Introduction

Situated about 52 kilometers (32.31 miles) from Leh and 9.5 kilometers (5.9 miles) north of the Srinagar-Leh highway, Likir Monastery or Klu-Kkhyil (Water Spirits) Gompa as it is known was built in the 11th century by Lama Duwang Chosje. Established during the reign of Lhachen Gyalpo, the fifth king of Ladakh, the monastery is originally believed to have belonged to the Kadampa discipline of Tibetan Buddhism. The present day Likir Monastery was reconstructed in the 18th century over the erstwhile resting ground of a gompa, which was burnt down in the 15th century, and then reinstated into the Gelugpa order of Buddhism.

Literally meaning “The Naga – Encircled,” Likir stands enclosed by the bodies of the two great serpent spirits, the Naga rajas, Nanda and Taksako. Historically, Likir Monastery has gone through various developments from time to time, including the introduction of the custom of sending novice monks to Lhasa by King Lhachen-dngos-grub, a fact that has been inscribed in black on one of its wall. Housing about 120 monks today, the monastery even has a school run by the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies where about 30 children receive decent education in Hindi, Sanskrit and English languages.

The architecture of the monastery is quite unique with thangkas of the guardian deities and a Bhavacakra mandala held by Yama himself gracing the verandah. There are two Dukhangs or assembly halls inside the monastery, of which the older hall (in the central courtyard) has six rows of seats meant for the lamas and a throne for the head lama of the monastery. These halls come alive during the annual festival of Dosmochey, which is celebrated from the 27th to the 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar (February). An unusual sight that will catch your attention is a 25 feet statue of a sitting Sakyamuni dominating the roof at the entrance of the monastery. Interestingly, there’s also a small museum inside the monastery, which contains valuable artefacts that are 300-400 years old, including Tibetan thangkas, manuscripts, robes and even earthenware. Built about 200 years ago, the newer assembly hall displays an amazing statue of Avalokite?vara with 1000 arms and 11 heads, with bookcases holding great volumes of the Sumbum on either sides of it.

Likir, which may today seem to be resting on an unusually offbeat location, actually once stood on the very trade route connecting India to other lands and also offers a great reason for visitors to leisurely saunter for about half an hour across the fields to reach it. Sitting quaintly on a small hill in the Indus Valley, Likir Monastery is one of the most impressive spiritual destinations in Ladakh today with great trekking options for visitors and an unperturbed meditational ground.

Special Attributes

The striking 25 feet statue of the Sakyamuni gracing the entrance of the monastery

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

No such restrictions

Tip

Gear up early morning for a languid trek, armed with drinking water, sunglasses and a camera to capture the offers of the picturesque location

Type of site

Monastery