Chango Rabgyaling Monastery
Also known as Chango Gompa, Rabgyaling Gompa
Chango Rabgyaling Monastery, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, is among the last Buddhist sites before the Hangrang valley meets Spiti, central to Chango's faith life.
Photos of Chango Rabgyaling Monastery
- Established
- Not precisely recorded; an older Chango shrine is locally attributed to Rinchen Zangpo's temple-building programme (10th-11th century CE), though not independently confirmed for this specific name
- Architecture
- Tibetan Buddhist gompa architecture; an older Lower Chango shrine has distinctive red walls set on a small promontory, alongside a Nyingmapa temple complex and nearby meditation caves
- Address
- Chango Uperla, Himachal Pradesh 172111
- Timings
- Open daily, dawn to dusk
History of Chango Rabgyaling Monastery
Chango is the second-most-populous village in the remote Hangrang valley, about 25 km from Nako toward Spiti, known for apple orchards and willow trees. The village has at least three old shrines, including one linked to Rinchen Zangpo's temple-building legacy and a Nyingmapa monastic complex, reflecting centuries of Tibetan Buddhist presence in this high, arid valley. Chango is administratively part of Kinnaur district, in the Hangrang valley, lying just before Sumdo, the actual Kinnaur-Spiti boundary.
Festivals Celebrated at Chango Rabgyaling Monastery
- Losar
How to Reach Chango Rabgyaling Monastery
Nearest airport: Shimla. Nearest railhead: Shimla/Kalka. By road: NH-5 through Reckong Peo-Pooh-Nako, continuing toward Sumdo to reach Chango village.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chango Rabgyaling Monastery
Where is Chango Rabgyaling Monastery located?
- Chango Rabgyaling Monastery is located at Chango Uperla, Himachal Pradesh 172111, in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
What are the timings of Chango Rabgyaling Monastery?
- Chango Rabgyaling Monastery is generally open Open daily, dawn to dusk. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Chango Rabgyaling Monastery built?
- Chango Rabgyaling Monastery was established Not precisely recorded; an older Chango shrine is locally attributed to Rinchen Zangpo's temple-building programme (10th-11th century CE), though not independently confirmed for this specific name. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Chango Rabgyaling Monastery?
- Chango Rabgyaling Monastery is built in the Tibetan Buddhist gompa architecture; an older Lower Chango shrine has distinctive red walls set on a small promontory, alongside a Nyingmapa temple complex and nearby meditation caves style.
Which festivals are celebrated at Chango Rabgyaling Monastery?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Chango Rabgyaling Monastery include Losar. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Chango Rabgyaling Monastery?
- Nearest airport: Shimla. Nearest railhead: Shimla/Kalka. By road: NH-5 through Reckong Peo-Pooh-Nako, continuing toward Sumdo to reach Chango village.
Why is Chango Rabgyaling Monastery significant?
- Chango Rabgyaling Monastery, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, is among the last Buddhist sites before the Hangrang valley meets Spiti, central to Chango's faith life.
Is there an entry fee at Chango Rabgyaling Monastery?
- Entry to the main shrine of Chango Rabgyaling Monastery is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Chango Rabgyaling Monastery?
- Chango Rabgyaling Monastery follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.