Alchi Monastery Ladakh

A few important elements complete the picture of Ladakh, and one of them is the monasteries. Amongst all the others present in the Union Territory of Ladakh, Alchi Monastery is one of the oldest. It is located at an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters above sea level on the banks of the Indus River.

The Alchi Monastery in Ladakh is a haven of tranquility, drawing visitors with its serene locations and stunning architecture. Whether it’s meditating in a peaceful environment or spinning the prayer wheel to make a wish, travelers find solace in the tranquil Alchi Village. To experience the serene ambiance, plan your Alchi Monastery tour with Leh Ladakh, India. With our customized Ladakh itineraries, our team of experts takes care of all your needs, from local transportation to comfortable accommodations, ensuring a stress-free Ladakh holiday.

Here is the detailed information about Alchi Monastery Ladakh

History of Alchi Monastery

The Alchi Monastery is not just a beautiful structure, but a living testament to history. It is part of a group that spans across two villages: Sumda Chun and Mangyu. The main monument, the monastery itself, is nestled in the Alchi village, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of its architects and builders.

The Alchi Monastery of Ladakh was established by a popular translator and scholar “Rinchen Zangpo” in the 10th century. However, the inscriptions speak differently as they state that the monument came into existence somewhere in the 11th century by Kal-dan Shes-rab, a Tibetan Noble. This disruption has been there forever at this monastery. You will also find a lot of intriguing paintings on the premises of the monastery which makes it even better.

Architecture Alchi Monastery

The Alchi monastery boasts Tibetan-style architecture and the Alchi temple complex stands out among the other attractions in the three villages. This monastery is actually a complex of temples consisting of four separate portions with monuments built at different times.

The main complex has three temples: gTsug-lag-Khang (the main temple), Jam-dpal lHa-Khang (the Manjushri temple), and Dukhang (the assembly hall). Intricately carved paintings adorn all these structures and are believed to be the oldest surviving in Ladakh architecture.

The site is adorned with wall paintings depicting details of Hindu kings and Buddhist teachings. A huge Buddha statue is also in the complex, a famous tourist attraction in Alchi Monastery, Leh.

Timings and Charges Alchi Monastery

Timings:

• 10 am to 1 pm
• 2 pm to 6 pm
• And the monastery is open for visitors 7 days a week.

Charges:

• Indian visitors have to pay 25 INR
• Foreign visitors have to pay 50 INR

Highlights of Alchi Monastery

• Chortens
• Dukhang which is the assembly hall
• Frescoes or Wall Paintings
• Sumtseg
• Jampe Lhakhang which is also called as Manjushri Temple

Best time to visit Alchi Monastery

Ladakh is accessible by road during summer and is the best time to visit Alchi Monastery. This is between May and August. All the streets are cleared of snow, and the pleasant climate makes it easier and better for travelers to enjoy their time at various places in Ladakh.

How to reach Alchi Monastery

Getting to Alchi is a breeze. The best route is to divert towards Sasapol from NH1 while coming from Kargil. However, many visitors choose to visit Alchi on their way back. If you’re traveling in a public vehicle, you can easily reach Alchi Monastery by hiring a cab or private taxi. Even if you’re visiting Leh Ladakh from Manali, finding your way back home via the NH1 route is straightforward.

Where to stay in Alchi

Owing to the number of people visiting Alchi Monastery each year, the people of Alchi have rigorously worked to make the availability of staying options a task for themselves. The locals have built several accommodation options in the village to accommodate people visiting the place. Usually, people prefer visiting the monastery and other areas in Alchi during the second half of the day and staying at Alchi hotels. The best-staying options in Alchi include:

• TIH Hotel jeevanam villa
• The Indus Valley Resort
• The Land Resort
• Cho Palace
• The Silk Route Ladakh
• The Grand Ladakh

From homestays to guesthouses to multi-star hotels, the people of Ladakh have always had many options. Some Alchi hotels take pre-booking or online booking, but most function the traditional way. Also, even in the peak season, finding a room at Alchi won’t be difficult.

Where to eat

Another important thing while staying in ALchi is the availability of food. Places to eat in Alchi are also abundant. From good restaurants to small stalls of local cuisines, travelers enjoy their time in this village. Some of the best places to eat in Alchi include:

• Alchi Kitchen
• Mughlai Central
• Cafe Pirates
• Tequila Reef
• Golden Oriole German Bakery

Other Important Tips

• Keep in mind that Alchi Monastery is about 65 km from the city of Leh. So, while planning your visit, ensure you have sufficient time and food in your bag. Although the NH1 leads to the monastery and it takes 2 hours to reach it, once you get there, you will surely want to spend some time here.
• Entering the monastery is chargeable. You will have to pay just 25 INR, which is the same for foreign tourists.
• Keep all your documents in your bag while traveling to the Alchi monastery because they are important and can be requested at any time.
• You are traveling to a high altitude, and it is better to slip into comfortable clothes. Wearing comforting clothes will allow your body to breathe throughout the trail.
• Apply sunscreen before leaving the city, as the direct sunlight can burn your skin.
• Keep your body covered in layers of warm clothes because Ladakh’s temperature fluctuation is abrupt and unpredictable. Wearing layers of warm clothes allows you to take them off when it becomes hot and put them on when it becomes cold.
• Make sure you spend a good 2-3 hours at the monastery. There are a lot of things to do, and you surely are going to like it there. If not anything else, sit with the monks and hear about the history and some good things about Buddhism and Alchi Monastery.
• Monks meditate around the Alchi Monastery inside the place as well, so try to be as quiet as you can because disturbing them would be rude. While reaching the place, you will see many banners telling you to talk softly, and that’s because the people here want to keep it a rejuvenating place for all.
• Like most monasteries in Ladakh, Alchi is also secretive. For their own reasons, no photography is allowed here. So, it would be highly appreciated if you respected their property at all costs.
• Intoxicating items, including cigarettes, alcohol, and even food, are not allowed inside. The only thing a person can carry is a water bottle. So do remember to either keep it aside before entering or leave it back in your hotel.