Likir Monastery
Overview
Likir monastery, also popularly known as Likir Gompa, is a must-visit destination in Ladakh. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and serene natural surroundings. It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, known for its rugged beauty and profound culture, and has many stories of its existence and origin. The monastery is in the Indus Valley and is at about 11800 feet.
The monastery’s rich background, large statues, and beautiful murals give travelers amazing, memorable views of the inside of Tibetan Buddhism and the region’s history. The place was founded as a simple place for meditation and study of the Buddhist religion in the past, and, to date, it has faced excellent renovations, expansions, and reconstructions. It is a beautiful architectural wonder and gives tourists a peaceful spiritual retreat.
The monastery is also known for the tall Maitreya Buddha statue, which is counted amongst the tallest in Ladakh, and stands about 20 feet tall. It represents one of the great expressions of compassion and enlightenment.
Highlights of Likir Monastery
Your visit to Likir monastery will give you unforgettable experiences. During your trip, you must also ensure that you visit small villages near the Gompa. The place is known for its peaceful atmosphere, rich Buddhist artifacts, and many others.
Some significant highlights of Likir Monastery are :
- Explore the Tall 75 feet gold statue of Maitreya Buddha built on the roof
- Enjoy the beauty of amazing wall Paintings, murals, and Thangkas
- a visit to Jokhang temple
- explore a monastery museum with Buddhist artifacts.
- Dosmochey festival, one of the best events celebrated here
- must see a hand-painted Mandala inside the monastery
- Feel the tranquil ambiance and spiritual atmosphere
Best Time to Visit Likir Monastery
If you plan to visit the Likir Gompa Ladakh, the best months to plan your trip are May to September, as these months offer pleasant weather and accessible roads. During these months, routes of Srinagar to Leh and Manali to Leh, are open and thus is easy for visitors for a trip.
Also, all stay options near Likir monastery are open during these months, whether you choose guest houses, hotels, etc., and you can enjoy many amazing activities here. The winter months here boast extreme chilly weather from October to March.
The roads during these months are closed and inaccessible due to snow. Also, remember that your trip will be incomplete without experiencing the annual Dosmoche festival in February that showcases music, dance, food , and sports. Etc. You can also buy amazing things during this festival, like pashmina shawls, woolen clothes, apricots, etc. The road from leh to Likir remains open in February to welcome travelers globally to seek the place’s unique charm.
Likir Monastery Timing and Entry Fee
It is a hidden gem in Ladakh, referred to as Likir Gompa, and houses many temples, stupas, and Tibetan art. It is a spiritual getaway and a must-visit place for all to explore statues, paintings, and temples and engage in Buddhist cultural debates. Visiting Likir monastery will be an unforgettable experience for all.
The entry fee for Likir Monastery is free; however if you plan to visit the museum, you will have to pay an entry fee of INR 20. The timings of the monastery are different for tourists in both Summer and Winter. The summertime of, the monastery is from 8 AM till 1 PM, and then again, it opens at 2 PM and closes at 6 PM.
In winter, however, the monastery’s timings are from 10 AM to 1 PM. Again, the next shift timings are 2 PM till 4 PM. The best part is that Likir monastery is open all days of the week for tourist visits.
Dosmoche Festival in Likir Gompa
The Dosmoche festival of Likir in Ladakh is one of its kind and is celebrated in February in the monastery for three days. It is a Buddhist festival, also known as the Festival of Scapegoat, and marks the end of the Tibetan New Year. The occasion is full of enjoyable vibes, filled with vibrant sacred dances, and in huch, devotees make offerings that add charm to the enchanting atmosphere.
The primary purpose of the festival is to eliminate evil. You can enjoy many activities during this festival, as the dough is used to make idols, which are burned during the ritual. As per the people, burning these idols will eliminate evil spirits from the last year, or they will accompany them on travels. During the festival, monks participate and perform, and the highlight of the festival is its alluring music of drums, decoration of monasteries, and masked dance that showcases dramas and the unique rituals performed by lamas.
Travel Tips for Likir Monastery
- Before visiting the Likir monastery, visit Leh and stay at least one day, toma, just your body to high altitudes.
