The Likir Monastery, also referred to as ‘Likir Gompa’ is a Buddhist Monastery and one of the most revered spiritual sites in Ladakh. The monastery is 52 kilometers from Leh and perched at 3700 meters near the Indus River. One of the significant attractions of Likir Monastery is its 23-meter (75 feet) high statue of Maitreya Buddha covered in gold.
This gompa founded by Lama Duwang Chosje in 1065, under the direction of Lhachen Gyalpo (fifth king of Ladakh) belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Likir Monastery offers enchanting views of the beautiful snow clad mountains and surreal landscapes.
The Monastery is built in a fort-like style on a small hill and is enclosed by lush green agricultural fields. The main complex has a Dukhang (Assembly Hall), Gonkhang temple, a Monastery museum, and a Maitreya Buddha Statue. Likir Monastery is famous for its Dosmoche Festival which features colorful masked dances.
Likir Monastery is one of the oldest gompas in Ladakh and a must-visit for anyone who seeks spiritual peace. If you are planning to visit Likir Gompa, consider visiting nearby attractions such as Alchi Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Sangam Lake, Magnetic Hill, and Gurudwara Pather Sahib.
The best time to reach Likir Monastery is between May to September when the weather is pleasant and suitable for traveling. You can reach here both via a flight or road through Srinagar and Leh.
History of Likir Monastery
As per Ladakhi chronicles, the Likir Monastery was established under the guidance of King Lhachen Gyalpo by Lama Duwang Chosje in the 11th century. This gompa belongs to the Gelugpa sect or ‘Yellow hat sect’ of Tibetan Buddhism. Likir Monastery is home to 120 monks and has played an important role in promoting and preserving Buddhist teachings in Ladakh.
The Likir Monastery is also known as ‘Lu Khyil’ which means ‘water spirits’. It refers to the bodies of great serpent spirits, the Naga Rajas, Nanda, and Taksako.
Architecture of Likir Monastery
The design of Likir Monastery is a classic example of a fortress-type monastery. The Gompa has two assembly halls, a temple, a museum, and monk quarters.
The Dukhang or assembly hall contains statues of Amitabha, Maitreya, Bodhisattva, Sakyamuni, and Tsong Khapa. There are two Dukhangs in which the older one is situated on the right side housing seats for monks and a throne for the Head Lama.
The verandah of the monastery is decorated with colorful Thangka paintings showing the Guardians of the Four Directions. A high gold 75 feet gold statue of Maitreya Buddha was built on the roof of the monastery in 1999.
Festivals and Culture
You can enjoy several vibrant festivals in Likir Monastery showcasing the rich culture of Likir village. The Dosmoche festival is one of the best events celebrated in Likir Monastery attracting thousands of tourists all over the world. You can witness colorful masked dances and rituals to kill evil spirits at this festival.
There is also an annual harvest festival celebrated in Likir monastery which is an important event for the local community.
Nearby attractions in Likir Monastery
While exploring Likir Monastery, you will also get the opportunity to visit some of the most famous tourist attractions of Ladakh which include
Alchi Monastery: Alchi Monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist gompas in Ladakh and is famous for its exquisite murals, frescoes, a Kashmiri-style prayer hall, Buddha statue, intricate artwork, and beautiful wood carving offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Lamayuru Monastery: You can also explore Lamayuru monastery, popularly known as the ‘Moonland of Ladakh’. This monastery was founded by Mahasiddha Naropa in the 11th century and offers a truly unique experience of surrounding beauty. Lamayuru or Yuru Monastery is a beautiful Tibetan-style architecture with several antique designs.
Sangam Lake: Sangam Lake is a mesmerizing water body that is popular among travelers for sightseeing and photography. It is known as Sangam because here two rivers Indus and Zanskar meet. It is located in the town of Nimmu, about 35 km from Leh.
Magnetic Hill: It is another popular attraction to visit near Likir Monastery and is known for its optical illusion. It is situated around 30 km from Leh on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh highway. This hill is famous for a phenomenon where a downhill slope appears to be an uphill slope due to the surrounding landscape.
Gurudwara Patthar Sahib: It is one of the world’s highest Gurudwara which celebrates Guru Nanak’s visit to Leh Ladakh. This Gurudwara is located just 23 km from Leh.
Things to do in Likir Monastery
Apart from visiting Likir Monastery, you can also enjoy some travel activities here which include
Sham Valley Trek: Often referred to as ‘Baby Trek’, it is one of the easiest treks in Ladakh which offers panoramic views of the beautiful landscapes of Ladakh. This trek takes you to the villages of Likir, lush green valleys, and picturesque hamlets. It is a short trek of 2 to 3 days and you can trek to various ancient monasteries of Ladakh such as Likir, Rizong, Alchi, Temisgam, and Basgo.
Photoshoot: Likir village is a picturesque place offering amazing views to capture. This village is the best place to enjoy some night photoshoots of stunning stars and a surreal Milky Way.
Explore Local culture: You can also enjoy the rich culture and warm hospitality of the locals of Likir village. You can taste authentic Ladaki food, participate in traditional events and customs to get engaged with the rich cultural heritage of the Likir village.
Stay options in Likir Village
Since there are no hotels, You can find a few guesthouses and homestays where you can stay overnight. Likir village is situated at a lower altitude than Leh, so many people prefer to stay overnight in the guesthouses and homestays.
The best time to visit Likir Monastery
The best time to explore Likir Monastery is the summer season from May to September. During this time, the weather is pleasant and ideal for traveling. If you want to witness the Dosmoche festival of Likir, then you should plan your visit around this festival. This festival is celebrated in the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar and involves music, traditional dances, food, sports, etc.
If you want to visit in the winter months, then traveling by flight is the best option as the roads are closed due to heavy snowfall.
How to reach Likir Monastery
The most convenient way to reach Likir Monastery is to reach Leh via a flight and then book a cab to reach your destination. The monastery is also connected through state-run buses so you can choose this option too.
By Flight: Leh Airport is the nearest airport which is connected to all the major airports of India. After reaching Leh airport, you can hire a taxi or cab and reach your hotel in Leh for a night stay and then plan a day trip to Likir monastery.
By road via cabs or buses: you can reach Leh via Srinagar Leh highway and then book a cab to reach the monastery. If you are traveling from Manali, you can reach Leh by Leh-Manali highway and then travel further to Likir Monastery.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the timings and entry fees of Likir Monastery?
The opening hours of the monastery are from 8 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week. You have to pay a minimal fee of Rs.20 to enter the museum of Likir Monastery.
Where is Likir Monastery situated?
The monastery is located in Likir village which is about 52 km to the west of Leh in Ladakh UT.
What are the main attractions at Likir?
The main attractions include a 75-foot gold statue of Maitreya Buddha. Ancient sculptures, murals, intricate wood carvings, and a beautiful collection of Buddhist scriptures.
Are there any accommodation options available near Likir?
There are a few guesthouses and homestays in Likir village where you can stay for the night. These offer a comfortable stay near Monastery.