Alchi Monastery

Resting in the lap of the breathtakingly beautiful Ladakh, the Alchi monastery is one of the most sacred and holy places in the entire world. It was constructed by legendary Guru Rinchen Zangpo between the era of 958 and 1055 AD. Devotees from all across the globe swarm here in search of eternal peace. Revered all over the world as the oldest Buddhist Learning centre in North India, this is definitely a must-visit for all travelers to witness wile taking a trip to Ladakh.

What makes it stand out from other Buddhist monuments are the mesmerising carvings on the walls. The complex of the monastery consists of several chortens and temples that belong to different periods of time. The oldest wall paintings of Ladakh have also been well preserved in this monastery. It has also attracted the film fraternity as numerous movies have been shot here like Dil Se and Tashan. Numerous restaurants, tea stalls, souvenir shops and shacks are located near the monastery to promote tourism.

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• Pay a visit to the oldest Buddhist learning centre in all of northern India, the Alchi Monastery
• Witness stunning carvings and wall paintings here, which date back to ancient times
• Take a short detour to the different chortens and temples within the monastery premises, and learn about Buddhism, its teachings and its development throughout the different periods of time
• Explore the monastery and relish the mesmerising views of the ancient statue of Buddha located here
• Spend some time meditating amidst the tranquil and peaceful ambience of the gompa
• You can also get your hands on authentic pashmina shawl, woollen jackets and apricots in the tourist markets located nearby

If you are planning on visiting Alchi Monastery, the best month to visit is September. Here are a few other times when you can visit Alchi Monastery-

- Between May and September is when the weather is most manageable, you can visit this monastery. Roads are functional during these months too.

- Roads remain closed from November to April due to snowfall, so those months are best avoided.

- If you want to witness the monastery in all its glory, plan your visit during one of the amazing festivals when the place is bubbling with celebrations. You can plan your visit around the Tibetan new year, Sho Dun, and Chotrul Ducan.

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Here are some of the important information that you can follow for a memorable trip to Alchi Monastery.

-Mobile Connectivity: If you are planning to visit Alchi monastery, check for mobile connectivity in advance since the high altitude does not guarantee good phone reception. Though most of Ladakh has Airtel and BSNL network, at Alchi Monastery only BSNL and Reliance Jio networks work.

-Medical Facilities: The nearest medical health care centre is located one and a half hours away in Leh called 'Sonam Norbu Memorial Hospital'. Although, it is important to get a general health check-up before going to Alchi Monastery. Make sure to carry basic medicines with you, as the combination of high altitude and no medical facilities nearby might make it tough in an emergency.

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Traveller's Tips for Visiting Alchi Monastery

If you are planning an amazing trip to Alchi Monastery, make sure to keep a few things in mind

1. Wear comfortable shoes that can offer you maximum comfort to travel in the high altitude region.

2. Plan for at least a one or two hours of stop at the monastery if you want to experience it properly.

3. The peace and serenity are what makes it a monastery- do not disturb it by talking too loudly.

4. Remember that photography is not allowed inside the monastery.

5. Do not carry any intoxicating substances or food inside the monastery.

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There are many ways in which you can easily reach Alchi Monastery with a little planning

-By Air: The nearest airport to Alchi Monastery is located in Leh, where flights land regularly. Once you reach Leh, you will have to take a taxi or hire a jeep to go to Alchi by road.

-By Road: Travelling the distance between Alchi Monastery and Leh by road is the most feasible option. The road remains closed between November and April, so avoid going during that time.

-By Rail: Rail travel is not possible in Ladakh due to its high altitude. The nearest railway station is in Jammu & Kashmir. 

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