Lalung Village

Lalung Village

Lalung is a quaint village in Spiti Valley, located at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 ft). It is home to the ancient Serkhang Monastery, also known as the Golden Temple of Spiti, which is believed to have been built in the 10th century by Rinchen Zangpo, a great translator of Buddhist scriptures.

The monastery, although modest in size, is adorned with beautiful clay idols, murals, and ancient scriptures that represent Vajrayana Buddhism. The word Lalung itself means “land of the gods,” and the village still holds an aura of serenity and spirituality.

Best Time to Visit Lalung

  • May – October: Ideal months when roads are open and the weather is pleasant.

  • July – September: Perfect for exploring village life and farming activities.

  • Winter (November – March): Harsh and cold, often snowbound with limited accessibility.

Why Visit Lalung

  • To explore the ancient Serkhang Monastery (Golden Temple).

  • To witness rare clay idols and Buddhist murals preserved for centuries.

  • To experience the serenity of a small, untouched Spitian village.

  • To enjoy views of barren landscapes and surrounding peaks.

Things to Do in & Around Lalung

In Lalung:

  • Visit Serkhang Monastery – Admire the murals, idols, and paintings.

  • Village Walks – Explore traditional mud houses and interact with locals.

  • Photography – Capture the charm of a small Himalayan settlement.

  • Meditation & Reflection – Spend quiet time in the monastery’s peaceful ambience.

Nearby Attractions:

  1. Demul (20 km) – Known for its sustainable tourism model.

  2. Dhankar Monastery (20 km) – A cliff-top monastery overlooking Spiti and Pin rivers.

  3. Pin Valley (35 km) – National park famous for wildlife and trekking.

  4. Tabo Monastery (25 km) – Ancient murals, also called Ajanta of the Himalayas.

  5. Kaza (28 km) – Main town for accommodations, cafes, and shops.

How to Reach Lalung

  • From Kaza (28 km, 1 hr) – By taxi, bike, or shared cab.

  • From Shimla (390 km, 2–3 days) – Via Kinnaur Valley.

  • From Manali (220 km, 2 days) – Via Kunzum Pass and Kaza (open May–Oct).

Food & Facilities at Lalung

  • Food – Only available in local homestays; expect simple meals (dal, rice, thukpa, momos, butter tea).

  • Stay – Limited homestays in the village; better facilities in Dhankar or Kaza.

  • Shops & ATMs – None; nearest in Kaza.

  • Network – Poor to no connectivity; BSNL may work sometimes.

Travel Tips for Lalung Visitors

  • Carry cash and essentials – no facilities in the village.

  • Spend at least half a day exploring the monastery and village.

  • Stay overnight in a homestay for a quiet, rural experience.

  • Combine Lalung with Dhankar & Demul for a full-day excursion.

  • Dress warmly – temperatures drop sharply at night.

Responsible Travel & Local Etiquette

  • Respect the monastery – remove shoes, no loud talking inside.

  • Seek permission before photographing murals or locals.

  • Support the community – stay in homestays, eat local food, buy handmade items.

  • Avoid plastic waste – carry reusable bottles and bags.

Travel gently – Lalung is small, quiet, and fragile.