Hemis Monastery
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Hemis Monastery

Ladakh's Largest & Wealthiest Gompa

Best TimeMay to September (June-July for festival)
Ideal DurationHalf day
Altitude3,600 m
Distance45 km from Leh
Best TimeMay to September (June-July for festival)
DurationHalf day
Altitude3,600 m
Distance45 km from Leh
Things to Do5 activities
Regionladakh · monastery

About Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery, tucked in a gorge 45 km from Leh, is the largest and wealthiest gompa in Ladakh, founded in 1630 by Stag-tsang-ras-pa of the Drukpa (Red Hat) lineage. The monastery's vast courtyard, prayer halls and galleries house a museum of Buddhist thangkas (including a famous one of Padmasambhava shown only every 12 years), gold and silver stupas, and a library of ancient scriptures. Hemis is most famous for its annual Hemis Festival (June-July), a 2-day celebration of masked cham dances, traditional music and the unveiling of the giant thangka - one of the most vibrant cultural events in the Himalayas.

Photo Gallery

Things To Do

  • Explore the Hemis Museum
  • Time visit for the Hemis Festival (June-July)
  • Photograph masked cham dances
  • Visit the giant Padmasambhava thangka
  • Combine with Thiksey & Shey monasteries

How To Reach

Drive from Leh (45 km) - combine with Thiksey and Shey on the monastery circuit. Allow 1.5 hours each way.

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