Alchi Monastery Ladakh – Attraction to Visit in Leh Ladakh

Alchi Monastery is one of the oldest in the Ladakh region. Read about the history of the monastery & other important information before visiting the place.

Have you ever been through an out of body experience while awake? If no, then head to Ladakh in India. The surreal and out of the world landscapes are sure to catalyze such an experience for you. The sheer mystical aura of the land of Ladakh is sure to transport you into a supernatural realm beyond your comprehension. Yes, the hypnotic landscapes of Ladakh are that bewitching. Another aspect of Ladakh that promises unique and enchanting experiences are its monasteries like the Alchi Monastery.

Alchi Monastery Ladakh – Alchi Gompa Monastery Ladakh

The monasteries of Ladakh are like enduring bookmarks in the book of time. Each bookmark crafted with meticulous purpose and meaning. Be it the Lamayuru Monastery, the Alchi Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Thiksay Monastery, Basgo Monastery, or any of the many that dot the beautiful landscapes of Ladakh. Alchi Monastery is one of the oldest in the Ladakh region. Read about the history of the Alchi Monastery & other important information before visiting the place.

Leh To Alchi Monastery Ladakh

A visit to Ladakh is nothing less than a revelation. It is an invitation by nature to immerse in its raw and pristine form. It was probably a blend of nature and our own Karma that conspired to have us transported to the land of high passes Ladakh to be a part of the famous Naropa festival organized under the auspices of the Hemis Monastery. This also provided us with an opportunity to see some of the famous places in Ladakh which are part of any Ladakh Tour package and explore its beautiful treasures. One of these was the Alchi Monastery.

We woke up early braving the cold of Ladakh to travel the Leh to Alchi distance of about 66 kilometres. We looked forward to the journey to Alchi and back as much as we looked forward to the destination at the Alchi village. And when it comes to road trips Ladakh never disappoints. The 66 kilometres journey was filled with spectacular landscapes around every bend in the road. This ensured that we were all glued to the windows of the bus we were travelling in.

Leh to Alchi Map

Exciting Stops on The Way to Alchi Ladakh

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

We stopped on the way to the Alchi Gompa at a couple of interesting spots. The first stop we did was at the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a serene Gurudwara built at a place where Guru Nanak is said to have meditated. Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is about 25 kilometres from Leh.

Zanskar Confluence

All along the way, the Indus river kept us company, its emerald waters glistening in the sunlight. We halted again after driving 35 kilometres away from Leh on the Leh-Srinagar highway. As we got out, the spectacle that presented itself ensured collective gasps of wonder from us. Down below the waters of river Zanskar mingled with that of the waters of the Indus river. An enchanting sight of the confluence of these rivers. The Zanskar confluence presented a beautiful sight as the Zanskar merged itself with the Indus amidst the mountains that watched in silent approval.

Magnetic Hill

Awed by the beauty of the Zanskar confluence we moved forward towards our rendezvous with the Alchi monastery. But there was one more interesting halt before we reached our destination. This was the Magnetic Hill, one of the popular tourist spots in Ladakh. A place where your vehicle will move towards the hills pulled by the magnetic field of its own volition.

Our spirits were high as we neared the Alchi village. We passed the ruins of the Basgo castle in the distance, sure to come back to explore more of it on the way back. The Indus river still flowed by our side, like a loyal travel partner. And we were soon at the Alchi village, the home of one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh, the Alchi Choksar Monastery.

The Alchi Monastery Ladakh – Jewel on The Indus

The Alchi village is a quaint little village on the banks of the Indus and framed by a backdrop of mountains.

A narrow winding path leads to the Alchi Monastery.

The path is flanked by shops selling colourful souvenirs and trinkets which include miniature prayer wheels, statuettes of Buddha, and much more. Some small, local eateries sell exotic local specialities including the ubiquitous momos, Khambir which is a local bread, Chocolate Walnut Apricot dumplings, Apricot Walnut salad, Apricot Walnut tea, and much more. Walking on this path your suddenly come bang in front of the gate that leads to the Gompa.

The Alchi Monastery at first glance seemed pretty modest in dimensions. It looked pretty small compared to the massive proportions of the Hemis or the Lamayuru monasteries in Ladakh. But do not be fooled by its size, the monastery is indeed a notable bookmark in the history of Ladakh and has many surprises up its sleeves!

The other thing that struck us was that the Alchi Monastery was not on a hill or reached by steep steps. You walk right into it from the street level. This is not the case in most of the monasteries of Ladakh.

The Original Walking Stick of Lama Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo

Before we talk about the Alchi temple complex and its various constituents, how about a bit of intrigue? As we mentioned a narrow path flanked by shops on either side leads to the Alchi Monastery complex. Right in the midst of the busy street in a corner stands a tree decorated with a white cloth. A donation box placed by its side. A board enigmatically says, “The Original Walking Stick of Lama Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo“.

