Around 67 km from Leh, a small village by the name of Alchi is home to one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh region. Standing on the banks of river Indus, the monastery, Alchi Monastery, is also known by the name of Alchi Choskhor. Though traditionally, the credit for the construction of the monastery goes to the great translator Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055), the oldest monuments preserved here date back to the middle of the 12th century. The significance of the monastery also lies in the fact that it is the only one that has been built on a flat ground.

The monastery complex houses two main temples - Alchi Du-khang and the Sum-tsek. Apart from these, other smaller structures of the monastery complex include The Temple of Manjushri, Lotsawa Lha-khang, Lha-khang Soma and 3 Ka-ka-ni (entrance) chortens.


Today, the monastery is managed by monks of Likir Monastery. For tourists visiting the monastery complex, it is essential to carry a flashlight since there is no electricty inside. Also, photography is prohibited inside the monastery.


The Structures Of Complex

• The Du-khang : The main temple, Alchi Du-khang, also known as the assembly hall is the largest and the oldest preserved structure of the complex. It is the main area utilised by monks for ceremonies. Entrance to the du-khang is through a court with colonaded verandah. Murals of thousand Buddha adorn the cloisters while the outer gate has the Wheel of Life and Mahakal on its side. The walls of the du-khang, dedicated to panch tathgats, are painted with six different mandalas centring on Vairochana. Along with numerous Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, goddess, fierce divinities and guardian of dharmas, there are also lesser divinities around the mandalas.
  
  
• The Sum-tsek : The second important temple of the monastery complex is a three storey mud structure housing three enormous figures of four armed Bodhisattvas. The figures are so huge that the celings of the ground floor have been cut away to allow the heads to extend upto second floor. The Bodhisattvas are placed in alcove in the side and far walls while the centre of the ground floor is occupied by a figure of Maitreya Buddha. The figure is a 14 1/2 feet tall structure with his upper right hand in abhaymudra. To his left is the white Avalokiteshvara and to the right is a figure of Manjushri in a vitarkamudra (gesture of explanation).
  
  
• The Temple of Manjushri : Also known as Jampe Lhakhang, this temple was a free standing structure built around the four central image of Manjushri. The large central platform has a complex throne construction. On this throne are seated the four clay images of Mañjushri, back to back.
  
  Lotsawa Lha-khang has an image of Buddha in bhumisparshamudra as its central image. It also houses a sculpture and a painting of Rinchen Tsangpo which is placed on one side of the central image. To the other side of the central image is a figure of Avalokiteshvara.
  
  The Lha-khang Soma or the New Temple is decorated with murals of later style in contrast to the older buildings. The entrance chortens are hollow from inside and are embellished with murals.

About Alchi
The small village of Alchi holds a significant place in the culture of Himalayas. The village comprises four separate hamlet and a number of historic structures apart from the main monastic complex. Though small, the village has sufficient facilities to make an overnight stay comfortable for tourists. Tourists can also shop a bit in Alchi. The major items for buy include pashmina and other wool products. The best time to visit the place is from June to September.


Other Attractions

• Likir Monastery : 5 km north of Alchi and 52 km from Leh, the Likir monastery was established in the 11th century by a sect known as Klu-Kkhjil (water spirits). Later, in the 15th century it was rededicated to another monastic order (the yellow sect). The gompa that stands today is not the original one as it was destructed in the fire. The present gompa was reconstructed in the 18th century and houses huge clay images of Lord Buddha. Apart from it, other belongings of the monastery include several old manuscripts, a rich collection of Thankas, old religious and domestic costumes. A yearly festival by the name of Likir festival is celebrated here from the 17th to 19th of the twelfth month of the Buddhist calander.
  
  
• Spituk Monastery : Around 18 km from Leh, on a hill overlooking the Indus river stand the Spituk (exemplary) monastery. The monastery was named by Rinchen Zangpo, the Great Translator whose efforts spread Buddhism in Ladakh. The Spituk monastery stores a collection of Buddhist artifacts and is quiet famous for the Spituk festival. The festival is celebrated from the 17th to 19th days of the 11th month of the Buddhist calendar.
  
  
• Phyang Monastery : The Phyang Monastery lies 17 km west of Leh and stands on a hill top. The significance of the monastery lies in the fact that it was the first monastery, which introduced the Degungpa teaching of 'Skyob Jigsten Gonbo' (founded by Chosje Danma Kunga) in Ladakh during the rule of King Jamyang Namgyal in the 16th Century A.D. The annual festival celebrated here on the 2nd & 3rd of the 6th month of Tibetan Calendar is known as 'Phyang Tseruk'.