Tibetan Monasteries
Manali has several colorful monasteries that represent the rich culture and history of the Tibetan people settled in Kullu and Manali. There are two main monasteries in Manali that draw a large number of tourists-the Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa and the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa. These monasteries are surrounded by several small shops selling beautiful handicrafts and carpets, made by Tibetan people living nearby these monasteries. The Tibetan Monasteries also run a Thanks School of Arts and a Carpet-weaving Center to preserve ancient Tibetan art.
The paintings inside these buildings depict events from Lord Buddha's life and the Kalchakra, i.e., the wheel of life fixed on the wall of the monastery shows the human life cycle. The Buddhists believe that rotating these wheelsgives you salvation.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Manali is the fact that it has several colourful monasteries. These monasteries serve not only as a place of worship but also as guardians of the rich culture and history of the Tibetan people settled in Kullu and Manali.The two most important monasteries that draw a huge number of tourists to Manali from across the globe are the Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa and the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa. You can shop for beautiful handicrafts that are made by Tibetan people at these monasteries.
There are three Tibetan monasteries in Manali which are well visited by tourists visiting Manali. Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa and the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa are located in the tibetan market in the Manali town and one could visit the monasteries while shopping at the market. The third monastery is located in Aleo near the river Beas.