stands. Various conservation initiatives are underway to save this monument. If you wish to contribute, you can get in touch with Tsering at Sakya Abode in Kaza. You can also read more about Dhankar Gompa on Wikipedia.
What Can You See at Dhankar Monastery?
The highlight of Dhankar is the view from the highest vantage point. On my visit, the spot where the Spiti and Pin River confluence becomes visible was unforgettable. The wind was powerful, and that little viewing area with low fencing gave me a strong sense of vertigo, almost as if the wind could carry me down the cliff. Keep in mind, the final stretch to the viewpoint is narrow and exposed, so be careful with kids and during windy conditions.
A new Dhankar Monastery has been built nearby (called Dhankar Gompa or the new monastery). Most visitors end up at the new one first. Make sure you visit the old monastery on the cliff as well. That is the real attraction. No entry fee is charged, but donations are welcome.
How Difficult Is the Dhankar Lake Trek?
The Dhankar Lake trek is a moderate high-altitude hike that takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours one way, depending on your fitness level. The lake sits at approximately 4,140 meters (13,583 ft), about 300 meters above the monastery. The trail is roughly 5 km long, and the initial 30-40 minutes involve a steep climb. After that, the path becomes more gradual until you reach the lake.
What Should You Know Before Trekking to Dhankar Lake?
The beauty of Dhankar Lake is not the lake itself but the extreme feeling of solitude it offers. Sitting beside that lake in complete silence, with the massive Manirang Pass range in the backdrop, is an experience that words cannot fully capture. Here are some practical tips for the trek:
- Trail condition: The path is well-marked and does not require a guide. However, I would not recommend trekking alone at this altitude. Always have company.
- Water level: The lake sometimes has less water due to low glacial melt. If you visit in early May (early season), the lake may still be frozen.
- What to carry: A water bottle, dry fruits, energy bars, and glucose water. Stay hydrated and energized throughout the trek.
- Descent: Coming down is faster but the last section has a steep gradient. Watch your footing at every step so you do not slip, especially if the trail is loose.
- Time required: Budget 3-4 hours for the complete round trip including time spent at the lake.
- Acclimatization: If you have just arrived in Spiti, do not attempt this trek on Day 1. Spend at least one night at Tabo or Kaza first.
Do not forget to read these special tips on first-time trekking in the Himalayas before you attempt any trek in Spiti.
What Should You Know About Pin Valley and Mud Village?
Pin Valley is home to Pin Valley National Park, established in 1987 to protect some of Spiti’s rarest wildlife, including the snow leopard, Siberian ibex, bharal (blue sheep), and red fox. In summer, rare birds like the Himalayan Snowcock, Chukar Partridge, Snow Partridge, and Snowfinch can also be spotted. The park’s elevation ranges from about 3,500 meters near Ka Dogri to over 6,000 meters at its highest point. You can learn more about Pin Valley National Park on Wikipedia.
How Do You Reach Pin Valley from Dhankar?
As you come down from Dhankar Monastery and move towards Kaza, the Pin Valley diversion comes at the Attargoo bridge. Take a left here and follow the 20 km road through the Pin Valley villages. The route goes from Gulling to Sagnam to Tailing, and finally to Mud Village, which is the last village connected by motorable road.
The entry fee for Pin Valley National Park is Rs 50 for Indian nationals and Rs 200 for foreigners (as of 2025, verify locally for current rates). You will need to pay this at the forest check post.
What Are the Key Attractions in Pin Valley?
- Kungri Monastery: Located about 10 km from Attargoo and 3 km from Gulling, this is one of the oldest monasteries in the valley, dating back to 1330 AD. It belongs to the Nyingmapa sect (the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism). Entry is free, and timings are 7 AM to 5 PM. If you visit in July, you may witness the annual Chham dance festival.
- Sagnam Village: Has a PWD rest house in case you want to spend a night in Pin Valley. A quiet, authentic village experience.
- Mud Village: The last motorable village in Pin Valley. Over the years, it has become the base for tourists, trekkers, and backpackers. You will find several guest houses and homestays here, with rates from Rs 500-1,000 per night. Mud Village also serves as the base camp for the famous Pin Parvati Pass trek (17,450 ft) and the route to Bhabha Valley.
