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Alchi was also on the main trade route of central Asia. The route along
the Indus via Leh was connected to the Chinese Turkestan. The main
centre of attraction in the Alchi village is the Alchi Monastery or
Alchi Gompa (monastery and temple complex), Leh on the banks of the
Indus river.
Alchi is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist centers in
Ladakh and also as the monastic jewels of Ladakh. The Alchi monastery
dates back to nearly one thousand years and so the effect of the Tibetan
influence can be seen in the local culture. There are five shrines in
the Choskor temple complex which has some splendid wall paintings.
One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the
Buddha. Three large sized images made of clay painted brightly are its
focal attraction. No longer an active religious center, it is looked
after by monks from the Likir monastery. Since last 500 years, the
religion is not practiced in the Alchi monastery.
Over a period of time the Yellow hat sect (Gelugpa) shifted the
religious activities to another place which is 30 kms away, known as
Likir. The surrounding of the Gompa offers a very friendly atmosphere
for the visitors as there are small restaurants, tea stalls and as well
as souvenir shops welcoming the tourists. The visitors who have a very
less time to visit Leh can have an excursion to the Alchi monastery.
How to
reach
Nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe
Airport (Leh Airport) in Leh, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
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