We were intrigued by the tree and looked around for a walking stick, but found none! We moved on still pondering about the significance of the tree. Who was Lama Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo? What was the mystery of his walking stick? questions buzzed through our minds, but we did not get any answers. However, a little bit of online research threw some light on the mystery of the walking stick.

Who Was Lama Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo?

We found that Lama Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo was a tenth-century translator who was born in Tibet and came to Kashmir to study Buddhism. It is said that he studied under different Gurus who included Atisha and Naropa among others. He is credited to have translated 17 volumes of Kagyur, 33 volumes of Tagyur, over 100 volumes of Tantra and much more. He is also said to have got constructed 108 temples before he returned to Tibet. Even some of the temples in the Lamayuru monastery are attributed to him though there is no conclusive evidence.

There are many myths around the construction of these temples and monasteries. One fascinating myth is that some of these temples sprung up overnight! The Alchi monastery is also attributed to Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo. The importance of Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo in the history of Ladakh is summed up in an inscription on a wall at the Lotsawa Lakhang in Alchi.

“Lamas who come into the world in succession like Buddhas of the Good Age (‘Lord of the Dharma’), protector of living beings, father and son with their great unequalled love, Rinchen, the Jewel, King of Initiations, giving contentment to living beings, I bow in salutation to these peerless Lamas, the leaders of living beings.”

The Walking Stick Mystery

Are you are wondering, what about the mystery of the walking stick.? Well, it is believed that Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo left his walking stick behind when he left Alchi and from it sprouted the tree which stands today on the path that leads to the Alchi monastery, a tree which is largely ignored by the people making their way to the Alchi Monastery complex!

What To See In The Alchi Monastery?

The Alchi monastery is actually a complex of temples and buildings located not far from the southern banks of the Indus river. The complex that dates back to the 10th century is partially in ruins. There are four main structures within the complex.

They are:

• Sumtseg
• Dukhang
• Manjushri Temple
• Lotsava Lakhang

Apart from these, the complex has many ancient Chortens and passageways with prayer wheels.

These make for an interesting walk in the complex. A couple of the pathways take you right out of the complex to come face to face with the aquamarine waters of the Indus.

The Sumtseg

The Sumtseg is a three storey structure built with natural stone in the Tibetan style. But what strikes you is the interior work done in wood.

The woodwork is in the Kashmiri style and enchants with its exquisite detail even to this day. Columns and facades in wood rivet your attention while faded frescoes still charm with their artistic beauty.

The sanctum sanctorum is on the ground floor of the Sumtseg. It has niches on the walls which depict the Bodhisattvas. The temple is dedicated to the three Bodhisattvas, Maitreya, Avalokiteshwara, and Manjushri. The second floor is more like a balcony. Wooden steps lead to it, but as the condition is not good, one is not allowed on the top floors. Photography too is not permitted inside any of the temples including the Sumtseg.

The Sumtseg presents a beautiful picture in brown with a green Poplar tree in the front. Legend has it that the Poplar tree was planted by Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo.

The Dukhang

The Dukhang or the assembly hall is the main congregation place for monks. It is a large hall that is reached from one of the pathways from the front. Though the original Dukhang with a wooden door still exists, it is said that many additions and modifications have been made during the 12th and 13th centuries. Paintings of Bodhisattvas and other divine forms adorn the walls of the Dukhang.

Manjushri Temple

Manjushri is a Bodhisattva whose form is worshipped as the embodiment of Prajna or insight. This Bodhisattva is an important deity in Mahayana Buddhism. The Manjushri temple dates back to the 13th century. The center of the temple consists of four images of seated Manjushri, hemmed by four pillars. The walls have been painted with frescoes similar to that seen in the Sumtseg. The temple is not in very good condition and the paintings on the wall are quite faded.

The Lotsawa Lakhang

Near the Manjushri temple is another temple known as Lotsawa or LhotsawaLakhang.This temple is dated later than the Manjushri temple. It is dedicated to the great translator Rinchen Zangpo. The center of the temple has an image of Shakyamuni more commonly and popularly known as Gautam Buddha to the world. Besides the meditative image of the Buddha is a smaller image of Rinchen Zangpo. The walls of the temple are adorned by paintings of the Buddha. One of the important visuals in the LhotsawaLakhang is an inscription singing the glories of the Buddha, Rinchen Zangpo, and Lamas in general.

History of Alchi Monastery

The history of the Alchi Monastery is not very clear with conflicting views. The Alchi Monastery is said to have been built by the great translator Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century while some attribute it to a Tibetan nobleman called Kal-dan Shes-rab in the 11th century.

However, a weather-beaten board in the Alchi Monastery clearly proclaims that it was founded by Rinchen Zangpo between 1020-1035 AD. He had skilled artists from Tibet and Kashmir work on the temple to come up with an exquisite work of art. The Alchi Monastery is administered and owned today by the Likir Monastery.

The history of Alchi Monastery actually begins in the region of Western Tibet in a place then called Guge. A king named Yeshe Od with the objective of spreading Buddhism in the Trans-Himalayan region dispatched some 21 scholars to the region. One of these was Rinchen Zangpo. He studied from various masters of the region and translated many Buddhist works from Sanskrit. He is said to have built 108 temples out of which a few survive today. Rinchen Zangpo was instrumental in spreading Buddhism in the regions of Ladakh, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh in India. The rest, of course, is history!

