Alchi Monastery, Ladakh, India, 12th or 13th century

Alchi Monastery – Leh & Ladakh

Alchi Monastery The Alchi Monastery, an ancient monastery located in Alchi Village in Leh District, is known as the oldest monastic complex in Ladakh. These four villages with monuments predating different eras are known as the complex. Some of the earliest surviving paintings in Ladakh are found at Alchi Monastery. Alchi is also a member of the “Alchi group of monuments” three settlements that…

The place with so much history and the perfect place to spot the ancient paintings and carvings of the early centuries is the famous Alchi Monastery. Being home to the Gompas, the place offers a lot more for a peaceful mind. It is one of the must visit places to include in your Leh- Ladakh packages. 

ALCHI

Alchi is a small village in Ladakh, between Leh and Lamayuru. Alchi resides over the banks of the Indus river. It is about 70 kilometers from Leh district. Alchi is a homeland for gompas. At an altitude of 3,500 meters, Alchi has tucked away in the Himalayan region. Because Alchi falls on the route to Turkestan of China, it has a huge influence on Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism and yet its isolation has helped the region to maintain its culture and traditions from outer influence. Alchi is most famous for the Alchi Monastery which is a valuable heritage of Ladakh. Also, the places to visit in Alchi are Manjushree temple, Lo Tsawa temple, Vairocana temple, Sumtsek temple, etc. The attractions of these temples are the ancient wall paintings, the Tibetan styled Buddha sculptures and the wood-carved arts.  

ALCHI MONASTERY

One of the oldest Buddhist learning centers in Ladakh is Alchi Monastery. The complex has four divisions, dated to different periods, out of which Alchi is considered to be the oldest of them all. The Tibetan influence can be seen all over the place which is because the monastery is about a thousand years old. Several Leh Ladakh tour packages include Alchi monastery as of the major places to visit.  

HISTORY OF ALCHI MONASTERY

Along with Lamayuru Monastery, Rinchen Zangpo set the bricks to built Alchi Monastery as well. During the 10th century, the lama-king Yeshe allocated 21 scholars to spread Buddhism. Out of which only two scholars survived, Rinchen Zangpo was one of them. He is responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Ladakh region and other areas of India as well. Rinchen Zangpo built 108 monasteries in the trans-Himalayan region, Alchi Monastery is one of them. 

The Monasteries were carved with Kashmiri wall art, only a few of these monasteries survived with it and Alchi is one of them. 

When the monasteries started deteriorating, they were taken over by Gelukpa order. After worship at Alchi Monastery, it ceased in the 15th century for some reason.  

THE THREE MAJOR SHRINES

The Monastery consists of three major shrines that together fall under it. These have the beautiful ancient wall paintings which are known to be the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh. The wood-carved art as well the sculptures of Buddha are the points of attraction for years.  

Dukhang     or the Assembly hall

Dukhang is known to the heart of the monastery. The monks perform prayers and assemblies are held here. The entrance is the ancient wooden gate. Some additions were made in it in the 12th and 13th centuries. Mahakal and The wheel of Life can be seen at the gate. The walls of Dukhang are painted with six different Mandalas and the paintings on the walls are dedicated to the panch Tathagatas. 

The     Alchi Sumtseg 

The purpose of Sumtseg is still not defined but it is the most beautiful and outstanding building of all the Alchi complex. It is a three-storeyed building, clearly depicting the Tibetan culture through its art and carvings. The facades, walls, sculptures, clay paintings, etc, are made by the Kashmiri artists. The original structure of this building was made in the 13th century. Later on, some additions were done to the building where the different stages of Buddha’s life were depicted in the paintings.  

Manjushri     Temple

Manjushri Temple also is known as 'Jampe Lhakhang’, dates around 1225 AD. It is built around the central images of Manjushri. The paintings here are just like Sumtseg but it is undefined here. The temple to the left of Manjushri temple is a later addition known as Lhotsava or Lotsawa.  

HOW TO REACH

The distance from Leh to Alchi is approximately 66 kilometers. The best way to reach Alchi from Leh is though the Srinagar-Leh highway also known as Manali-Leh highway if one is traveling from Manali.

The state runs the local buses as well to reach Alchi but one has to hitchhike from Sasapol to Alchi. The nearest airport is the Leh airport and the nearest major station from Leh is Jammu Tawi. The best route recommended is by road. The Leh-Ladakh packages include transport also so that tourists can easily reach there.  

