Alchi Monastery - The wonder of India
Alchi (1020AD) - Marvel of Ladakh and Kashmir
Alchi represents the pinnacle of Trans-Himalayan art.
These magnificent wall paintings, dated between 11th – 13th century AD, are from Alchi monastery located 65 kms west of Leh. King Yeshe Od of Guge and famous scholar Rinchen Zangpo have built 108 monasteries in Tibetan region. Out of these 3 temples were believed to be created in one night – Sumda, Mangyu and Alchi.
The Sumtseg, a three storied building is one of the most outstanding artistic creations in Kashmir. It houses 3 colossal statues of Bodhisattvas. The sculpture of Avalokiteshwara stands 4m high and his dhoti is filled with miniature paintings of palaces, temples and royal life. The Alchi murals combine the best of Kashmiri and Tibetian art and provide a rare glimpse of the peaceful coexistence of Buddhism and Shaivaism traditions in Kashmir. It is remarkable that the stone colors used don’t show any sign of fading and glows even after 1000 years.
The tallest sculpture of Maitreya stands 5m tall and his dhoti is depicted with 50 roundels showing various episodes of Buddha Shakyamuni. The important paintings show the birth of Price Siddhartha at Lumbini gardens, the young prince undergoing penance, attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, preaching to 5 companions at Sarnath and images of Akshobhaya Buddha. They are breathtakingly beautiful and real.
The third giant sculpture of orange hue is that of Manjushri. There are 84 mahasiddhas depicted on his dhoti in chequered squares. On the upper storey above the head of Manjushri is the painting of standing Tara with 8 hands. On the right hand wall of Sumtseg, there are 1000 miniature paintings of Manjushri painted in 5 colours. The central icon is the 4-armed golden Manjushri holding a sword and a book decorated with intricate gold work.
This iconic painting of the Lady of Alchi is that of Shyama Tara seated in a sun disc. Note this style of painting where the almond shaped eyes is projected beyond the outline of the face, a style perfected earlier in Ellora and Ajanta.
Alchi represents the pinnacle of trans-Himalayan art where beauty and divinity reaches the exquisite levels of Ajanta and South Indian Temples.
What differentiates Alchi from other imposing hill top monasteries in Ladakh is that it is small and built in the valley with flat roofs. It’s status as a backwater possibly saved it from being destroyed in the many Mughal and Dogra wars.
The cold dry desert of Ladakh has helped preserve the beautiful paintings. However recent rains resulting from climate changes are causing massive destruction to the mud walls & wooden ceilings. Negligence arising out of infighting between monks and ASI is preventing proper restoration work.
Visit Alchi before it is too late and lost forever in the wheels of time.
How to reach - Alchi can be reached from Leh (66Kms) or Srinagar - Kargil (383Kms). Stay near Alchi or Lamayaru and plan a visit to Alchi and Likir Monasteries.
You can watch the beauty of Tabo Monastery here -
Incredible Alchi Monastery in Leh, Ladakh [Must Visit] [GoPro vlog]
I took a journey to Leh, and having reached there early in April, there was not much happening in Leh - so I decided to take a trip to nearby places.
This is my journey from Leh to Alchi, on the way to Lamayuru.
Shot using GoPro Hero 4 (Silver)
Credits:
Long Road Ahead B by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (
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Alchi Monastery/Gompa - Oldest Buddhist Monastery @ Ladakh
Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa is a Buddhist monastery, known more as a monastic complex (chos-'khor) of temples in Alchi village in the Leh District, of the Indian state under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council of Jammu and Kashmir. The complex comprises four separate settlements in the Alchi village in the lower Ladakh region with monuments dated to different periods. Of these four hamlets, Alchi monastery is said to be the oldest and most famous. It is administered by the Likir Monastery.[1][2][3]
Alchi is also part of the three villages (all in lower Ladakh region) which constitute the ‘Alchi group of monuments’; the other two villages adjoining Alchi are the Mangyu and Sumda Chun. The monuments in these three villages are stated to be of “unique style and workmanship’, but the Alchi monastic complex is the best known.[1][2]
The monastery complex was built, according to local tradition, by the great translator Guru Rinchen Zangpo between 958 and 1055. However, inscriptions in the preserved monuments ascribe it to a Tibetan noble called Kal-dan Shes-rab later in the 11th century.[2][4] Dukhang or Assembly Hall and the Main Temple (gTsug-lag-khang), which is a three-storied temple called the Sumtseg (gSum-brtsegs), are built in Kashmiri style as seen in many monasteries; the third temple is called the Manjushri Temple ('Jam-dpal lHa-khang). Chortens are also an important part of the complex.[1][2]
The artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhism and the Hindu kings of that time in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are reflected in the wall paintings in the monastery. These are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh. The complex also has huge statues of the Buddha and elaborate wood carvings and art-work comparable to the baroque style.[2][5] Shakti Maira has vividly explained the beauty of this small monastery.[6]
MYSTERIOUS MONASTERIES, ALCHI (LEH)
The World Famous Alchi Monastery, Ladakh
A Travels With Sheila fact - 99% (if not 100%) of the tourists in Ladakh will visit the world famous Alchi Monastery founded in the 11th century by the Great Translator Ringchem Zangpo on his return from India. Not only because it has some of the oldest surviving painting inside but because the frescoes are beyond exquisite. An easy to do day trip and everyone does it...
