Its 11th century monasteries, it is known as jewel amongst Ladakh's monastic foundations.
Video: Awesome Alchi
Background:
Known as the jewel amongst Ladakh's monastic foundations, Alchi is famous for its 11th century monasteries.
Located in the valley at the left bank of the Indus river in the Ladakh region, Alchi was once a vital contact for trade & culture.
Many monasteries at Alchi survived the invading Islamic armies, who under the pretax of Islam disallowing worship of idols of Buddha and destroyed many Buddhist monuments and places of worship.
The shrines at Alchi are considered to be among the most extensive examples of Buddhist art in Kashmir region by scholars.
Alchi also has some well preserved paintings and murals, which are over 900 years old.
Video: Alchi Gompa- ladakh
What to see:
Da - Khang
Made in around 11th century AD, the Da-Khang (assembly hall) is one of the most famous and the earliest of the temples at Alchi. It is the temple richest in paintings and images.
Sum - tsek
This three storied Buddhist temple is known for the bright colored murals dating back to the 11th and 12th century. They even pre-date the Tibetan style of painting and reminds of paintings in Ajanta caves. They are believed to be the sole survivors of the old Buddhist style prevailig in Kashmir during the first millennium AD.
Lotsawa Lha-Khang and Manjushri Lha-Khang
The two adjoining shrines of Lotsawa Lha-Khang and Manjushri Lha-Khang are known for images of thousand Buddha and gods and goddesses on the murals and walls.
Video: Prayer Wheel Alchi Gompa, Ladakh
Sites nearby
Likir
Location: 20 km from Alchi on the Leh - Alchi raod.
Likir has a monastery, which was built in the 18th century and is the nearest functioning monastery to Alchi. The monks residing here take care of the monasteries of Achi. The Likir monastery has huge clay images of Buddha and houses various manuscripts.
Hemis monasteries
Location: 45 km from Leh
The Hemis monastery was built in 1630 and the Hemis festival celebrated here in the month of June provides great opportunity to see Ladakhi culture and traditions.
Leh
Location: 65 km from Alchi
Leh is the capital of Ladakh and is the only big town in the region. It is breathtakingly beautiful and the famous sites to visit are the Leh Palace, Leh Mosque & many gampos.
Video: The Indus river on the way to Alchi
Reaching there:
Air: Leh Airport (65 km) is the nearest airport from Alchi.
Road: There is no National Highway passing through or near Alchi. Leh (65 km) is the nearest large town and is very well connected with Alchi with good road and regular buses & taxis ply between Leh to Alchi. The distance is covered in 2 ½ hours.
Alchi is also accessible from Srinagar (430 km) and Manali (470 km), which is the second highest motorable road reaching 5328 m at Taglang La. The road remains open between June till Mid-October.
Rail: There is no train access to Alchi.
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