Feel The Essence Of Ladakh Package
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Exploring Likir Monastery and Likir Village – Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Ladakh’s allure as a tourist destination is greatly enriched by its ancient and splendid monasteries, which rank among the top attractions in the region. In fact, the name Ladakh has become synonymous with culturally rich and beautiful monasteries. One thing common among these monasteries is their serenity.
One such monastery that exudes peace, tranquillity, and breathtaking views of the cold desert is Likir Monastery. It is a beautiful Buddhist Gompa located about 56 km from Leh in Likir village on Srinagar Leh Highway. The allure of Likir captivates a vast number of tourists who come to explore the majestic Sham Valley region in Ladakh. They often add Likir to their itinerary for sightseeing day tours starting from Leh.
Likir Monastery is named after Likir Village. Though the village may appear somewhat secluded now, in ancient times, it held a significant position along a major trade route that passed through Tingmosgang, Hemis, and Likir on its way to Leh.
If you are planning to visit Likir Monastery in Ladakh, here’s a complete Likir Monastery and Likir Village travel guide for you that will help you plan an amazing trip to this place. The guide covers all the important information including details about Likir Monastery, how to reach there, accommodation and food options in Likir village, prominent attractions to see in Likir, travel tips to keep in mind while travelling and more.
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Discovering Likir Monastery
The inception of the Likir Monastery dates back to the year 1065. Later, in the 18th century, it underwent reconstruction after the original structure was destroyed in a fire. The Gompa belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and it was built by Lama Duwang Chosje under the rule of King Lha-Chen Gyal-Po.
The monetary is perched atop a hill at an elevation of 3700 meters near the banks of the Indus River, about 9.5 km to the North of Srinagar Leh highway. It offers panoramic views of the picturesque snow-capped Himalayan landscape. The allure of the nearby surroundings’ natural beauty draws innumerable visitors from all corners of the globe. The quaint villages nearby offer incredible views perfect for capturing flawless photographs.
The biggest attraction of Likir Monastery is its 23 metres (75 feet) high statue of Maitreya Buddha covered in gold. It is a marvel to look at.
Likir Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. It has a lot of history around its origin and existence attached to it. The same is still preserved in the monastery in the form of wall inscriptions.
The word Likir literally translates to “The Naga – Encircled”. It symbolizes the bodies of the great serpent spirits, the Naga Rajas, Nanda, and Taksako. The monastery is alternatively known as Klu-Khyil Gompa, with “Klu-Khyil” translating to ‘Water Spirits’ in its name.
Exploring Inside Likir Monastery
The Gompa stands tall in a fort-like style, situated at the highest point and encircled by lush agricultural fields below. Within the main complex, you will find a temple, assembly hall, monk’s quarters, and various rooms serving as kitchen and dining areas.
There are two prayer halls called Dukhang that welcome visitors at the monetary. The older one, on the right side, houses seating for monks and a throne for the Head Lama. Within prayer halls, you will find statues of Maitreya Buddha, Boddhisattva, Amitabha, Sakyamuni, and Tsong Khapa exuding divine presence and wisdom.
The verandah of the monastery is adorned with vibrant Thangka paintings depicting the Guardians of the Four Directions. A rare Jupiter tree graces the monastery’s courtyard. Within the monastery’s sacred walls, a treasure trove awaits, housing countless manuscripts, intricate Thangka paintings, and an array of earthen pots.
The strategic location and well-fortified architectural design of this Monastery have evolved over time, providing a safe haven for its occupants against invasions and attacks. Currently, the monastery houses about Buddhist 120 monks and runs a school that imparts education to children from nearby villages.
Likir Monastery Timings and Entry Fee
Likir Monastery in Ladakh remains open from 8 am to 5 pm every day. There is no entry fee to go inside the monastery. If you wish to go to the monastery museum, you will have to pay an entry fee of Rs. 20.
How to Reach Likir Monastery in Ladakh
Getting to Likir Monastery is an absolute breeze!
The village is close to Leh town. It is located west of Leh town after crossing Nimmu and Basgo plains. There’s a fantastic motorable road connecting the two, making it a smooth ride all the way. From Leh, it’s a mere 55-56 km.
