Kalpa Monastery
Also known as Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery, Hu-Ba-Lan-Kar Monastery, Kalpa Buddhist Monastery, Kalpa Gompa
Kalpa Monastery in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, is a Buddhist monastery traditionally linked to translator-monk Rinchen Zangpo's missions.
Photos of Kalpa Monastery
- Established
- Traditionally attributed to Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055 CE), placing its founding around the 10th-11th century CE
- Architecture
- Tibetan Buddhist gompa architecture — whitewashed stone walls, carved and painted wooden facades, prayer wheels and vivid murals around a small courtyard
- Address
- Kalpa, Reckong Peo, Himachal Pradesh 172108
- Timings
- Open daily, dawn to dusk
History of Kalpa Monastery
Kalpa historically fell within the cultural orbit of the Guge kingdom of western Tibet, which promoted monastic Buddhism along Sutlej-valley trade routes linking the Indian plains to the Tibetan plateau. Rinchen Zangpo's monastic network is credited with seeding gompas like this one throughout Kinnaur and Spiti. The monastery continues as an active site for prayer, meditation and festival observance, alongside Hindu shrines in the same village — reflecting Kinnaur's long-standing Hindu-Buddhist syncretism.
Festivals Celebrated at Kalpa Monastery
- Losar (Tibetan New Year)
- Buddha Purnima
How to Reach Kalpa Monastery
Nearest airport: Shimla, ~265 km. Nearest railhead: Shimla/Kalka. By road: NH-5 from Shimla via Rampur-Karcham-Reckong Peo, then ~13 km uphill to Kalpa village; the monastery is within walking distance of the village centre.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalpa Monastery
Where is Kalpa Monastery located?
- Kalpa Monastery is located at Kalpa, Reckong Peo, Himachal Pradesh 172108, in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
What are the timings of Kalpa Monastery?
- Kalpa 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 Kalpa Monastery built?
- Kalpa Monastery was established Traditionally attributed to Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055 CE), placing its founding around the 10th-11th century CE. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Kalpa Monastery?
- Kalpa Monastery is built in the Tibetan Buddhist gompa architecture — whitewashed stone walls, carved and painted wooden facades, prayer wheels and vivid murals around a small courtyard style.
Which festivals are celebrated at Kalpa Monastery?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Kalpa Monastery include Losar (Tibetan New Year), Buddha Purnima. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Kalpa Monastery?
- Nearest airport: Shimla, ~265 km. Nearest railhead: Shimla/Kalka. By road: NH-5 from Shimla via Rampur-Karcham-Reckong Peo, then ~13 km uphill to Kalpa village; the monastery is within walking distance of the village centre.
Why is Kalpa Monastery significant?
- Kalpa Monastery in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, is a Buddhist monastery traditionally linked to translator-monk Rinchen Zangpo's missions.
Is there an entry fee at Kalpa Monastery?
- Entry to the main shrine of Kalpa 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 Kalpa Monastery?
- Kalpa 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.