Lama Zangpo was known as the Great Translator because he translated Indian Buddhist scriptures into the Tibetan Language. Photographing the frescoes inside is strictly forbidden and our guide told us, truthfully, that one of the guardian monks broke a tourist's wrist when he tried to sneak one. Buy the postcards HERE. They are not on sale anywhere else in Ladakh, AND bring a flashlight. It is quite dark in the inner rooms.
Alchi Choskor oldest surviving monastic complex of Ladakh
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ALCHI MONASTERY, MAGNETIC HILLS, SANGAM | Day 1, 2 IN LEH LADAKH
Hello !! (COMPLETE ITINERARY BELOW)
We recently went on one of the best trips of our life: Leh-Ladakh and Kashmir. It was a 10 day trip.
Today's video is about day 1 and 2.
We flew to Leh on 31st Aug 2018.
Flew from Leh to Kashmir on 6th Sept 2018.
Flew back to Delhi from Kashmir on 10th Sept 2018.
This is our itinerary. Hope it helps some of you.
Day 1: 31st Aug
We landed in Leh at 8:30 am.
Since Leh Ladakh is at a very high altitude, your body needs to acclimatize to the low level of oxygen. Hence you MUST take the first 2 days slow.
So, after eating and few hours of sleep, we headed to the Leh market in the evening. Explored the area and had dinner at a restaurant int he market only.
Day 2: 1st Sept
Today we hired a taxi and covered the main tourrist attractions in the city: Alchi Monastery, Sangam (Indus-Zanskar Confluence), Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and Magnetic hills.
Do not opt for rafting in the Sangam. Not worth it !!!
We headed back to our hotel in the evening and partied in our hostel.
Day 3: 2nd Sept 2018
Today we left for Nubra in our tempo traveler. If you are a group of 6+ people I would highly suggest you go for the traveler and not a SUV. Traveller is lot more convenient for the long hours of travelling.
On the way we did the ATV bike rides at the Bhaag Milkha Bhaag point.
We spent the night in Hunder, Nubra.
Day 4: 3rd Sept 2018
Today we drove to Pangong via Shyok road.
On the way, we explored the Diskit monastry, did the double hump camel rides and rafting in Nubra.
At night we reached Pangong Lake and spent the night in the tents there.
Day 5: 4th Sept 2018
We started the watching the sun rise on the lake and explored the area up until 11am.
On our way back to Leh from Pangong we covered: The Shey palace and the Rancho School.
We spent the night in a hotel in Leh.
Day 6: 5th Sept 2018
Today we woke up pretty late and started our exploration only at around 2pm. We started off with the Leh Palace and reached there on foot from the main market.
After coming back from the palace to the main market, we took a taxi to the Shanti Stupa nd watched the sun set there.
The same cab dropped us back to the market and after our dinner we headed back to the hotel.
I know you must be thinking her channel name is spelled incorrectly but that was intentionally done. :)
No one's life is perfect and the same applies to me. But then I believe beauty lies in the imperfections and I feel blessed to have understood that.
So, don't fret upon the imperfections in you. They make you different than others. They make you YOU.
Day 7: 6th Sept 2018
Flew to Kashmir. Explored the Mughal Gardens( nishat bagh, shalimar bagh), chashme shahi, Pari Mahal and took a shikara ride in the evening on the Dal Lake.
Spent the night in the hotel in Srinagar.
Day 8: 7th Sept 2018
We hired a taxi to Gulmarg and came back to our hotel in the evening.
Day 9: 8th Sept 2018
Hired the same taxi for 2 days to Pahalgam
Explored: Aru Valley, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari via another taxi that we hired in Phalagam.
Spent the night in Pahalgam.
Day 10: 9th Sept 2018
Explored more of Pahalgam via horses. This includes Kashmir Valley, Biasaran, water falls and few other valleys.
Drove back to Sringar.
Spent the night in a house boat.
Day 11: 10th Sept 2018
Flew back to Delhi
alchi sheep pen
alchi sheep pen
Day 3 - Bike Trip to Alchi Monastery, Leh - Newfangled Girl
Enjoying the adventure of one world on two wheels in Leh-Ladakh. We rented bikes from Leh town & headed towards Alchi Monastery. We drove to Magnetic hills, visited Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Sangam Valley.