If you are coming from Kargil, Likir is around 170 km away, and it will take you around 5-6 hours to reach. The route has jaw-dropping landscapes and mind-blowing scenery that will keep you engaged all the way.
To reach the village, you will need to leave the highway and navigate a narrow road that stretches for about 5 km.
The most straightforward way to reach Likir Monastery is to fly into Leh and then simply hire a cab to transport you to the revered destination. It is also well-connected through state-run buses so can even consider that as an option. And, if you are an adventurous soul, you can reach Likir Monastery by your own vehicle. The entire journey from Leh to Likir is adorned with numerous tourist attractions, making it a delightful experience. The landscape itself is a visual treat, with picturesque vistas at every turn. As you drive along, the Indus River will be your constant companion, and you will even witness the magical confluence where it meets the Zanskar River.
• If you are coming by road:
To make your way to Likir Monastery by road, follow the Srinagar – Leh Highway, the easiest route. Alternatively, if you are coming from the Manali side, reach Leh via the Manali Leh Highway, then continue your journey to Likir Monastery.
Another route to consider is traveling from Leh to Kargil. After approximately 51 km west, you will encounter a diversion point, located around 6 km from Saspul bridge. Taking a right turn from there and covering another 5 km on the road will lead you to Likir Monastery.
If you consider traveling from Leh to Likir Monastery via state-run JKSRTC buses, it might involve hitchhiking, approximately 9 km before the Saspul diversion point on the Srinagar Leh Highway. Of course, you can also opt to travel in your own private vehicle, whether it be a car or a bike, directly from Leh to Likir.
• If you are coming by flight:
The nearest airport is Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport). It boasts excellent connectivity with major airports in India. Upon arrival, hiring a taxi from the airport to your guesthouse or hotel in Leh is convenient. From there, you can plan an exhilarating day trip to Likir Monastery and explore other captivating nearby attractions.
• If you are coming by train:
The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi. It lies approximately 812 km away from Leh. To get to Leh, you can hire a taxi from the Jammu railway station. The journey typically takes around 3 days if you opt to break it up with overnight stays in Srinagar and Kargil. Alternatively, you can also choose to stay at Likir Monastery after Kargil.
Best Time to Visit Likir in Ladakh
For an overall pleasant experience, May to September is deemed ideal, which is also the best time to visit Ladakh. The weather during this period is delightful for tourists, with the Srinagar Leh Highway and Manali Leh Route both open, easing access to Ladakh. Hotels, guest houses, and tourism-related activities are in full swing during this time.
However, if you wish to immerse yourself in the local culture, Buddhism, and the monastery’s essence, visiting around the Dosmoche festival in February proves to be a better choice. However, keep in mind that Ladakh’s winters are extremely harsh, with temperatures plummeting several degrees below zero at night. During this season, the roads from Manali and Srinagar will be closed, making flying into Leh city the only viable option.
Nonetheless, the road from Leh to Likir remains open even in February, welcoming intrepid travellers seeking the monastery’s unique charm despite the winter chill.
Dosmoche Festival in Likir Monastery
One of the prime attractions of Likir Monastery is its famous Dosmoche festival. This annual festival is celebrated at the monastery in the month of February. It is a 3-day festival typically held in the last week of February.
At this auspicious occasion, the air fills with vibrant sacred dances, and devotees make votive offerings, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.
Likir Monastery holds the esteemed position as the seat of the Ngari Rinpoche, with the present emanation being the younger brother of the Dalai Lama. Although he doesn’t permanently reside at the monastery, he graces it with his presence during significant pujas and ceremonies.
Top Attractions in Likir Village
Likir is a quaint and small village, and thus, the list of tourist attractions may not be extensive. However, the village’s true essence lies in its renowned monastery and the majestic Buddha statue. Beyond these highlights, Likir captivates visitors with its unspoiled natural beauty, stunning landscapes, and an ambiance of profound tranquility that envelops all who venture here.
Apart from the monastery, there is a Gokhang temple nearby which is a must-visit. As you explore, you may come across numerous monks engaging in rituals accompanied by rhythmic drum beats.
Besides, you can also pay a visit to the Museum which is right on top of the monastery. It is quite small but very well maintained.
Before reaching Likir village, you will have the opportunity to pass through three of Ladakh’s most renowned tourist attractions.
