dhankhar originally called dhakkhar (dhak - cliff, khar - palace), literally means ‘palace on a cliff’. dhankhar was the earlier capital of spiti and was adorned by a stunningly unique and precariously balanced fort. dhankar is also of art historical importance. founded between 7th and the 9th centuries, dhankar’s old temple complex occupies the southern part of the steep mountain slope of the village. it is known by the name of lha-o-pa gompa (monastery of the followers of lha-o). the monastery consists of a number of multi-storeyed buildings perched together, giving a fortress like impression. today, this gompa stands in the list of endangered world heritage sites. at an altitude of 3870 m, nestles the citadel of dhankar, the official capital of spiti. the citadel is built on a spur which projects into the main valley and ends in a precipice. the location of this fort is strategic as spiti always had to suffer innumerable aggressions by its neighbors. the location allowed the spitian to keep vigil on the approaches and to submit messages to surrounding inhabitations in case of danger. whenever the spitians were attacked, they built huge fires to signal meeting in the safe sanctuary of rocks, i.e., dhankars. in the meeting all men and women decided the course of action to be taken against the aggressors. though the place is having heavenly atmosphere & feelings, it's almost hell, geographically. see my favourites set here www.nevilzaveri.com