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Leh to Likir & Alchi Gompa Full Day Excursion

Package price On Request

Product Code : AGORA437

There are so many beautiful Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh that it can be difficult to know where to begin, or which to prioritize. This private day tour from Leh makes it easy to visit two of the highlights: Likir and Alchi Monasteries. Learn more about these monasteries’ religious and artistic significance from your private guide. This is a must-do tour for curious travelers who are interested in Indian culture.

Pick up from your hotel in Leh and drive to visit Likir & Alchi. These village surrounded by the snow-clad mighty Himalayas are known for its white beauty because it remains cloaked in the shimmering snow for a major part of the year. These village are at elevated height of 11,978 feet above the sea level, due to such gigantic height amid mountains, the terrains of villages are rocky. 

Likir is the home for well-known 11th century built Likir Monastery. The monastery has two assembly halls, known as Dukhangs and the older one is located on the right of the central courtyard with six rows of seats for the lamas and a throne for the Head Lama of Likir. The Dukhangs contain statues of Bodhisattva, Amitabha, three large statues of Sakyamuni, Maitreya and Tsong Khapa, founder of the yellow-hat sect. The monastery is also a repository of old manuscripts, and has a notable thangka collection and old costumes and earthen pots. The newer Dukhang, about 200 years old is located diagonally across from the courtyard's entrance and contains a statue of Avalokitesvara with 1000 arms and 11 heads. Bookcases stand at the statue sides, with the volumes of the Sumbum, describing the life and teachings of Tsong Khapa. The left wall has paintings of the 35 Confessional Buddhas while the right wall has an image of Sakyamuni with two of his chiefs by his side.

After likir proceed to visit Alchi, considered to be among the most extensive examples of Buddhist art. Du-Khang is the earliest temple at Alchi, founded around the 11th century AD. There is an elaborately carved doorway with panels of tiny Bodhisattvas and guardian figures. Sum-tsek is a triple-storied temple with a carved wooden façade consisting of pillars, carved brackets, and capitals. The walls of the halls are covered with mandalas in vibrant colors, standing figures of Bodhisattvas, Manjushri (the embodiment of wisdom), Avalokiteshvara, and Maitreya Buddha. Lotsawa Lha-Khang and Manjushri Lha-Khang are two adjoining shrines that share a similar plan. The square shrine has four central columns that hold up the raised roof. Lha-Khang Soma is a structure constructed later in comparison to other shrines of Alchi. Columns that support the roof have wonderful carved brackets with lion faces. Walls of the shrine are painted with the images of Vairochana, Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and guardian figures. The doorway is decorated and protected as usual with the image of Mahakala.

After sightseeing drive back to Leh and drop off to your hotel.

Transport by private AC deluxe car

Pick up and drop off to your hotel.

Services of a knowledgeable, English-speaking tour guide.

Monument entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary.

Bottled water within the vehicle.

All taxes

Any meals.

Camera charges at monuments.

Gratuities (optional).