• Gurudwara Patthar Sahib
This sacred Gurudwara lies at a close distance of 23 km from Leh. It ranks among the world’s highest Gurudwaras and commemorates Guru Nanak’s visit to Leh Ladakh.
• Magnetic Hill
This place is renowned for a fascinating phenomenon – cars move uphill on their own with the engine turned off. Fascinating right?
• Indus Zanskar Confluence
Behold the astounding sight where two mighty rivers, the Indus River and Zanskar River merge into each other, flowing towards Kargil. It is a perfect spot to capture awe-inspiring selfies against the backdrop of a beautiful landscape.
Things To Do In Likir Village
• Enjoy the exhilarating Sham Valley trek
It is a marvellous and short duration trek that takes you through some remote and seldom-visited villages in Ladakh. As you venture along this trek, you will be treated to a stunning portrayal of life in those rustic hamlets, unveiling the authentic essence of these remote villages. The trail meanders through mesmerizing mountain passes, pristine forests, gurgling streams, swaying fields, and enchanting Ladakhi hamlets. If you crave an offbeat adventure and a chance to explore the untouched regions of Ladakh, the Sham Valley trek is the perfect expedition to embark upon.
• Indulge in night photography
Likir Village presents a captivating sight worth capturing. The unpolluted skies adorned with countless stars create a mesmerizing spectacle each night. For night photography enthusiasts, Likir Village stands among the best spots in Ladakh to capture stunning star trails and the ethereal Milky Way with a capable DSLR and photography expertise.
• Explore the local culture
Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with the warm and welcoming people of Likir village, and gain insights into their way of life. Participate in traditional rituals, savour authentic Ladakhi cuisine, and engage in local customs to truly embrace the rich cultural heritage of this charming village in Ladakh.
• Spend some time with Lamas
Embrace the spiritual aura of Likir village by spending time with the Lamas at the revered Likir Monastery. Engage in meaningful conversations, witness their daily rituals, and seek wisdom from these esteemed monks, gaining a deeper understanding of their spiritual practices and teachings.
Accommodation Options in Likir
Likir Village offers a handful of guesthouses and homestays, providing convenient options for overnight stays. Many visitors prefer spending the night in Alchi or Likir to aid in acclimatization as they are located at a lower altitude than Leh. Whether you choose to fly into Leh and rest at Likir for a lower altitude experience or travel from Srinagar to Leh for better acclimatization, both options ensure a smoother adjustment to the higher altitude of Leh.
Food Options in Likir
If you are embarking on a day trip to Likir, we recommend relishing your meal at Nimmu village, where you will find an abundance of local shops along the way. Some restaurants in Nimmu serve delightful and authentic Tibetan cuisine, making it a culinary treat.
Nimmu village lies on the route to Likir, approximately 34 km from Leh, and takes about an hour to reach Alchi from there.
Upon arriving at Likir village, you also have the option to enjoy your meal. The village boasts several eateries and tea shops, both within the village and in close proximity to the monastery, offering a variety of dining choices.
Mobile Network Connectivity in Likir
In Ladakh, BSNL and Airtel postpaid numbers offer reliable network coverage, while other networks may not receive any reception. BSNL provides the widest coverage followed closely by Airtel and Jio. Note that only postpaid connections work here because of security concerns.
Likir Monastery Travel Tips
- Take ample time to acclimatize upon your arrival in Leh to adjust to the high altitudes.
- Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness.
- Prepare for extreme weather conditions before embarking on your journey.
- Apply sufficient sunscreen to shield your skin from the intense UV rays.
- Don sunglasses on sunny days to protect your eyes.
- If visiting during winter, pack sufficient warm clothes.
- The food options near Likir Monastery are limited. It is advisable to carry enough food and water if you prefer not to dine at local restaurants.
Wrapping it up
Likir is truly nestled in a mesmerizing setting and offers a photographer’s paradise that should not be overlooked during your Ladakh vacation. With the help of this complete travel guide to Likir Monastery and Likir village, you can plan a successful trip to this sacred haven in Leh Ladakh and create lasting memories.
To book your Ladakh holiday package, you may reach out to us at Esikkimtourism and we will help you plan a customised itinerary for Ladakh based on your preferences. Get in touch with us today!
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