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Alchi Monastery, also known as Alchi Gampa, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Leh district.This monastic complex has four settlements in the Alchi village, and some monuments are dated from different periods. The monastery is the oldest and most famous monastery, administered by the Likir monastery. This monastery has many artistic and spiritual details about the Buddhist and Hindu kings of their times in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh reflected in the wall paintings. These paintings are some of the oldest paintings in Ladakh, with many preserved documents available from the 11th century.
Alchi Monastery Location
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Alchi Monastery Ladakh is on the banks of the southern part of the Indus River, at an altitude of 3,100 m and 65 km outside of Leh. It is nearly one and a half hour drive from Leh, which falls on the Leh Kargil highway.
How To Reach Alchi Monastery
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: the airport in Leh, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, is the nearest one to Alchi monastery, which is 63 km away.
By Rail: the nearest railway is in Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu Tawi Railway Station because there are no trains available to Ladakh because of its high altitude.
By Road: this is the most accessible option to get a bus, a jeep or a taxi from Leh. But this is closed between November and April because of the heavy snowfall and it is advised to avoid it during that time.
Places To Visit In And Around Alchi Monastery
There are many places to visit inside the Alchi monastery, which is divided into many complexes and also a few monasteries available nearby.
1. Dukhang
Photo: Rohit Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Dukhang, also known as the assembly hall, is the heart of the monastery, where monks perform ceremonies and worship. This place is large and ancient, with an original wooden door frame but many additions to the ancient structure built during the 12th and 13th centuries. The valentine leads to the hall from a courtyard with 1000 Buddhas depicted in the passway. The main deity is worshipped in the hall with paintings of 6 different mandalas.
Location: Alchi, Ladakh 194106
Timings: 8 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners
2. Manjushri Temple
Photo: Huangdan2060 / Wikimedia Commons
Manjushri Temple which was built around 1225 AD has 4 Central images of Manjushree. Four pillars from the enclosure for the images support and balance the painted wood ceiling. The paintings are similar to those in Sumtseg. This temple is closer to the Indus River which is not very well preserved except the wood carvings on the doors and pillars. Manjushri is depicted on the main wall seated on a lion throne but each wall is dedicated to the Buddha image. The Manjushree image is decorated with jewellery like pearls, a crown made of a flower band and many more.
Location: Alchi, Ladakh 194106
Timings: 8 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Likir Monastery
Photo: Dr Prateek Porwal / Wikimedia Commons
Likir Monastery, also known as Likir Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery in Alchi Ladakh. It is located near the Indus Valley, 52 km from Leh and 3700 m above sea level. This monastery was established in the 11th century. This monastery is known for its large outdoor statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is 23 metres tall. This monastery also has a rich collection of Buddhist artefacts, religious text and Thangka paintings. It is also known for its peaceful ambience with amazing scenery and a clear blue sky, which is spiritually uplifting for visitors and the practitioners of Buddhism.
Location: Likir Gompa, Likir, 194101
Timings: 8 AM – 1 PM and 2 PM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30 for adults
4. Basgo Monastery
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Basgo Monastery is a historical monastery in Alchi, on the top of a hill and known for its architectural and religious significance. Basgo was once known as the capital of lower Ladakh and played a white role throughout history. The monastery traces back to the 15th century and has many ancient Buddhist murals and Thangkas that have stood throughout history and time. There are several temples located in this monastery, which is a blend of Indian and Tibetan art for its rich heritage and culture. The statue of Maitreya Buddha in this monastery is made of copper and gold, one of the most popular attractions.
Location: Basgo gompa, Basgo, 194101
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for children
Where To Stay
Photo: peterweideman / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Alchi Monastery has many places nearby to stay with all the facilities provided, like wifi, restaurants, parking, double beds, mountain views, balcony and many more. There are places to stay like Hotel Samdupling Alchi, Alchi Resort, Hotel Duke, Ule Adventure, Gopa Residency, Hotel Khayul and many more.
Where To Eat
Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Many hotels in Alchi village are near the monastery that provides authentic and traditional food like thukpa, momos, skyu, butter tea and many more. There are hotels like Alchi Kitchen, Zimskhang Restaurant, Smakme Cafe and many more.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Antara Sarkar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Here are some factors to consider while you plan your trip to Alchi Monastery.
Average Cost Of Trip
The entry fee to the monastery is ₹25 for Indians and ₹50 for foreigners. The entire average cost of this trip is nearly ₹3000 taking account of the hotels and the food.
Tips For Travellers
- Wear comfortable shoes to travel in high-altitude regions
- Do not talk too loudly in the monastery by disturbing the peace and serenity
- Photography and food items are not allowed inside the monastery
- Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours at the monastery to experience it properly
Alchi monastery, on the banks of the Indus River, is known to be one of the oldest Buddhist learning centres and a Himalayan treasure because of its location in the lovely village and the lower part of Ladakh. Plan your next trip to Alchi Monastery to explore the Himalayan landscapes and Buddhist culture amidst the peaceful atmosphere. To learn more about the information regarding the monastery, visit TripXL.
Cover Photo: Steve Hicks / Wikimedia Commons