- Pin Valley Views: The entire valley is largely virgin and serene. The barren, multi-colored mountain landscapes between the villages are worth stopping for repeatedly.
How Much Does a Tabo, Dhankar, and Pin Valley Trip Cost?
If you are planning a budget trip to Spiti, this stretch is quite affordable. Here is a rough cost breakdown per person per day (as of 2025-2026):
| Expense | Budget (INR) | Mid-Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Tabo/Mud Village) | Rs 500-800 | Rs 1,500-3,000 |
| Meals (per day) | Rs 300-500 | Rs 600-1,000 |
| Local transport (shared taxi/bus) | Rs 200-400 | Rs 500-1,000 |
| Pin Valley NP entry fee | Rs 50 (Indian) | Rs 50 (Indian) |
| Daily total (approx) | Rs 1,050-1,750 | Rs 2,650-5,050 |
For a detailed cost breakdown for the entire Spiti circuit, check my Spiti Valley trip cost and budget guide. If you are traveling by public transport on a tight budget, costs come down further since HRTC buses are quite cheap in this region.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Tabo, Dhankar, and Pin Valley?
The best time to visit this circuit is from May to October. Here is a month-by-month breakdown:
- May to June: Roads open after winter. Dhankar Lake may still be partially frozen in early May. Less crowd. Pleasant weather during the day, cold nights.
- July to September: Peak season. Best weather for the Dhankar Lake trek. Pin Valley is at its greenest. However, occasional landslides on the Kinnaur route during monsoon.
- October: Autumn colors in Tabo. Temperatures drop sharply after mid-October. Some years, the road to Pin Valley closes by late October.
- November to April: Extremely harsh winter. Roads may be blocked. Dhankar Lake freezes. Not recommended for regular tourists.
For a detailed month-by-month guide, refer to my article on the best time to visit Spiti Valley.
How Do You Reach Tabo and Dhankar from Kaza or Kinnaur?
There are two main approaches depending on which direction you are entering Spiti.
Coming from Kinnaur Side (Shimla/Reckong Peo)
If you are taking the Kinnaur route into Spiti, Tabo is the first major village you reach after crossing into Spiti. The drive from Reckong Peo to Tabo is about 140 km and takes 6-7 hours. You will cross Nako, the Malling Nala section (often damaged during monsoon), and Sumdo before reaching Tabo. An overnight stop at Tabo on Day 1 in Spiti is what I strongly recommend.
Coming from Kaza
Tabo is 47 km from Kaza, roughly a 1.5-hour drive on a decent road. You can do Tabo, Dhankar, and Pin Valley as a day trip from Kaza, but I would suggest staying overnight at Tabo to enjoy the village properly, especially the evening quiet when the tourist vehicles leave.
Coming from Manali Side
If you enter Spiti via the Manali route (through Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass), you will arrive in Kaza first. From there, plan a day trip or overnight excursion to Tabo, Dhankar, and Pin Valley.
What Practical Tips Should You Keep in Mind?
- Fuel: The only petrol pump in Spiti is at Kaza. Fill up before heading to Tabo or Pin Valley. If you are coming from Kinnaur, the last pump is at Reckong Peo (or Pooh).
- Cash: There are no ATMs at Tabo, Dhankar, or Pin Valley. The nearest ATM is in Kaza. Carry enough cash for your entire stay in this stretch.
- Mobile network: BSNL has the best coverage in Spiti, but even that is patchy. Do not expect internet. For details, check my guide on mobile phone connectivity in Spiti Valley.
- Permits: Indian nationals do not need an Inner Line Permit for Tabo, Dhankar, or Pin Valley. Foreign nationals need to check the latest ILP requirements from the SDM office.
- Medical: The nearest hospital is in Kaza (Primary Health Centre). Carry basic medicines, ORS, Diamox (for altitude sickness), and a first-aid kit.
- Road conditions: The Tabo-Kaza road is generally good. The 8 km diversion from Shichilling to Dhankar is a narrow mountain road. The 20 km Pin Valley road is fair but narrow in places.
What Else Can You Explore Nearby?
