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 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.

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

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.