Likir Monastery Leh Ladakh

Are you planning for a visit to monasteries in Ladakh? If it is so then Likir Monastery is the place where you must start. It is the Buddha monastery in Ladakh, a well-known spot for tourists in Northern India. The place shares 52 kilometers of distance at the west of Leh. The meaning of ‘Likir’ is ‘The Naga Encircled’. It represents Takasko, Nanda and Naga-rajas. 

The monastery consist of two assembly halls which is called Dukhangs. The head lama of Likir possesses the throne which is at the older assembly hall with other six rows for junior Lamas. The assembly hall has the deities of Sakyamuni, Amitabha, TsongKhapa, Bodhisattva and Maitreya.

Likir Monastery was constructed at the time of reign of LhachenGyalpo, the fifth king of Ladakh. Lama DuwangChosje who is a renowned advocate of meditation was offered land by the king to build Likir monastery. The Lama did what he asked to do and the monastery comes up in 1065 AD.

Attractions at the Monastery

While visit to the Likir Monastery, make sure to visit the snall villages nearby in the area. The scenic beauty offers unique appeal and magnetizes many travellers all over the globe. You are also recommended to visit the Gonkhang temple. It is the must visit temple in Ladakh. 

If you are lucky, you might also find monks at the time of rituals along with the drum beats. The premises offer magnificent beauty for the photography. The place has the entry charge of Rs 20. Try to explore the place at the time of vacations in Ladakh.

How to reach the monastery?

If you are looking to reach the place by road then there are two important routes from Leh. One is the route of Manali-Leh which is 473 km and the other one id Srinagar-Leh route which is 434 km. The first route remains open from July to September whereas the second one from June to October. It takes about 1-2 hours to reach the Likir Monastery from Leh by car. You can also take the local buses as there are many of them between Likir and Leh from 5.30 AM to 3.30 PM.

If you are coming by air then there’s only one airport in Leh which is 7 km from the main city. However, it is the nearest airport too. 

Best time to visit

The trip would be incomplete if you miss the annual festival of Likir. The festival consist of dance, music, sports, food and much more. If you are looking for the gifts for your family members then you can purchase beautiful items like apricots, pashmina shawl and woollen clothes. For stay, manu guest houses as well as lodges are available near the Monastery. The best time to visit the Likir Monastery is between the June and September as after November all the routes remain closed because of heavy rainfall.