Introduction

Settled calmly on lowland terrain south of the river Indus in the village of Alchi, is the oldest and the most magnificent monastic complex (Chos-'Khor) known as Alchi Gompa. Founded by the great scholar and translator Rinchen Zangpo in the 11th century, the complex consists of various shrines, including the Dukhang or assembly hall, Lha-Khang Soma or the new temple, Sumstek or the three storied temple, the Lotsava Lakhang or the translator’s temple and the Manjushri temple, besides the Great Chorten and the Small Chorten. The Alchi Gompa is a storehouse of some of the most impressive Indo-Tibetan murals and artwork, which clearly fuel the word that the great translator had brought several artisans from Kashmir for the construction work. Created somewhere between the 11th century and the 13th century, the ancient murals are still preserved in immaculate condition even after all these years and exhibit an artistic style that was highly popular in Kashmir at one time. In fact, the wall paintings and the images are some of the most ancient surviving forms of artwork in Ladakh, which brings forth the fact that this monastery did not fall under any of the established Tibetan schools of Buddhism. This led to its initiation into the Kadampa order initially, although it was later brought under the Gelugpa order after the former order failed to save it from decline. Today, the complex is administered by the Likir Monastery and is taken care of by the Archaeological Survey of India.

A very attractive feature of the Alchi complex (which finds its name in the tentative list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites) is the fine collection of colossal Buddha statues that can be found inside the three storied Sumstek. What’s interesting is the fact that this three level building was constructed out of loam and natural stone in typical Tibetan architectural convention, while the interior comprised of clay images, wood carvings and wall paintings, which were the handiwork of Kashmiri artisans. This unique collaboration of Indian and Tibetan art form makes Alchi Gompa a really unique temple complex in the entire subcontinent itself. Perhaps it is the Sumstek, which is the most illustrious of the lot with niches that display highly intricate images of the three Bodhisattvas in standing positions on the ground and first floor and images of Maitreya, Avolokiteshwara and Manjushri on the second floor. Located in the centre of the complex, the Dukhang has frescoes of a thousand Buddhas in the passage that leads to the hall, while the exterior gate depicts images of the Bhavacakra and Mahakal. The construction of the Sumstek was followed by the building of the Chortens, which depict some highly elaborate ancient paintings that are historically unique to Alchi.

Special Attributes

11th century Alchi Chos Khor, which figures in UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites with its ancient paintings and architectural wonder

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

None. Wrap up in warm clothes as temperature can go down drastically during evenings.

Connectivity

Public transport buses, taxis/jeeps

Enjoyed by

Singles, Backpackers, Nature Lovers

Exposure

You will remain indoors mostly.

Avoidable Season

October, November, December, January, February, March, April

Facilities

Restaurants and guesthouses offering comfortable stays and good food

Things Not Allowed

Cameras are not allowed as photography is prohibited inside the complex

Tip

Leave early with a ready-reckoning mind to float through a thousand year's intriguing journey of spiritual mysticism.

Type of site

Monastery