A visit to Likir Monastery during a trip to Leh Ladakh

The Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa is located in the Ladakh region of Northern India at an altitude of 3700 meters, about 52 kilometers west of Leh. It is located in the village of Likir and is a must-see destination for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. If you’re looking for a unique place to visit, the Likir Monastery is for you. Visiting this serene retreat will surely enrich your spiritual life.

Dukhang

The Dukhang of the monastery contains statues of Buddha, Amitabha, and TsongKhapa. You can also visit the Zinchun, which is adorned with images of the various lamas. If you plan to visit the village, you can buy the pashmina shawl and woolen clothes made by the locals. You can stay in a guest house or homestay, where you can get a good meal. The cost for this accommodation is affordable, and there is ample parking at the monastery.

Assembly halls

There are two assembly halls at the Likir monastery. The older one has six rows of seats for the lamas, including the throne of the Likir Head Lama. You can also find rare books and paintings of the 35 Confessional Buddhas on the walls. The Likir is a great place to experience Tibetan Buddhism. But it’s important to note that the monastery is closed during the winter season, so it is best to plan your visit accordingly.

Besides the beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings, the Likir monastery also has a number of other attractions that attract many travelers. Aside from its monks, there’s the Gonkhang temple, which is one of the most popular temples in Ladakh. Aside from a great spiritual retreat, the Likir monastery is home to an art museum and a handful of homestays.

Peaceful Surroundings

During your visit to the monastery, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and tranquility of the surrounding village. The monastery is surrounded by fields of wheat and buckwheat, which are very uncommon in Ladakh. Its temple is the highest part of the monastery, while the monastery’s residence is lower down on the hillside.

The top attraction at the monastery is a 75-foot-high gilded gold statue of the Maitreya Buddha, which is located on the monastery’s roof. The carved statue was completed in 1999 and is the main focus of the Likir community. The giant Buddha statue is a popular attraction for tourists. You can also find beautiful murals, wall paintings, and age-old artifacts in other parts of the monastery.

Prayer Hall

The main prayer hall of the monastery is one of the largest in Leh, with seats for the Dalai Lama and the honorary head lama. A small museum on the rooftop of the monastery contains ancient Buddhist literature and colorful Thangkas.

Visit monastery during your Leh Ladakh trip

Generally, tourists visit this monastery while visiting Leh Ladakh. In order to visit the Likir monastery, you should book a hotel or a guesthouse to stay overnight. You can also visit the nearby attractions in the Sham Valley including Indus Zanskar Confluence Point, Magnetic Hill, and many more. Afterward, you can head to the Market and explore the town also.