This stretch of Spiti is surrounded by other remarkable places. If you have extra days, consider exploring these:
- Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti, with markets, restaurants, and the starting point for most excursions
- Ki Monastery, Kibber, Gette, and Tashigang, the high-altitude village circuit near Kaza
- Langza, Komic, and Hikkim, including the world’s highest post office at Hikkim
- Giu Monastery, home to the 500-year-old mummy of Sangha Tenzin
- Lhalung Village and Lingti Valley, an offbeat detour between Dhankar and Kaza
- Kibber Village, one of the highest motorable villages in Asia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need for Tabo, Dhankar, and Pin Valley?
You need a minimum of 2 days to cover this circuit properly. Day 1 for Tabo village and monastery. Day 2 for Dhankar Monastery, the Dhankar Lake trek, and Pin Valley with Mud Village. If you can spare 3 days, you will have more time to enjoy the Dhankar Lake trek at a relaxed pace and spend a night at Mud Village.
Is the Dhankar Lake trek safe for beginners?
The trek is moderate in difficulty. If you have basic fitness and are acclimatized to the altitude (spent at least 1-2 days in Spiti), you can do it. The trail is well-marked. However, do not attempt it if you are experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness. Always trek with at least one companion.
Can you visit Tabo, Dhankar, and Pin Valley in one day?
Technically yes, if you start early from Kaza (by 6 AM). But it will be extremely rushed. You will have to skip either the Dhankar Lake trek or spending meaningful time at Tabo. I would not recommend it. Two days minimum is what I suggest.
Is there public transport to Dhankar and Pin Valley?
There is a daily HRTC bus from Kaza to Mud Village in Pin Valley that departs around 4 PM (schedules may vary seasonally, verify with HRTC before travel). The bus passes through Shichilling but does not go up to Dhankar Monastery. For Dhankar, you will need to either hitchhike from Shichilling or arrange a private vehicle. Most travelers hire a taxi for this circuit from Kaza.
What is the altitude of Dhankar Lake?
Dhankar Lake sits at approximately 4,140 meters (13,583 ft) above sea level. The monastery below is at 3,894 meters (12,776 ft). The altitude gain during the trek is about 250-300 meters over 5 km distance.
Where should you stay near Dhankar and Pin Valley?
There are limited stay options at Dhankar village itself, mostly basic homestays. For better accommodation, stay at Tabo (more options, Rs 500-3,000 per night) or at Mud Village in Pin Valley (homestays Rs 500-1,000 per night). Sagnam village in Pin Valley has a PWD rest house. Alternatively, stay in Kaza and do this circuit as a long day trip.
Do you need a permit for Pin Valley National Park?
Indian nationals do not need an Inner Line Permit for Pin Valley. However, you do need to pay a nominal entry fee (Rs 50 for Indians, Rs 200 for foreigners as of 2025) at the forest check post. Foreign nationals should check the latest ILP rules from the District Administration in Kaza.
I hope this guide helps you plan the Tabo, Dhankar, and Pin Valley stretch of your Spiti trip. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. And if you have visited these places and want to share some tips, do post your suggestions to help other fellow travelers. You can also join the Discover With Dheeraj community to connect with other Spiti travelers 🙂
Last Updated: February 2026
24 Comments
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Hi Dhèeraj,
Your post is quite informative and has helped greatly in finalizing my trip to spiti.. Am plaing a trip this october for the shimla-spiti-manali circuit. My itinerary goes as follows:
1 night stay at sarahan
1 night at kalpa
1 night at tabo
1 night at mud village covering dhankar monastery and lake on the way
Leave for kaza the next day covering komic, hikkim , langza. Overnight stay at kaza
Leave for Chadratal lake the next day covering ki, kibber. Overnight stay at chadratal lake
Leave for manali the next day.
Do you think its doable? Should I skip stay at mud and leave for kaza the same day with 2 days stay at kaza and covering langza, hikkim, komic from kaza then?
Thank you for such an informative write-up.. We are planning a trip in mid-October and have added Dhangkar Monastery on your recommendation..
Awesome, you can skip the Lake as there may not be plenty of water in it but yes surely visit the Dhangkar monastery for some wonderful aerial views
I am from Chandigarh and have 4×4 ford endeavour and wanted to visit spiti valley with my family (wife and two 12 years old kids) I am confused about back journey i.e loser (chandertal lake) to Chandigarh. Some one suggested me to come back via Shimla to Chandigarh as via losar – Manali road is very bad. So please suggest me what should I go for ? One more thing please suggest me regarding good tent accommodation near chandertal lake. Also suggest me where to stay one night halt at nako or tabo on the way to Kaza from sangla?
