23 January 2018, Likir Monastery, near Leh, Ladakh, India

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We are on the road between Alchi and Likir Monasteries.  Stupas are not uncommon beside the road.

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This double one appears to be fairly new (or else has been restored).

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Can you see the building?  What is it doing way up there and seemingly built on a scree slope?  There’s a road down below it but a lot further down and a zigzag foot trail down to the road.  It appears to be a kind of a duplex with two doors and two windows (click if you need a larger view).  The roof appears to be damaged so it appears to be derelict.  I think we can eliminate a farmhouse or a tourist hotel. Perhaps a meditation hideout?

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More stupas beside the road.

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And we’re approaching it…

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Likir Monastery.

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Some of the local boys in front of the general store/ sweets shop.

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The giant Buddha from below.

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Likir is a very old monastery, dating to the time of King Lhachen Gyalpo (c. 1050-1080).  It has 120 monks and also administers Alchi Monastery, which we had just visited.

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Items and views walking around the monastery.

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A stupa with a view.

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Terraced agricultural land below the monastery, waiting for the Spring melt.

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I think this is one of the meeting halls or Dukhangs, containing ancient paintings and sculptures but not allowing cameras.

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We were invited to join the villagers in prayer.  This is an old woman leaving as we arrive.

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… and a young boy standing beside the door.

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Inside with the villagers at prayer.

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I attracted a certain amount of attention with my long white beard.  Not perhaps what they expect from a Westerner.

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Outside, many of the villagers were sitting in the afternoon sun (but it’s still below 0ºC).

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… and a last view of Likir Monastery as we depart.

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