On the Monastery trail - Alchi, Lamayuru, Likir

The BNHS camp is over, but many of us have an extra day before we catch our return flights. so it is a decision about what to do & where to go? Pangong lake just had a landslide so it is not wise to explore that area. We opt instead for the road towards Kargil & Srinagar. This route is dotted with monastries along its way with the added attraction of some new landscapes that resemble the moon craters at Lamayuru and hence the name "Moonland"

The first monastery that comes on the way is the Alchi Gompa a charming small monastry neatly tucked away into the hillside. It is a hidden treasure that dates back to the 11th or 12th century with beautiful thangkas or murals on its mud walls

A view of the temple

Do not miss the simplistic but elegant and functional staircase!

I am rolling in the lap of nature at Alchi Gompa

prayer Wheel

view from the Alchi Gompa

The next destination is Lamayuru & the scenary around is that of the moonland

Approaching Lamayuru Gompa

Lamayuru Gompa is one of the oldest Monastc sites in Central Ladakh & is beleived to have been a holy place for the Bon chos religion before the advent of Buddhism. It is considered one of the most important monastires & contains the 108 volumes of the teachings of Buddha. the next few slides are of the Lamayuru Gompa & the surrounding views of the village and moonland

the last monastery for the day is at Likir recommended by a very erudite monk at Alchi who then welcomed us to Likir. A beautiful drive of 2 kms off the main road and you can see this imposing structure atop a hill. it has a 75 ft high gilded statute of Maitreya Buddha  as also some beautiful old thangkas. the remaining photos are of Likir

Our learned friend, philosopher & guide at both Alchi & Likir Monastry