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Alchi Monastery is during summer because that is the most pleasant time of the year in Alchi. During the winter months, the roads to Alchi are closed due to heavy rainfall, hence, one cannot visit here. People usually select the best Leh-Ladakh packages to make their trip a memorable one.

There are several monasteries located all around in Leh Ladakh. While some of them are turned as ruins, others are running as religious and educational centres. These famous Buddhist monasteries are known for architectural and cultural presence. The monasteries are major tourists’ attraction because of the fascinating old sculptors, paintings, stupas, statues, murals and other artefacts. Besides that, you feel so rejuvenated and calm when you visit this place of peacefulness. Each of these monasteries is located at different locations and bring around unique features different from the other. The peace that tourist experience in this tranquil environment relieves them of stress and brings them closer to the almighty.

Here are some of the most famous Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh which you cannot fail to visit:

Hemis Monastery:

Known to be one of the most famous monasteries in the region of Ladakh is the Hemis Monastery. This monastery is the largest Ladakh has ever seen. Situated at the foothill of the Indus River, this monastery has more than thousands of monks in hundreds of its branches who offer prayers for spiritual strength and integrity.

The roads are accessible for the road trippers and bikers and offer a scenic and thrilling ride making their journey even more exciting. It’s also been recognized as the wealthiest monastery for its rich ancient artefacts like gold and silver stupas, copper statues, sacred thangkas, murals, relics etc. Built in the 11th century, it is one of the most symbolic structures of Ladakh. Best time to visit this monastery is between the months of May to October when the weather is extremely pleasant.

The monastery attracts many tourists during the famous annual festival also called as Hemis Festival. This festival is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. The main highlight of the festival is the dance performed by the monks, also known as Cham. This dance is performed wearing colorful dresses and masks and is the part of the Tantric tradition. Another popular attraction is the Hemis National Park where you can catch snow leopards and other rare animals as a natural inhabitant.

Thiksey Gompa Monastery:

Thiksey Monastery is one of the most fascinating monasteries in the region of Ladakh. Initially constructed by the disciples of a Buddhist guru Palden Zangpo and Sherab Zangpo, in 1433 AD. The prophecy of Tsongkhapa came into existence with the establishment of the first Gelugpa monastery at Thiksay followed by many other large-scale monasteries located on the right of the river Indus.

Today Thiksey is considered as one of the most prominent and regular tourist attractions for tourists every year. The architecture of the monastery is unique, and you can study and find interesting facades of Buddhist culture, including paintings, stupas or statues. Maitreya Buddha is one big attraction of this place. The statues define stupendous architecture and its two storeys tall in height. Besides that, two temples can also interest you named Lomokhang Temple and Tara Temple. The walls of these temples are an exclusive treat to the eyes adorned with intensely delicate marvels.

Even though tourists are visiting the place all over the year, a preferable period to visit Thiksey Monastery is from the month of June to September. The monastery remains closed from November to April. The weather is pleasant from September onwards and also invites many tourists to visit this place. As a tourist, it will be fascinating to attend the rituals here during various festivals conducted between October to November.

The Thiksey Gustor Festival is remembered for its dance which is exciting and conducted by wearing masks (Cham dance) during the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar performed by resident monks and nuns as a part of a ritual. Visit early in the morning to witness morning prayers at the monastery.

Lamayuru Monastery:

This oldest Tibetan Buddhist Gompa is also one of the largest monasteries in Leh Ladakh. Mounted at an altitude of 3510 meters, this offbeat monastery is easily accessible from the village of Ladakh. Set in the most memorable village of Ladakh Lamayuru, this monastery is also very popular and photogenic Buddhist monastery.

With an amazing backdrop of mountains and villages, picturesque sceneries all around, this monastery is home to most beautiful ancient wall paintings, decorations, intricate and colorful rocks and stunning stupas or chortens. a Favourite time to visit this monastery is between the months of May to October when the weather is favourable, and roads are accessible from Srinagar and Manali. You can also visit the Moonland of Lamayuru Monastery during winters.

Many tourists also visit Lamayuru during March and July when they celebrate the festival of Yuru Kabgyat. During this festival, all the Lamas offer prayers and get together for three days of masked dancing. This festival spreads a lot of happiness and joy to all the lamas who gather there from different countries.

Alchi Monastery:

Alchi Monastery is situated on the banks of the river Indus about 70 km from Leh. Settled in the lower segment of Ladakh, this monastery comprises of four settlements. The significant shrines which belong to Alchi Monastery are the Dukhang or the assembly hall, The Sumtseng and the Manjushri temple. A must visit tourist attractions in Leh, Alchi offers flamboyant and ravishing backdrops for visitors all year throughout.

