Alchi Monastery

Alchi Gompa : is located near the small village of Saspol. It is one of the earliest monasteries built in Ladakh, dating from the 11th century. Because it was constructed before the invading wars begun in the 15th century, Alchi was built on lowlands, rather than on a hilltop as other gompas were, to protect them from marauding armies.

The gompa at Alchi was erected by Rin-chen-Izghimpo, one of the first Ladakhi kings to engage in foreign relations. To build the monastery, the Ladakhi king signed a treaty with the Gyalpo (king) of Tibet, who agreed to provide the artisans.

The rambling monastery has six main buildings the Dukhang or main assembly hall, the Sum-tsek or three-tiered temple; the adjoining Manjusri Lha-khang and Lotsawa Lha-Khang temples; the Lha-khang Soma and the Kanjur-Lha-khang.

Walking towards the gompa from the small group of houses nearby, the first temple of importance is the Sum-stek, the oldest of the Alchi gompa. The temple is surrounded by wooden pillars and carved woodwork of mythological animals. The middle arch portrays a seated Buddha with the Green Tara (the Saviouress) to the right and Vajrasattava, a Bodhisattva, to the left.

How to Reach Alchi Monastery :-

To reach Alchi monastery you can board local buses which are quite pocket-friendly or can hire aprivate taxi from the main city of Leh|. Else if you prefer to reach the monastery by air then you are required to board your flight from Delhi to Leh. Leh Airport is the nearest to Ladkah. Make sure that you are traveling between May to September as during the rest of the months the roads remain closed due to snowfall.

Best Time to Visit Alchi Monastery

If you are planning to visit Alchi monastery then you are advised to visit between May to September. This is the right time to visit this jaw-dropping place. Alchi monastery remains open every day from 8 am to 6 pm and there is no entry fee to enter the monastery. It takes 1 to 2 hours to visit the whole monastery. From November to April the roads to Alchi monastery remains closed due to heavy snowfall. So be wise and start your journey between the months from May to September.