Alchi Monastery

Alchi monastery

, which is about 70 kms from Leh situated by the banks of the Indus river on the path from Leh to Kargil.It just takes 90 minutes to reach from Leh. Alchi monastery ladakh is mainly known for its wonderful and well conserved 11th or 12th century wall paintings, which are in Indo-Himalayan style.

Alchi Gompa

Ladakh is placed at an elevation of 10,200 feet. Alchi Monastery Ladakh is also division of three villages which are situated in lower Ladakh region which make up the 'Alchi group of monuments'Mangyu and Sumda Chun. Alchi monastery leh is identified more as a monastic complex of temples that consists of three shrines: the Dukhang which is nothing but an Assembly hall, the Sumtseg and the temple of Manjushri.

Alchi Du-khang, is the main and the oldest preserved structure of the complex. It is the major place which is utilized by monks for ceremonies.The entrance into the assembly hall is through a court with verandah. Murals of thousand Buddha adorn the cloisters while the outer gate has the Wheel of Life and Mahakal on its side. The walls of the du-khang, dedicated to panch tathgats, are painted with six different mandalas centring on Vairochana. Along with numerous Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, goddess, fierce divinities and guardian of dharmas, there are also lesser divinities around the mandalas.The Sumtseg temple of the Alchi monastery Ladakh is a three storey mud structure having three enormous figures of four armed Bodhisattvas. The figures are so huge that the celings of the ground floor have been cut away to allow the heads to extend upto the second floor. The Bodhisattvas are placed in bay in the side and far walls while the centre of the ground floor is occupied by a figure of Maitreya Buddha.

The figures are so huge that the celings of the ground floor have been cut away to allow the heads to extend upto the second floor. The Bodhisattvas are placed in bay in the side and far walls while the centre of the ground floor is occupied by a figure of Maitreya Buddha.The figures are so huge that the celings of the ground floor have been cut away to allow the heads to extend upto the second floor. The Bodhisattvas are placed in bay in the side and far walls while the centre of the ground floor is occupied by a figure of Maitreya Buddha.Manjushri temple was a free standing structure built around the four central image of Manjushri. The large central platform has a complex throne construction. On this throne are seated the four clay images of Mañjushri, back to back.Chortens are also a part of the complex.

The creative and religious information of both Buddhism and the Hindu kings are reflected in the wall paintings in the monastery complex. Alchi Gompa Ladakh is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. Alchi is a small village with numerous tourist homestays, which offers latest amenities for overnight stays.During the summer months of June to September, is the best time to visit the Alchi monist- ery.but if you hope for a peaceful and calm experience, winter is the best time at December to February. During winter season, cold winds blow which comes from the Indus valley which makes you feel very cold. At the time of winter season most of the time sun does not comes that's why alchi monastery leh lies in shadow for most of the winter months.