ALCHI – THE MODEL VILLAGE IN LADAKH

Unlike most of the villages in Ladakh, Alchi is located on lowland and is around 70km towards the west of Leh. Sitting graciously on the banks of the enchanting Indus River, this quaint village is among the must visit villages while on a Leh Ladakh tour!

Home to the oldest monastery in Ladakh, the Alchi Monastery, this hamlet is very rich in vegetation, and probably green will be only visible colour while visiting this village. Holding high historical and cultural essence, this sleepy village on the banks of Indus River offers an array of places to visit within the Leh Ladakh tour packages. On the list, there are Sumstek Temple, Vairocana Temple, Lo Tsawa Temple, Mnajushree Temple, Stupas, and several others.

In addition to all these, the peace, serenity and calmness that exists in Alchi Village, makes it a relaxed and must-visit tourist destination in Ladakh. In short, it is the perfect destination to unravel the prismatic beauty of Mother Nature while lazing around, and doing nothing!

Location

Alchi village is perched at around 10,335ft above the sea level, and is located around 70km towards the south of Leh.

Best Time to Visit Alchi

Summer (April to June) is the best time to visit Alchi in Ladakh. With temperature ranging from 12-25 degrees, visitors can expect pleasant climate to indulge in sightseeing and other things to di in Alchi village. However, at times, the rise in temperature can get a bit scorching for the visitors.

Winter (October to March) and monsoons (July to August) are not ideal to avail Leh Ladakh tour packages in order to visit Alchi hamlet. While winters can be very freezing, monsoons experiences quite heavy showers and probabilities of landslides on the way to Alchi increases. For the visitors who are planning to book their Leh Ladakh tour packages, they must postpone their trip for the summers!

Tourist Attractions in Alchi

Alchi Monastery:

This monastery can be called a synonym to Alchi! Built somewhere between in the 11th century, it is also famed as the oldest monastery in Ladakh. Located at a height of around 10,200ft, visitors can visit this pious monastery only during the months of June to October as the route to it remains closed during the other months.

Sumstek Temple:

It is one of the ancient temples to visit while on a Leh Ladakh tour. With a history that dates back to around 900 years, Sumstek Temple is located on the left of Du-Khang, and is adorned with ancient wooden paintings and carvings on its facades, walls and exteriors. Photography is strictly not allowed within the temple; visitors must abide by the temple rules and regulations.

Festivals in Alchi

Ladakh Festival: Alchi hosts the Ladakh Festival for almost fifteen days every year. While attending this gala festival in Alchi, visitors can witness the traditional mask dance, traditional polo match, archery competitions, and several other delightful events.

How to Reach Alchi

By Road:

One can avail regular buses to Alchi from Leh. Private cabs or taxis are also available and can be hired easily. The journey takes the visitors through the Alchi-Manali Road via Tanlang La Pass (5,328m), which is also revered as one of the highest motorable roads in the entire Ladakh valley and opens only during June to mid-October.

By Train:

Alchi do not have and direct access to railway stations. Jammu Tawi Railway Station in Srinagar is the nearest railway station to this gorgeous village. On arriving Jammu Tawi, visitors can hire private taxis or take regular buses to Leh. From Leh, one can hire cabs, taxis or motorcycles to reach Alchi.

By Air:

The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the only airport in Ladakh Valley. Arriving in Leh, visitors can hire local cabs, taxis and motorcycles to reach Alchi.