- Packaging and carrying winter clothing is vital as temperatures can drop unexpectedly. Also, it is necessary to dress modestly when visiting the monastery with the knees and shoulders covered.
- Keep in mind that you should respect the local culture and monastery rules.
- Photography might be restricted inside the prayer halls; inquire before doing so.
- There are a few food options here nearby Likir Monastery, so bring enough food and water.
- You may need permits to visit certain areas in Ladakh, so check the requirements before visiting Likir Monastery.
- Also, Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness so that you can give yourself immediate treatment.
- Also, prepare for extreme weather conditions before starting your journey.
- Apply sufficient sunscreen to protect your skin from the intense UV rays.
- The road to the Likir Ladakh monastery is well-maintained, but for a comfortable trip, it is better to hire an experienced driver.
- If visiting during winter, pack sufficient warm clothes.
Attractions at Likir Monastery
The major attraction of the Likir monastery is the view of the monetary itself from the downhill. After entering the place, you will first step into the courtyard with a verandah filled with paintings and a wheel of life.
The monastery has two assembly halls and many Buddha statues inside the old assembly hall. Also, you can see the old Juniper tree in the courtyard along with bookcases, thangkas, and other things; travelers must explore and enjoy many thangka collections, ancient pots, manuscripts, old dresses, and many other collections in the room. The Lineker’s new assembly hall is also 200 years old and has a collection of mythological figures, books, and other things. After passing the new assembly hall, you will also see the glass room there, which is at the front of Gonghang’s house and is open during the famous dance festival. If you are lucky enough, you will also find the monks during rituals along with the drum beats.
How to Reach
If you want to visit Likir Monastery, you can reach it by road, and there are two routes from Leh. The First is Manali to Leh, about 473 km, and the second is the Srinagar Leh route, about 434 km. The first route opens in July to September and the second in June to October. By car, you can reach the monastery in about 2 hours maximum.
Also, you can take local buses to reach the palace, as these are available between Leh and Likir, and the times to catch these buses are from 5:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Also, if you are coming from Kargil to Likir, it is approximately 170 km and takes about five to six hours. If you wish to travel to Likir via flight, first reach Leh airport, which is the closest, and then take a cab. The journey from leh to Likir is amazing, making a delightful experience.
The best part is your drive along the Indus River, where you can witness a magical confluence where it meets the Zanskar River.
FAQ's
Likir Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Leh Ladakh. The monastery was built by King-Lha-Chen-Gya-Po- -Po in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 18th century. Likir Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Leh Ladakh. It is situated 52 kilometers from Leh and sits at an altitude of 3700 meters. The surroundings of this monastery are picturesque.
Yes, you can stay overnight at Likir Monastery. Apart from this, there are many hotels and guesthouses where you can stay. You can stay at Alchi Monastery also.
The monastery is famous for its long statue of Buddha which is 25 feet long gold covered. The monastery is also home to more than 100 monks. The monastery also runs a small school which educates thousands of students from the nearby villages.
The distance from Nimmu to Likir monastery is 32 kilometers and it will take you around 1 hour drive to reach Likir monastery. Likir Monastery is one of the beautiful Buddhist monasteries in Leh Ladakh. if you are on a Ladakh trip, do not forget to visit this place.
Yes, this Buddhist Monastery is worth visiting place, this monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Leh Ladakh. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Likir Monastery visit during the months of summer for the best experience.
Likir monastery in Ladakh was founded in 1065 by Lama Duwang Chose. It is located in Likir tehsil, about 50 km west of Leh. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh and has many stories about its existence and origin.
If you seek the most isolated monastery in India, it is located in the Lungnak Valley in southeast Zanskar. It is a Phutgal monastery carved into the side of a cliff in Zanskar Valley Ladakh. It can only be accessible via a challenging trek. It is in the rugged landscape and offers rewarding views of all surrounding valleys and mountains.
Likir monastery is home to the famous Maitreya Buddha statue in Ladakh, a 23-meter statue that symbolizes compassion, hope, and enlightenment. It is a gold statue of Maitreya i.e., the future Buddha, that was completed in 1999.
In Ladakh Palden, Lhamo is a central figure seen as a protector and patron deity. The Pladen Lhamo temple is in Leh and is a significant religious site. The festival is celebrated here and is considered a major spiritual and cultural event.
