Alchi- Situated at 3100 meters, 70 kms downstream of the river Indus from the main town of Leh. Known to be the oldest monastery in the region of Ladakh, a national heritage site, the Alchi monastery is known for its well preserved 11th-12th century wall paintings, all in indo-Himalayan style. Alchi Monastery- The Alchi monastery is within the Alchi village, known more as a monastic complex ( Chos-Khor) of temples. Out of the four complexes, Alchi is known to be the oldest with its administration handled by Likir monastery. Built by the great translator, Guru Rinchen Zangpo between 958-1055. Lamayuru- Also known as the moonland due to its unique landscape resembling that of the moon, situated on the Srinagar-Leh highway, 125 kms from the main town of Leh. Dates back to the 10th century! Legends say it was once a lake which dried up! The Lamayuru monastery is the 11th century, it is said that the scholar Naropa laid the foundation stone of the monastery. Popular festivals include the Yuru Kab Gyat and Hemis Tsechu, occuring annually on the 2nd and 5th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar

Alchi and the other three complexes, all are part of the 108 monasteries originally built by Rinchen Zangpo, the great translator Lotsawa, in order to disseminate tibetan buddhism in the region. Also have known to build monasteries in Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim. The monasteries are the mainstay of Vajrayana Buddhism (Lamaism). Zangpo engaged several kashmiri artists to create the wall-paintings and sculptures in these 108 monasteries. Initially under the Kadampa order of buddhism, later overtaken by the Gelugpa order with the exception of Lamayuru monastery which is under the Drigungpa sec, controlled by Gelugpa from Likir. Kadampa order- Founded by Dromton ( 1005-1064 ), lay master and foremost pupil of the great bengali master Atisa ( 982-1054 ).