The village of Alchi is about 70 km from Leh, in the union territory of Ladakh. Tucked away at around 3,500 meters above sea level, the village is famous for its gompas, Buddhist ecclesiastical fortification of learning. Situated on the banks of the Indus river, Alchi is visited by travelers for the 1,000-year-old Alchi Monastery.
How to reach Alchi
Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport is the nearest airport and has regular flights to and from Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, etc. The nearest major railway station from Leh is Jammu Tawi. You can hire a cab from there to reach Leh and then to Alchi. The village has regular taxi and bus services to Leh. Chandigarh is 822km, Dehradun 968km, and Srinagar 400km from Alchi.
Popular places to visit
Alchi is home to many monasteries and gompas. Do visit the holy sites for their serene environs and ancient architecture. Visit Lotsawala la-Khang, the Buddhist temple that has an idol of Shakyamuni. Sum-Trek, Du Khang, and Manjushri constructed on the Alchi Monastery premises are mesmerizing works of architecture. The Vairocana Temple is admired for its mandalas and antique murals.
Things to do
Explore the Alchi Monastery and meditate in the peaceful environment of the gompa. Attend the Hemis festival celebrated at Hemis Monastery every year in June. Do not forget to carry home plums and apricots from here. Visit the mysterious Magnetic Hill, where the road appears to go uphill but with the car, engine turned off your car will start moving ahead on its own!
