Alchi Choskhor and the banks of the Indus River, Ladakh, India

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The Alchi Chos'khor (chos'khor means monastic complex) is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in all of India, dating back to the 10th century. The monastery is located in the Indus River valley, integrated with its village. This is typical of earlier phase Himalayan monastic architecture, versus the later phase post 12th century, in which monasteries were fortified and built up on a hill. In the image a monk exits the small doorway of the Vairachana temple (also called Dukhang or Assembly Hall), typical for the doorways of this period. He has removed his shoes, customary for entering Buddhist temples (read the sign on the wall). Alchi is currently administered by the Gelug'pa (Yellow Hat) sect, similar to Spituk Gompa.

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Size: 5000px × 3333px
Location: Alchi Choskhor, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Photo credit: © Terry Allen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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