Religion is interwoven into every aspect of daily life, landscape, and community governance in Spiti, which serves as one of the most important centers of Buddhism in India.
* **Tibetan Buddhism:** The overwhelming majority of the population practices Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhism. * **Monastic Sects:** The valley is home to different prominent schools of Buddhism. The **Gelugpa** (Yellow Hat) sect is headquartered at Key Monastery, while the older **Sakyapa** sect oversees Tabo Monastery. The **Nyingma** sect is prominent in the Pin Valley. * **Spiritual Sites:** The physical landscape is deeply sacred, dotted with ancient whitewashed stupas, *chortens*, long *mani* walls (stones painstakingly carved with the mantra *Om Mani Padme Hum*), and colorful prayer flags strung across bridges and mountain passes.
