One of Spiti's most important monasteries, the Tangyud Gompa was probably founded in the 14th century. It has around 50 monks and is one of only two Spiti monasteries of the red-hat Sakya sect (the other is in Kaza). The main, rather fort-like building is painted in red, blue and white stripes. A smaller, older building above it has a stuffed snow leopard hanging from the ceiling inside the entrance: women are not permitted in the inner prayer rooms.
Daily pujas are offered at 8am to the protective deity Mahakala, a wrathful emanation of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
