Likir Monastery

March 7, 2013 at 11:36 pm

Likir Monastery is located 62km from Leh, a few kilometers off the Leh – Srinagar Highway and is part of the famous Sham Valley Tourist Circuit.

likir-gompa

Likir Gompa was built during the reign of Ladakh’s fifth king, Lhachen Gyalpo (1050-1080 AD).

As per the folk tales, Likir Monastery was encircled by the bodies of two great serpent spirits, Naga-Rajas (Nanda & Taksako) and hence it came to be known as Likir (The Naga – Encircled).

Each year, votive offerings known as Dosmochey are assembled and sacred dances are performed from the 27th to 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar (see: Ladakh Monastery Festival Calendar 2014).

From a tourist’s perspective, Likir Monastery is a beautiful and peaceful gompa, nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the main highways, overlooking lovely mountainous farms of Likir Village, in the barren moonscape of Ladakh.

likir-monastery

Main attraction at the Likir Monastery is this 75ft gold gilded statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and is stunning to say the least.

buddha-likir-monastery

So if you too are planning to visit Ladakh soon, make sure to pay a visit to this beautiful and impressive monastery, because I know you will love it, like I did.