Ladakh ·
Alchi
Alchi is a village in the Sham district of Ladakh, India. It is located in the Saspol tehsil, on the banks of the Indus River 70 km (43.49miles) downstream from the capital Leh.
Alchi at a Glance
Why Alchi?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Alchi Monastery
- Alchi Gompa
- Rizong Monastery
- Likir Monastery
- Mangyu temple complex
Alchi at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Alchi before planning your visit.
Can be combined with
Explore Alchi
Places to Visit
- Alchi Monastery: Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known more as a monastic complex (chos-'khor) of temples in Alchi village in the Leh District, under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council of the Union Territory of Ladakh, India.
- Alchi Gompa: At the Alchi Monastery (or Alchi Gompa) you will find the Kagyur Lakhang Gompa, with many books and a golden Buddha statue, the Sumtsek temple with three large Buddha statues whose heads are hidden in the roof, the Vairocana temple with a large Buddha statue in a side room and the Lotsa temple with many small Buddha murals, partially badly damaged by leaking water.
- Rizong Monastery: Rizong (or Rhizong) gompa, Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Buddhist monastery, also called the Yuma Changchubling, is in Ladakh, India. It is situated at the top of a rocky side valley on the north side of the Indus, to the west of Alchi on the way to Lamayuru.
- Likir Monastery: Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa (Klud-kyil) is a Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, Northern India. It is located at 3700m elevation, approximately 52 kilometres (32 mi) west of Leh.
- Mangyu temple complex: The Mangyu temple complex located in the village of Mangyu, Ladakh is one of the earliest in Ladakh, India.
Sightseeing Places
- Alchi Monastery: Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known more as a monastic complex (chos-'khor) of temples in Alchi village in the Leh District, under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council of the Union Territory of Ladakh, India.
- Alchi Gompa: At the Alchi Monastery (or Alchi Gompa) you will find the Kagyur Lakhang Gompa, with many books and a golden Buddha statue, the Sumtsek temple with three large Buddha statues whose heads are hidden in the roof, the Vairocana temple with a large Buddha statue in a side room and the Lotsa temple with many small Buddha murals, partially badly damaged by leaking water.
- Rizong Monastery: Rizong (or Rhizong) gompa, Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Buddhist monastery, also called the Yuma Changchubling, is in Ladakh, India. It is situated at the top of a rocky side valley on the north side of the Indus, to the west of Alchi on the way to Lamayuru.
- Likir Monastery: Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa (Klud-kyil) is a Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, Northern India. It is located at 3700m elevation, approximately 52 kilometres (32 mi) west of Leh.
- Mangyu temple complex: The Mangyu temple complex located in the village of Mangyu, Ladakh is one of the earliest in Ladakh, India.
Temples
- Mangyu temple complex: The Mangyu temple complex located in the village of Mangyu, Ladakh is one of the earliest in Ladakh, India.
Places That Define Alchi
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Alchi Monastery
Alchi Monastery or Alchi Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known more as a monastic complex (chos-'khor) of temples in Alchi village in the Leh District, under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council of the Union Territory of Ladakh, India.
Alchi Gompa
At the Alchi Monastery (or Alchi Gompa) you will find the Kagyur Lakhang Gompa, with many books and a golden Buddha statue, the Sumtsek temple with three large Buddha statues whose heads are hidden in the roof, the Vairocana temple with a large Buddha statue in a side room and the Lotsa temple with many small Buddha murals, partially badly damaged by leaking water.
Rizong Monastery
Rizong (or Rhizong) gompa, Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Buddhist monastery, also called the Yuma Changchubling, is in Ladakh, India. It is situated at the top of a rocky side valley on the north side of the Indus, to the west of Alchi on the way to Lamayuru.
Likir Monastery
Likir Monastery or Likir Gompa (Klud-kyil) is a Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, Northern India. It is located at 3700m elevation, approximately 52 kilometres (32 mi) west of Leh.
Mangyu temple complex
The Mangyu temple complex located in the village of Mangyu, Ladakh is one of the earliest in Ladakh, India.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Alchi on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), about 37 km from Alchi.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Alchi (Apr, May, Jun) averages 3–14°C with about 90 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Alchi (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 12–23°C with about 61 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Alchi (Oct, Nov) averages -1–9°C with about 12 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Alchi (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages -12–0°C with about 33 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 0°C and lows of -12°C.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Alchi trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: Alchi is a village in the Sham district of Ladakh, India. It is located in the Saspol tehsil, on the banks of the Indus River 70 km (43.49miles) downstream from the capital Leh.
- Overview: Alchi is a village in the Sham district of Ladakh, India. It is located in the Saspol tehsil, on the banks of the Indus River 70 km (43.49miles) downstream from the capital Leh. Unlike the other gompas in Ladakh, Alchi is situated on lowland, not on a hilltop.
- Ancient History: Alchi has long been distinguished by its isolation and rich heritage. In ancient times, access to the village was possible only via a hanging bridge made of ropes and sticks. To preserve their exclusivity, the villagers would often remove the bridge, deterring unwanted visitors. Those wishing to enter had to call out to the locals to lower the bridge, often waiting in patience while the residents delayed their response.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Alchi is a village in the Sham district of Ladakh, India. It is located in the Saspol tehsil, on the banks of the Indus River 70 km (43.49miles) downstream from the capital Leh. Unlike the other gompas in Ladakh, Alchi is situated on lowland, not on a hilltop.
- Accommodation: There are a number of new guesthouses/hotels appearing in the village and you will likely be offered a homestay by one or two old laddies when you arrive- but bargain on price, the villagers don't seem to know the usual rate of hotels in nearby towns and will likely ask far too much.
The Sacred Heart of Alchi
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Alchi has long been distinguished by its isolation and rich heritage. In ancient times, access to the village was possible only via a hanging bridge made of ropes and sticks.
Spiritual Significance
Alchi has long been distinguished by its isolation and rich heritage. In ancient times, access to the village was possible only via a hanging bridge made of ropes and sticks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alchi is most comfortable in January, February, March, April and May, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is August (average high 24°C) and the wettest months are July.
The nearest airport is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), about 37 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Alchi Monastery, Alchi Gompa, Rizong Monastery, Likir Monastery and Mangyu temple complex.
A stay of 1 day covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from -2°C to 24°C over the year, with about 668 mm of rain in total.
Your Alchi Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.