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Location: 6-km North Of Leh-Srinagar
Highway, Ladakh Region, J&K
Also Known As: Lu-Khyil
Founded In: 1065 AD
Founded By: Lama Duwang Chosje
6-LIKKIRkm to the north of the main Leh -Srinagar highway,
shortly before t he
village of Saspol, the large and wealthy Gompa of Likkir, home
to around one hundred monks, is renowned for its huge yellow
statue of the Buddha to come which towers above the terraced
fields and village below. It is also known as Lu-khyil ("water
spirit circled"), a reference to Naga spirits who are said to
have once lived here.
About Likkir Gompa
Founded in 1065 by Lama Duwang Chosje who was given the land by
Lachen Gyalpo, the fifth king of Ladakh , the Gompa originally
belonged to the Khadampa sect. In 1470 the Gompa was converted
by Lawang Lotos, a monk from central Tibet, into the Gelug-pa
monastery that is still here today.
The Gompa was extensively renovated in the 18th century and
there is little sign of the antiquity related to the site. The
impressive Du-khang is devoted to the three Buddhas - "Marme Zat"
(past), "Shakyamuni" (present) and "Maitreya" (Future), while
the Gon-khang, decorated with lavish murals of "Yamantaka" and "Mahakala"
contains the statue of the wrathful protector, "Tse-Ta-Pa".
The Trek
Most visitors to Likkir continue on an excellent two-day hike
from here to Temisgang via Rhidzong, which provides a good and
comparatively gentle introduction to trekking in Ladakh. For
those with less time on their hands, a short acclimatizing three
to four hour walk from the Gompa leads to the top of the ridge
west of Likkur, providing great views of the Indus Valley.
HOW TO GET THERE
Road: A single bus links Likkir to Leh , leaving Leh in the
afternoon and returning the next morning.
WHERE TO STAY
Simple rooms are available at the school below the gompa, and at
a couple of basic guesthouses including the welcoming Norbu in
Likkir village, which also serves meals.
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