Likir Monastery Ladakh — 75ft Gilded Maitreya Buddha & Ancient Gompa
An impressive 11th-century Gelugpa monastery in Sham Valley, crowned by a breathtaking 75-foot outdoor gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Founded: 1065 CEMaitreya Statue: 75 Feet (23 m) HighFounder: Lama Duwang ChosjeLineage: Gelugpa OrderLocation: Sham Valley (52 km from Leh)
Likir Gompa, founded in 1065 CE, crowned by an awe-inspiring 75-foot gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha in the scenic Sham Valley.Quick Orientation
Elevation
3,700 m (12,140 ft)
Year Founded
1065 CE
Original Founder
Lama Duwang Chosje (under King Lhachen Gyalpo)
Maitreya Statue Height
75 feet (23 metres)
Distance from Leh
52 km west (approx. 1 hour 15 mins)
Chapter I — 11th Century Foundation
The Encircled Sanctuary of the Water Spirits
Likir Monastery (*Kl-khyil Gompa*, meaning 'The Water Spirits Encircled') is a grand, historic monastery situated at an altitude of 3,700 metres in the picturesque Sham Valley of western Ladakh, approximately 52 kilometres from Leh. Founded in 1065 CE by Lama Duwang Chosje under the patronage of King Lhachen Gyalpo (the fifth king of the first Ladakhi dynasty), Likir is one of the oldest institutional foundations in the region.
According to monastic chronicles, the site was chosen because two mythical serpent guardian spirits (*Naga-rajas* named Nanda and Upananda) slept encircled around the hill, blessing the land with water, prosperity, and spiritual sanctity. In the 15th century, the monastery was revitalized under the Gelugpa Yellow Hat tradition by Lama Lhachung Dorje, and today it serves as the spiritual seat of the Ngari Rinpoche, an incarnation lineage currently held by the younger brother of the 14th Dalai Lama.
Chapter II — The 75-Foot Golden Maitreya
A Colossal Monument of Gilded Splendour
Likir is globally celebrated for its magnificent **75-foot (23-metre) outdoor gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha**, seated majestically on a raised open terrace adjoining the main monastery facade. Completed in 1999 and consecrated by the Dalai Lama, the colossal seated Buddha radiates a brilliant golden lustre that can be seen from miles across the terraced barley fields of the valley.
Rendered in exquisite classical proportions with hands clasped in the Dharmachakra mudra (teaching gesture), the statue portrays the Future Buddha looking out over the peaceful village of Likir, surrounded by prayer wheels and colorful banners. It remains one of the largest and most spiritually captivating open-air Buddhist statues in India.
Chapter III — Monastic Treasures & Trekking
Ancient Thangkas, Museum, and the Sham Valley Trek
The interior of Likir features two grand assembly halls (*Dukhangs*). The older assembly hall houses magnificent 18th-century wall paintings of the Thirty-Five Confession Buddhas, an imposing statue of Amitabha, and thousands of carved wooden manuscript pigeonholes holding the sacred Kangyur and Tengyur scriptures. Above the courtyard is an exceptional monastery museum displaying centuries-old thangkas, hand-cast copper pots, medieval earthen jars, and ancient coins from Central Asian trade.
Likir also holds fame among hikers as the traditional starting trailhead for the renowned **Sham Valley Trek** (often called the 'Baby Trek' or 'Apricot Valley Trek'). This scenic, lower-altitude 3-to-4-day trek winds from Likir through Yangthang and Hemis Shukpachan to Temisgam, staying in traditional village homestays and offering an authentic glimpse of rural Ladakhi farming life.
Logistics & Practical Advice
How to Reach, Permits & Travel Rules
Critical Information for Visitors
How to Reach: Located 52 km west of Leh. Drive west along NH1 past Nimmu and Basgo; turn right at the marked Likir junction and drive 5 km uphill into the valley (approx. 1 hour 15 mins from Leh).
Visiting Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Modest entry ticket (₹30 to ₹50).
Trek Connection: The Sham Valley Trek begins directly from Likir village. Trekking gear and local guides can be arranged in Leh or at Likir guesthouses.
Dosmoche Festival: Likir celebrates the famous Likir Dosmoche festival in February (the 28th and 29th days of the 12th Tibetan month), featuring sacred masked dances and the casting out of evil effigies (*storma*).
How tall is the golden Buddha statue at Likir Monastery?
The outdoor gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha at Likir is 75 feet (23 metres) tall. It was completed in 1999 and is one of the largest Buddha statues in the western Himalayas.
How old is Likir Monastery?
Likir Monastery was founded in 1065 CE by Lama Duwang Chosje under the patronage of King Lhachen Gyalpo, making it nearly a thousand years old.
What is the Sham Valley Trek that starts from Likir?
The Sham Valley Trek (also known as the Apricot Valley Trek) is a gentle, lower-altitude 3-4 day trek starting from Likir and passing through Yangthang, Hemis Shukpachan, and Temisgam, famous for homestays and orchard landscapes.
Do I need a permit to visit Likir Monastery?
No. Likir is located in the accessible Sham Valley west of Leh and does not require an Inner Line Permit for either domestic or international visitors.
Who is the head lama of Likir Monastery?
The spiritual head of Likir Monastery is the Ngari Rinpoche, an esteemed incarnation lineage currently held by Tenzin Choegyal, the younger brother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
