Alchi

The history of Alchi Monastery states that it was created by the famous scholar-translator. Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century. However, the inscriptions preserved in the monuments ascribe its creation to a Tibetan noble, Kal-dan Shes-rab later in the 11th century. Alchi Monastery is basically a monastic complex situated in Alchi Village in Leh District. The complex has four separate settlements with monuments dating back to different times. The paintings in Alchi Monastery are some of the oldest surviving Known as the oldest monastery in Ladakh. The architecture of Alchi Monastery is of Tibetan style. The monastery complex has three major shrines - the Dukhang (Assembly hall), the Sumtsek and the Temple of Manjushri. There are also chortens in the complex. Alchi is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist centers in Ladakh and also as the monastic jewels of Ladakh. The Alchi monastery dates back to nearly one thousand years and so the effect of the Tibetan influence can be seen in the local culture. There are five shrines in the Choskor temple complex which has some splendid wall paintings. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay painted brightly are its focal attraction. No longer an active religious center, it is looked after by monks from the Likir monastery. Since last 500 years, the religion is not practiced in the Alchi monastery. Over a period of time the Yellow hat sect (Gelugpa) shifted the religious activities to another place which is 30 kms away, known as Likir. The surrounding of the Gompa offers a very friendly atmosphere for the visitors as there are small restaurants, tea stalls and as well as souvenir shops welcoming the tourists. The visitors who have a very less time to visit Leh can have an excursion to the Alchi monastery.