Your car should not have any issues when traveling from Chandratal to Manali, so it should not be a problem. You should stay at Tabo.
We are planning to do the spiti circuit from shimla to Manali in July 2018, i would like to know about the road from tabo till mud & from mud to kaza, around how much time should we expect to cover the distances. Also we will be going with two 5yr old kids. Will it be possible to trek till Dhankar lake or should we give it a miss?
Thanks in advance.
Your help is highly appreciated.
Anil, with the 5 yr old kid, you should surely give Dhangkar lake trek a miss. Tabo – Mud is around 45 odd KMs, and similarly it is Mud – Kaza. Tabo to Mud will take about a couple of hrs and Kaza – Mud also takes a couple of hrs. Roads are in average conditions.
In general, it is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say.. The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 5+ year child, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Thanks Dheeraj, for the advice. Will surely be on the look out for AMS. Would like to go slightly off topic, we would be on a self drive trip & plan to spend atleast 5 days in sangla valley, before reaching spiti. Is weather a matter of concern in around for drive around sangla valley, as i have read there are lots of landslides there.
Thanks in advance.
Well, yes, Sangla, in fact, all of Kinnaur is quite a landslide-prone region so the concern is valid for the whole trip, not just Sangla in particular. So, I will suggest just keep an eye on weather updates and in case it says heavy rainfall, avoid else with low risk it is fine to travel as other folks travel too every year with this risk.
Hi Dheeraj,
We’re planning to visit Spiti by middle of September, which includes overnight stays at Tabo, Dhankar, Komic, Langza and Kye monastery. As per your information I wish to add the Pin valley stretch on my way to Kaza from Dhankar. Are there any vehicles available from Dhankar to do the same? Regards
You’re an inspiration to us, the detailed infos you provide helps us to get deeper into the voyage. 🙂
There will not be any dedicated taxis that will be running from Dhangkar to Pin Valley. You need to reach Atargoo bridge and wait for vehicles going into Pin Valley to reach there. Are you planning all these places on shared vehicles or public transport?
Thank you for the kind words, Chandro !!
Yes, I’m planning to do the entire stretch mostly on public transport including bus from Delhi to Peo, from there bus to Tabo, and so on.
Is there any public transport or shared taxi available from Kaza to Key?
I heard about a bus that leaves Kaza at 5pm for Key, are there any public transport available before 5pm? Or I have to take a shared cab!
Regards. 🙂
Yes Chandro, you will find local buses and shared local jeeps to travel to Key
Hi Dheeraj,
Can you shed some clarity on the queries below:
-How many Km of trek are we talking about to reach till – Dhankar lake?
-Is it doable if we are accompanied with a 3 year old kid?
-Also would the roads be open till late October ?
-Lastly how much time would it take to reach Mud village from Tabo (do u know the distance between the two places)?
As always your site offers the best write-ups for Himalayan road trips 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
we are planning to go to kaza from tabo via mud, in sep, without stopping at mud for the night. is this feasible? can you provide any pointers on how long it would take from tabo to mud and from mud to kaza?
thank you
p.s. very informative posts. helping us a lot in planning our trip 🙂
Yes, Tabo to Pin Valley to Kaza is easily doable without an overnight stop.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
As per the article, Mud village is the last stop for tourist ? or can we see Pin Valley national park as well?
Shilpa, now the road goes further about 12-15 odd KMs from Mud Village but not any further. So, technically it is the last stop and Pin Valley National Park you need to do trekking for it.
Thanks a lot 🙂
Great information shared ….
Best wishes for your trip, feel free to post any further questions you may have for the trip.
Regards
Dheeraj
Is it possible to reach Dhankar lake by a pony or yak? i am visiting the place with the companion who do not want or able to trek, and i cant risk my team by going solo. my ability is questionable without a companion (human or animal- a dog may be helpful). i have shortage of time as i like to travel mud village to Kaza in the same day. please advice.
No Kalyana, there are no ponies available to take you to Dhangkar lake unless you want to have a very special arrangement. You can check at Dganhkar village if someone is ready to accompany you for the trek up or your driver. You can pay them for the services.