Alchi Monastery

4.6

Location: Alchi, Ladakh, India, 194106
Estimated Visiting Time: 1 hour

Known more as a monastic complex of temples in Alchi village in the Leh District, Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa is a Buddhist monastery, under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council of the Ladakh Union Territory. With monuments dated to different periods, the complex comprises four separate settlements in the Alchi village in the lower Ladakh region. Alchi monastery is said to be the oldest and most famous, of these four hamlets, administered by the Likir Monastery. Constituting the ‘Alchi group of monuments’; Alchi is also part of the three villages, the other two villages adjoining Alchi are the Mangyu and Sumda Chun.

Attraction

The Dukhang, the Sum Trek, and the Temple of Manjushri are three major shrines of the complex, all dating from between the early 12th and early 13th centuries. The Translator’s temple is called the ‘Lok Sabha Lhakhang’ and a new temple called the ‘Lakhang Soma’, the Alchi complex has two other important temples.” As a jewel of colors and forms that is so utterly beautiful that the normal state of breathlessness in this high altitude becomes a deep gasp,” this collection of four small shrines in the Alchi village has been described by the Hindu.

History

Stated to be of “unique style and workmanship’, the monuments in these three villages, the Alchi monastic complex are the best known. According to local tradition, and by the great translator Guru Rinchen Zangpo between 958 and 1055, the monastery complex was built. However, a Tibetan noble called Kal-dan Shes-Rab later in the 11th century, inscriptions in the preserved monuments ascribe it. Another important part of the complex is Chortens. In the wall paintings in the monastery, the artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhist and Hindu kings of the time in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are reflected very well. In Ladakh, these are some of the oldest surviving paintings. Comparable to the baroque style, the complex also has huge statues of the Buddha and elaborate wood carvings and artwork.

Inside/Outside Views

Front side view of alchi Monastery At an altitude of 3,100 meters and 65 kilometers outside of Leh, Alchi is located on the south bank of the Indus River. From Delhi, Leh is connected by air. Depending on the snowfall conditions in the valley, the road approach to Leh starts at Manali, a route that is accessible from May or June to October. From the other village settlements, the monastic complex is separate.

Opening Hours

Saturday 8:00am-6:00 pm
Sunday 8:00am-6:00 pm
Monday 8:00am-6:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00am-6:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00am-6:00 pm
Thursday 8:00am-6:00 pm
Friday 8:00am-6:00 pm

Entry & Others Fees

For Indians RS25 is needed as entry fee for foreign tourists RS50 is needed.

Near Restaurants

Alchi Kitchen
Zimskhang restaurant in apple tree garden
Alchi Zimskhang
Road house cafe saspol
Cafe indus view alchi

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: Landing flights regularly, the nearest airport to Alchi Monastery is located in Leh. You will have to take a taxi or hire a jeep to go to Alchi by road, once you reach Leh.

By Rail: Due to its high altitude, rail travel is not possible in Ladakh. is In Jammu & Kashmir the nearest railway station is located.

By Road: The most feasible option is to travel the distance between Alchi Monastery and Leh by road. Between November and April, the road remains closed, so during that time, you should avoid going there.