First phase of the restoration of the Avalokitesvara temple: research and restoration of the foundations.
Experts: John Harrison and Hilde Vets
www.achiassociation.org

The temple of the eleven headed Avalokiteshvara (Chuchig-zhal) was built about seven hundred years
ago within the hilltop fortress of a local ruler, Bhag-dar-skyab, and is said to be a copy of the Sumtsek
(“three-storeyed building”) at Alchi, the only other temple of this type in Ladakh. Commonly referred
to by the name of the main deity in its southwestern niche, in the inscription on its southeastern wall
it is called Tashi Sumtsek (“The Auspicious Three-Storeyed”). The temple is built on a mandala plan,
with an eastern entrance porch, and three niches containing colossal standing statues of Maitreya,
Avalokiteshvara and Shakyamuni. The central space rises through two storeys into the rooftop lantern.
The internal walls on all levels are completely covered with wall paintings. Carved and painted wooden
pillars, capitals and beams complete the décor of the porch and the interior.