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
Chango Rabgyaling Monastery at a Glance
| Location | Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Timings | Open daily, dawn to dusk |
| Address | Chango Uperla, Himachal Pradesh 172111 |
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.
Temples Near Chango Rabgyaling Monastery
- Nako MonasteryHimachal Pradesh · about 11 km in a straight line
- Tashigang Rong GompaHimachal Pradesh · about 16 km in a straight line
- Cheelai Gonpa, PoohHimachal Pradesh · about 22 km in a straight line
- Laprang Temple, NesangHimachal Pradesh · about 37 km in a straight line
- Shree Tangta Narayan Ji Temple, LippaHimachal Pradesh · about 41 km in a straight line
- Devta Temple, JangiHimachal Pradesh · about 44 km in a straight line
More Temples in Himachal Pradesh
- Rarang MonasteryHimachal Pradesh
- Shree Maating Kuldev Ji Temple, RispaHimachal Pradesh
- Shri Kasu Raj Ji Temple, RibbaHimachal Pradesh
- Kinner Kailash ShivlingHimachal Pradesh
- Parkashankres Temple, PowariHimachal Pradesh
- Khawangi MandirHimachal Pradesh
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.