Lying just above the little town of Gemur between Keylong and Jispa on the Manali - Leh highway, Gemur monastery is one of the most easily accessible monasteries in Lahaul. It is very famous locally for the masked dances that are held every July.
It is said to be established in the 13th or 14th century and is one of the richest monasteries in Lahaul. It is scenically perched and commands beautiful views of the Lahaul Valley. The brightly-coloured red and black windows on its white walls is a pleasing sight for the eyes as the views of the monastery come closer when one walks. There is a huge chorten before the monastery and a road is also being built to make access easier to the monastery. There are prayer flags which lend a happy feel to the landscape.
There is a statue of the goddess Vajravarahi in Gemur Gompa, which supposedly dates back to the 11th century. Inside the courtyard are lots of ancient-looking stone carvings and one among them is specially interesting and exquisite.
There are monks quarters near the monastery itself and they are happy to show you the prayer hall (dukhang) and another important rooms where the masks are kept.
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