Overlooking Kaza from a height of about 4,166 meters (13,500 ft), the Key monastery  holds a powerful sway over the most populous part of the valley around Kaza. Apart from being the biggest  centre of Buddhists learning. Believed to be founded somewhere in 11th century, it has  numerous age old paintings and murals on its walls including Buddha images. The monaestry have tregular heads who  are the reincarnations of Guru Rinpoche. The monastery  was attacked again by the Mongols during the 17th century, during the reign of the fifth Dalai lama, and became a Gelugpa establishment. In 1830, it was sacked again during the wars between Ladakh and Kullu. It was ravaged by fire and, in 1975, a violent earthquake caused further damage which was repaired with the help of theArchaeological Survey of India  and the State Public Works Department.

To reach Key (Kaza)  from Manali one has to cross the mighty Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft) Kunzum Pass(14, 930 ft).  Need 4X4 vehicles as scorpio, and SUVs through meandering roads and glaciers. The best season to visit is from June to mid October. The valley is famous for bikers from around the globe who after staying at Kaza go to Chandrataal Lake to cross over to Leh ladakh. Visitors need to carry warmers.