Himachal Pradesh is not only the Land of the Gods, but also home to several ancient and peaceful Buddhist monasteries, especially in the regions of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Dharamshala. These monasteries reflect the rich Tibetan cultural influence and are often featured in the static GK and culture-related questions in government job exams.
This section brings you easy-to-follow MCQs on the most well-known monasteries in Himachal Pradesh — covering their location, significance, and unique features.
Key Monasteries of Himachal Pradesh:
Key Monastery (Spiti Valley): The largest and most famous monastery in Himachal, over 1,000 years old
Tabo Monastery (Spiti): Known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas,’ built in 996 AD
Namgyal Monastery (Dharamshala): The personal monastery of the Dalai Lama
Dhankar Monastery (Spiti): Built on a cliff with a view of the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers
Kungri Monastery (Pin Valley): Second oldest monastery in Lahaul-Spiti region
Rewalsar Monastery (Mandi): A sacred site for Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs
Samar Monastery (Kinnaur): A small yet historically significant Buddhist site
Monasteries Practice MCQ Question and Answer
1
Which monastery is considered the oldest in Lahaul and features a wooden structure with pyramidal roofs?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Guru Ghantal Monastery, located near Tandi, is believed to be the oldest gompa in Lahaul with a wooden structure and pyramidal roofs.
2
Which monastery is known for murals that resemble the Ajanta paintings?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Tabo Monastery is famous for its ancient murals, which resemble those of the Ajanta caves.
3
Which monastery is the largest in Spiti and provides religious training to lamas?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Kye Monastery is the oldest and largest monastery in Spiti, known for training lamas and housing valuable scriptures.
4
Which site in Himachal Pradesh is associated with Guru Padmasambhava's journey to Tibet?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Rewalsar is believed to be the place from where Guru Padmasambhava left for Tibet to spread Buddhism.
5
Which monastery has a significant festival called 'Ghantal' celebrated jointly by Lamas and Thakurs?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Guru Ghantal Monastery celebrates the Ghantal festival in mid-June, with participation from both Lamas and Thakurs.
6
Which monastery is known for its 5-meter tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Tayul Gompa features a massive 5-meter high statue of Guru Padmasambhava and is one of the oldest monasteries in Lahaul.
7
Which monastery belongs to the red hat sect and is known for the devil dance?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Shashur Monastery, founded in the 17th century, is associated with the red hat sect and is famous for its devil dance during June/July.
8
Which site in Kinnaur has enshrined footprints of Guru Padmasambhava?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Lotsabaage Monastery in Nako enshrines the legendary footprints of Guru Padmasambhava.
9
Which monastery is located at 4116 meters above sea level and is the biggest in Spiti?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Kye Monastery, situated at 4116 m, is the biggest monastery in Spiti and provides religious training to Lamas.
10
Which Gompa serves the population of Pin valley and requires crossing the Spiti river?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Kungrig Gompa is located in the Pin Valley and can be accessed by crossing the Spiti river from Attargo.
11
Which monastery is located in a secluded place in Kaza Nallah and often has a Lama from Tibet?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Thang Yug Gompa is in a secluded area in Kaza Nallah and is generally served by a Lama from Tibet.
12
Which ancient monastery in Lahaul has a large library of Kangyur and Tangyur scriptures?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Kardang Monastery houses a large collection of Kangyur and Tangyur volumes and is one of the oldest monasteries in Lahaul.
13
Which monastery is situated near a long plateau leading to Shilla peak?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Thang Yug Gompa is located near a long plateau which leads to the Shilla Peak, in the secluded area of Kaza Nallah.
14
Which site in Himachal Pradesh is famous for being sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs alike?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Rewalsar is revered by Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs, and features a Buddhist monastery along the lake.
15
Which monastery can be reached via a trek after taking a diversion from Khab to Namgya?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Tashigang Gompa can be accessed by a trek after diverting from Khab to Namgya, making it one of the more remote gompas.
16
Which Buddhist monasteries are comparable to ancient Indian art sites like Ajanta?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Tabo Monastery’s murals are considered similar in style and significance to the Ajanta cave paintings.