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Alchi Gompa Monastry - Ladakh - July 21th 2017
Découverte du Monastère Alchi Gompa. Immersion dans le monde spirituel, envoûtée par la voix du moine, rythmée par le son du tambour tibétain
Himalayas: Alchi, Ladakh
Hitchhiking the Himalayas
Ladakh - visiting Alchi Monastery
Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa is a Buddhist monastery, known more as a monastic complex (chos-'khor) of temples in Alchi village in the Leh District. The monastery complex was built, according to local tradition, by the great translator Guru Rinchen Zangpo between 958 and 1055. However, inscriptions in the preserved monuments ascribe it to a Tibetan noble called Kal-dan Shes-rab later in the 11th century.[2][4] Dukhang or Assembly Hall and the Main Temple (gTsug-lag-khang), which is a three-storied temple called the Sumtseg (gSum-brtsegs), are built in Kashmiri style as seen in many monasteries. The artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhism and the Hindu kings of that time in Kashmir are reflected in the wall paintings in the monastery. These are some of the oldest surviving paintings in Ladakh. Alchi is located on the south bank of the Indus River at an altitude of 3,100 metres (10,200 ft) and 65 kilometres (40 mi) outside of Leh.
Ladakh Day 3 | Magnetic Hill and Alchi Monastery
So this is Day 3 of an older trip to Ladakh... we saw the mysterious Magnetic Hill and visited the serene Alchi Monastery!
We also stopped at the Sangam, which is a meeting point of rivers.
Hope you enjoyed the video!
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#leh #ladakh #magnetichill
Traversée du fleuve sacré Indus - Alchi Monastery Ladakh
Juillet 2017 eye Liner's photography
Ruins of Basgo Fort/Monastery/Gompa/Castle - Unseco World Heritage Site @ Ladakh
Basgo Monastery, also known as Basgo or Bazgo Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery located in Basgo or Bazgo in Leh District, Ladakh, northern India approximately 40 km from Leh.
Although the monastery was built for the Namgyal rulers in 1680, Bazgo itself was embedded in the early days of Ladakh and is frequently mentioned in the Ladakhi Chronicles when it was a political and cultural center.[1] In the 15th century, a palace was built in Basgo.
The monastery is situated on top of the hill towering over the ruins of the ancient town and is noted for its Buddha statue and murals. The complex comprises the Chamchung, Chamba Lakhang, and Serzang temples, dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha.
Enchanted Alchi, ‘Paintings of India’ (Excerpts).
Excerpts from Crossroads of the World (The 11th century Buddhist murals in Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti.)
A film by culture historian Benoy K Behl.
Please also see Benoy K Behl's books ‘The Art of India’ in 2 vols; ‘Buddhism: The Path of Compassion’; ‘The Ajanta Caves’ and 'Hindu Deities Worshipped in Japan'.
Alchi monastery : Ladakh visit (www.rohsoft.com)
Alchi Gompa- ladakh
Alchi Gompa on my roadtrip to Ladakh
Alchi Monastery
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Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa is a Buddhist monastery, known more as a monastic complex of temples in Alchi village in the Leh District, of the Indian state under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council of Jammu and Kashmir.The complex comprises four separate settlements in the Alchi village in the lower Ladakh region with monuments dated to different periods.Of these four hamlets, Alchi monastery is said to be the oldest and most famous.It is administered by the Likir Monastery.
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Driving from Likir Monastery to Lamayuru, in Ladakh - Part 5
Likir is located around 68 KM away from Lamayuru so if you travel at the consistant speed of 50 KM per hour you can reach Kurukshetra in 1.30 hours. Your Lamayuru travel time may depending upon the vehicle you use.
Likir is in west of Leh. Likir Gompa lies between Basgo and Ridzong, was established in the 15th century and is set on an isolated ridge. The road approaching the gompa makes a wide semi-circle around its base, affording beautiful views of the gompa from different vantage points. In the main Dukhang or main assembly hall, at the front on the left are two large chortens. Inside the chorten on the left is a statue of Avalokitesvara, a Bodhisattva whose name means Lord of All He Surveys and who is believed to be incarnated in the Dalai Lama. Numerous thankas hang from the columns and walls in the Dukhang.
Located in the western region of Ladakh, amidst mountain backed badlands, is one of the most popular villages and an ideal stopover between the Kargil-Leh route. It is situated around 127 kilometers from the town of Leh. Tourists who visit Ladakh halts in Lamayuru as a rule to visit Lamayuru monastery in this region. Dating back to the 11th century, Lamayuru monastery was founded by Mahasiddhacharya Naropa and belongs to Red-Hat sect of Buddhism. Also known as Yung-Drung, this monastery is home to more than 150 monks and houses a rich collection of artifacts, wall paintings, thangas, statues, carpets and an impressive 11-headed, 1000 eyed image of Chenzing. Apart from the monastery, Lamayuru also attracts tourists for its beautiful landscape which is quite similar to the lunar territory. Although it's quite remote, it is a favorite jaunt for photographers and trekkers.
In order to reach Lamayuru, one has to travel 107 kilometers west from Leh. Either you can take a short bypass from the nearby Srinagar-Leh road or set off on a trail to the Prikiti-La pass- the gateway to Zanskar.
Source: lehladakhhotel.com/ and lehladakhindia.com/
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