Alchi Monastery

Alchi Monastery, founded by the famous scholar Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century, is more of a monastic complex. It is unique as the monastery is built on a flat ground, unlike other monasteries of Ladakh that are built atop hills. The monastic complex of Alchi village has four separate settlements, of which Alchi Monastery is the most famous and also the oldest. Alchi Monastery, during its initial days, belonged to the Kadampa school of Tibetan Buddhism though later it was taken over by the Gelugpa order. Religious practices stopped at Alchi in the 15th century. The gompa came under the control of Likir Monastery.

The monastic complex comprises Assembly Hall (Dukhang), Sumtseg, Temple of Manjushri or Jampe Lhakhang, Translator’s Temple called Lotsawa Lhakhang and a new temple called Lhakhang Soma. Sumtseg, in particular, is popular for its 2-storey high statue of four armed Bodhisattva. The complex is dotted with beautiful murals, carvings and wall paintings that depict both Buddhist and Hindu artistic details. It is advised to carry a torch or flashlight since the place doesn’t have electricity. Besides, it is surrounded by a bustling market, souvenir shops, restaurants, tea stalls and Golden Oriole German Bakery.