Quick Guide To Alchi Monastery

How To Reach Alchi Monastery

• Alchi Monastery is located 65 kilometres from Leh in the Ladakh region of the state of Jammu & Kashmir
• Leh is connected by air from Delhi and can also be reached by road, a drive across picturesque landscapes towards the west of Leh takes you to the Alchi Monastery
• The nearest airport to Alchi Monastery is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh at a distance of about 64 kilometres
• Public transport in the form of Mini Buses are available from Leh to Alchi, one can hire a cab or if you fancy an adventurous drive you can hire a bike
• For avid trekkers, there is an exciting to get to Alchi in the form of the Lamayuru to Alchi trek which connects the two ancient monasteries of Ladakh

Book cheap flights here to reach Leh or Srinagar.

Where To Eat In Alchi

An exotic treat of Tibetan and Kashmiri cuisine awaits you at Alchi. From the iconic Momos to Apricot and Walnut desserts, from the famous Thukpa to Yak cheese, the list is endless. One of the most popular places to eat when in Alchi is Alchi’s Kitchen. The delightful little restaurant with wooden balconies is located prominently near the main market and on the way to the Alchi Monastery. An open kitchen and smiling faces treat you to many of the local delicacies.

The other nice restaurant to eat in when in Alchi is the Zimskhang restaurant which offers outdoor seating in the midst of a garden. The restaurant serves multi-cuisine offerings including local fare and is located right near the parking area on the way to the Alchi Monastery.

Where To Stay In Alchi

Though you can do a day trip from Leh to Alchi as the Alchi Leh distance is just 65 km. as we did, there are stay options in Alchi. If you are looking for a more relaxed and immersive experience of Alchi we recommend an overnight stay. There are many Alchi hotels that offer nice accommodation. These include the Alchi Resort, Zimskhang Holiday Home, and the Choksor Guest House. These are only an indicative list of the hotels in Alchi Ladakh and not a recommendation as we have not stayed in them.

For the best hotels or best accommodation in Leh or Alchi, we suggest checking out our favourite sites to book here. We always use these sites to book our stay. Hotel booking can be done through TripAdvisor or Cleartripor  Booking.com to save huge and get best deals on booking your stay.

Good To Know Information Before visiting Alchi Monastery

• If you are in Ladakh be sure to have acclimatized yourself before you venture out for exploring – Read how to prevent AMS while in Ladakh
• Please note that if you are only visiting Alchi from Leh it does not require an Inner Line Permit
• If you are combining your Alchi visit with visits to places in the Inner Line region like Hanu, Dah, etc., you will require the permit for those places which can be applied online here
• There is a nominal entrance fee of INR 20 for domestic tourists and INR 50 for foreign tourists for entrance to the Alchi Monastery
• The normal visiting hours to the Alchi Monastery is from 8 AM to 6 PM and is closed between 1 PM to 2 PM for Lunch
• Be sure to carry warm clothes with you when visiting the Alchi Monastery or any place in Ladakh, the days may be warm but it becomes chilly as evening draws near
• Protect yourselves from the sun’s radiation when in Ladakh with the help of sunscreen protection, sunglasses, and headgear
• Carry a water bottle and keep yourself hydrated
• Footwear is allowed within the Alchi Monastery complex. However, you will need to remove footwear while entering any of the temples in Alchi
• The best time to visit Alchi Monastery Ladakh is between the months of April to November, this is when the major highways to and from Leh are open
• In terms of mobile connectivity, it is very important to know that pre-paid connections will not work in Ladakh, only postpaid connections will work. Pre-Paid connections that have been bought within Jammu & Kashmir state will work. As per our experience, Airtel and BSNL connections were working well when we were there.

Other Attractions of Sham Valley

The Alchi monastery in Sham valley is only just one of the important attractions. The Sham valley is a very important region of Ladakh in terms of tourist attractions. Places like the Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers, Magnetic Hill, Basgo Palace, Likhir Monastery, and the Chilling village attract visitors to Ladakh with their unique charm.

After spending the day deciphering the mysteries of the Alchi Monastery we exited from the gate. Again we took the narrow path towards the parking lot. We passed by the tree covered with a white cloth which stands as a silent testimony to the presence of the great translator Rinchen Zangpo, the man credited with setting up the Alchi Monastery and many other temples in the region.

Have you been to the Alchi Monastery? If not we recommend a visit to this place when you are in Leh next. How did you like this complete guide to Alchi monastery? We hope that the information we have provided you here is useful to plan your trip to the Alchi Gompa Monastery, however for any more details you can always reach out to us.

You might be interested in reading our other posts on Ladakh:

Lamayuru Monastery Ladakh – Stepping Back In Time
Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness – Ladakh AMS
Naropa Festival Ladakh – Kumbh Mela Of Himalayas

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