Kaza, Kaze or Kaja, in the Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, is a hilly area in Western Himalayas, known for its colourful festivals and Buddhist Monastery. It attracts tourists for its close similarity of topography, climate and Buddhist culture to the neighbouring Ladakh regions and Tibet. Located at a height of 11,980 ft, Kaza, the cold desert, is all about the ancient Buddhist influence and culture.

Tourist attractions in Kaza include the 14th century Tangyud (Tang-Gyud) Gompa, which resembles a fortified castle. The Gompa attracts tourists for its intricate design involving hugely slanted mud walls and ramparts. On the other end of the Spiti River, the imperial palace of the Nono draws tourists for its structures and historical value.

Besides the monastery, Kaza delights tourists for its colourful festivals, which are held almost on a regular basis. Adventure seekers find this place a heaven due to available prospects for trekking and mountaineering. Other notable nearby tourist attractions in Kaza include the Kibber village, Gette Village, Langza village, the Pin Valley National Park and Losar village.

Sakya Tangyud Monastery

In the Spiti Valley near Kaza, Himachal Pradesh, is situated the famous and beautiful Tangyud monastery (or Sakya Tangyud Monastery). Built in the early part of 14th-century, the monastery is considered one of the most important Buddhist Pilgrimage Places in India. Belonging to the sect of the Sakye in Spiti valley, the monastery is as much about spiritual significance as about historical importance and it remains one of great structures from the...