Likir Monastery

Hello readers! Are you planning to visit monasteries in Ladakh? If so, then Likir Monastery is the one you must start with. This is a Buddhist monastery located in Ladakh, a well-known tourist spot in northern India. This place is located 52 kilometers west of Leh. The literary meaning of the word ‘Likir’ is “The Naga-Encircled”. It represents the Nanda, Takasko, and Naga-rajas, the great serpent spirits. Likir monastery features two assembly halls known as Dukhangs. The head lama of Likir possesses a throne that is set at the older assembly hall, along with six rows of seats for junior Lamas. The assembly halls contain the deities of Amitabha, Sakyamuni, Bodhisattva, Tsongkhapa, and Maitreya.

The monastery was constructed during the reign of LhachenGyalpo, the fifth king of Ladakh. Lama Duwang Chosje, a renowned advocate of meditation, was offered the land by the king to build the Likir monastery. The Lama was dedicated to what he was asked to do, and the monastery was completed in 1065 AD. Before the conversion in 1470 by Lawang Lotos, a central Tibetan Monk, the Likir monastery was associated with the Kadampa Sect. The construction of the Likir monastery as it stands today is not the original one constructed in the 11th century, as fire ruined the primary building, and after that, the monastery was reconstructed in the 18th century.

Attractions at Likir monastery

While visiting Likir monastery, make sure that you visit the nearby small villages in the area. The scenic beauty provides a unique appeal and magnetizes numerous travelers across the globe. Otherwise, you are advised to visit Gonkhang temple. This is a must-visit temple in Ladakh. If you are lucky, then you will find monks doing rituals along with drum beats. The temple premises offer you magnificent scenic beauty for awesome photography. Otherwise, you are advised to visit the Likir Museum at the top. There is an entry charge of Rs. 20 per head. Try to explore this place during the vacation in Ladakh.

How to reach Likir monastery?

If you want to reach Likir monastery by road, then there are two important routes from Leh. One is the Manali-Leh route (473km), and the other is the Srinagar-Leh route (434 km). The first route remains open only for the months from July to September, and the second route remains open between the months of June and October. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Likir monastery from Leh by car. You can also take local buses, as there are many buses that ply between Leh and Likir from 5:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Else, if you tend to reach Likir by air, then there is only one Leh airport, which is located 7 km from the main city of Leh. It is the nearest airport too. Jet Airways provides flights from Leh to Delhi regularly, while Alliance Air provides connecting flights from Srinagar to Jammu and Leh to Delhi.

Best time to visit Likir monastery?

Your trip would be incomplete if you miss the annual festival at Likir. The huge festival involves music, dance, food, sports, and much more. If you want to buy gifts for your family members, then you can buy amazing items such as a pashmina shawl, apricots, and woolen clothes for your friends and family. For staying, there are ample guest houses and tourist lodges located near to the Likir monastery. In fact, most tourist lodges are within a distance of 2 to 3 km from the monastery. The best time to visit this spectacular place is between June and September. After November, all the routes remain closed due to heavy rainfall.