The oldest monastery has striking architecture adorned with minutely carved beautiful wall paintings. These wall paintings reflect the artistic details of Buddhist and Hindu communities dating back to centuries. If you are planning to visit Alchi monastery, then you must travel there between the months of May and September. The jaw dropping backdrops will elevate your excitement to another level.

Alchi hosts a lot of Ladakh festivals like during the festival celebration like Chotrul Duchen, Dajyur, Galdan Namchot, Losar, Monlam and Sho Dun. The famous Ladakh festival is celebrated for fifteen days every year and visitors can enjoy traditional mask dances, archery competitions, polo matches and other delightful events.

Diskit Monastery:

The primary and significant attraction of Diskit Monastery is the gigantic statue of Lord Buddha mounted on the top of it. This famous oldest monastery is situated in the Nubra valley and considered as one of the largest Buddhist centers in Ladakh. Standing tall at the height of 10,300 ft, this beautiful structure was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa. A sub-gompa of Thiksey monastery, it belongs to the yellow hat section of Tibetan Buddhism. The huge 106 ft tall Maitreya Buddha statue is the prime reason to attract tourists from all around the world.

This milky white gompa is adorned with intricate wall paintings, chortens and numerous shrines. At a distance of 116 km from Leh, the best time to visit this monastery is from the months of May to September. The roads to the monastery are open from Manali and Srinagar and weather is favourable for travelling.

A famous festival called Dosmoche or festival of the scapegoat is celebrated at Diskit during winters in the month of January and February. The locals of the villages participate in the festival. If you want to experience the ritual and are willing to endure the harsh cold climate, then you can plan your visit to Diskit during this time.

Likir Monastery:

One of the most well-maintained monasteries in the region of Leh Ladakh is the Likir Monastery. Also known as the oldest gompa, it is believed to have been existing since the 11th century by Lama Duwang Chosje . Located at a distance of 62 km from Leh, Likir monastery is vividly mounted at the height of 3700 meters above sea level giving you a mind-blowing panoramic view of the Himalayan region.  A massive crowd of people visiting Sham valley visit Likir as per their travel itinerary for sightseeing.

The monastery houses various statues Amitabha, Sakyamuni, Maitreya Buddha, Boddhisattva, and Tsong Khapa in the prayer hall along with brightly colored thangka paintings, manuscripts and collection of earthen pots. The roads to this monastery are closed from November to May due to heavy snow. Hence it is advisable to visit Likir Monastery from June to October.

The coldest desert in the world, Ladakh is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude ranging from about 2743 m to in all directions 7671 m. It consists in reference to two famous districts - Leh and Kargil, and lies between the dichotomous mightiest mountain ranges the Great Himalayas and Karakoram. This region is heart and soul isolated from the modern world and follows the rich traditions of Mahayana Buddhism in its purest form; thusly, it is often called as Not much Tibet. The sensuous mountains of this know are a fascinating site that attract thousands apropos of travellers every year. A Ladakh Tour package that includes sightseeing, accommodation and meals can be a the compleat right of emption if you choose to enjoy a hassle-free vacation even now. <\p>

Out of the ordinary famous tourist attractions, the radical visited ones in this city are Spituk Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Sankar Gompa, Pangong Lake, Zanskar Valley, Alchi Monastery and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. People who want in order to add some adventure to this tour have varied options, such considering trekking, mountaineering and water rafting. <\p>

Spituk Monastery <\p>

The Spituk Monastery (Spituk Gompa), located ultramodern the Leh district of Ladakh dates renege en route to the 11th century and was not in error in obedience to the elder sibling of Lha Lama Changchub Od, called Od-de. The word Spituk means exemplary and was derived from a statement at random the monastery by Rinchen Zangpo, a translator of Sanskrit Buddhist texts. The monastery stands on a conical hill with three other monasteries, namely Stok, Sankar and Saboo that are contemplated ceteris paribus branches of Spituk Gompa. The principal statue inside this monastery is that of Swell Buddha. Besides this statue, there is a sacred image pertinent to Amitayus now the monastery. This holy scenery also has an impressive image of Mahakaal and a dulcet peace offering with respect to ancient masks, antique arms, etc. The monastery walls are also bedizened with some exquisite murals depicting various types of hand gestures in obedience to Lord Buddha. This sacred place is also home to nearly 150 monks.<\p>

Gustor Feast <\p>