Alchi represents a rare survival, it's 800 year old murals and giant Boddhisatva figures covering every inch of wall space. Even the carved woodwork on the exterior is in remarkably good shape, probably due to the dessicated climate. Whereas some parts have been retouched in the 16th century, even in the unrestored portions, the colours are as bright as if painted the day before, the pigments preserved by the near total absence of sunlight in the interiors. Sometime in it's history, for unknown reasons, Alchi was abandoned as a living center of worship and this too contributed in no small measure too it's survival. Nowadays, the essential religous functions are carried out by two monks on deputation from Likir gompa.

The magnificent gompa at Likir, known as the Klu-kkhyol Gompa, was founded in the 14th century, and was the first in Ladakh known to have been built under the direction of Tibetan monks.

The famous monastery of Alchi is the unique monastery in Ladakh this very well known for its ancient paintings, it is also termed as the Ajanta of the Himalayas.

Likir & Alchi are connected with Leh  and Srinagar.