Main Info
Alchi Monastery
Alchi Monastery is the oldest and the most popular monastery in the Alchi Village of Ladakh. It is a conglomerate of Buddhist temples. While most monasteries in Ladakh have a backdrop of photogenic hillsides, Alchi is located on a much cemented planar area. The architecture of the monastery includes 3 different temples. These temples are called Temples of Dukhang, Sumstek and Manjushri. Alchi monastery draws much tourist attention because of its intricate architecture.
While the historical and spiritual aspects of Alchi are a great attraction, adventure sports is another. The monastery is located fairly close to the Zanskar river, hence, it is popular amongst people looking for a rafting adventure in the river. You also have the option to enjoy authentic Indian and Tibetan food at the restaurants in the monastery. The food is delicious and available at fairly cheap prices. The monastery was inaugurated the eminent Tibetan scholar Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century.
Architecture of Alchi Monastery
The first thing to notice on entering Alchi monastery is the Dukhang temple. The Dukhang temple is essentially an assembly hall which is also known as the Vairocana Temple. This is the most celebrated part of the monastery as this is where the monks meditate and say their prayers. The walls of the assembly hall are decorated with alluring paintings of Lord Buddha. The hall is also decorated with artifacts and paintings of many other gods and goddesses completing the cultural and spiritual aura of the hall.
Towards the right from Dukhang is a three-storeyed building. The most prominent feature of the building is its carved wooden porch. This is the second temple of Sumstek. It is famous for its massive four-armed statue of Bodhisattva. The statue is huge enough to cover two full floors of the temple. The walls are exotically decorated with wall-paintings. The monastery buildings are centuries old, dating all the way back to the 12th and the 13th centuries. They are built in close proximity on a single axis. Even the structures around them are built very close. The picturesque view is completed by the lush green nature surrounding the monastery.
History and Significance
As per legends, Alchi monastery can be dated all the way back to the 10th century. It was constructed during the reign of the esteemed scholar and translator Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055). It was during this time that 21 scholars were assigned a task of spreading Buddhism in the Trans-Himalayan region by the Tibetan King Yeshe of Guge. but due to the extreme climatic conditions, only 2 scholars managed to survive. One of whom was Rinchen Zangpo. Hence, Zangpo was responsible for spreading Buddhism in the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh and extended it to Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
In total 108 monasteries were established. However, only a few managed to survive. Alchi monastery was one of them. This monastery also stands out in terms of architecture and location as compared to other monasteries. This makes it one of the more popular tourist spots in Ladakh.
How to Reach Alchi Monastery
Alchi Monastery can be reached by either taking the local bus routes from Ladakh or hiring private taxis from the city of Leh.
Best Time to Visit
You should coincide your Alchi monastery visit with the Ladakhi festivals like Chotrul Duchen, Galdan Namchot, Losar (also known as the Tibetan New Year), Monlam and Sho Dun. These festivals are best known for their colourful celebrations completely embracing their Tibetan culture. Most of these festivals take place from May to September, which also makes for the best time for the visit. The rest of the months, most roads remain closed due to heavy snowfalls.
Tips
- The monastery does not allow photography inside the premises. You may be allowed to click a few pictures from outside but it is better to ask for permission from the monks. If they allow you to do so on the inside, it is recommended that, as a sign of respect, you turn off the flash.
- The monastery is a place of worship, hence, shoes are not allowed inside. Take your shoes off before you enter.
- Try not to be loud while you are inside so as to not disturb other people.