Hemis Monastery, Hemis
One of Ladakh's largest monasteries, home of the Hemis festival
- Type
- Monastery
- Location
- Hemis, Ladakh
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Best time to visit
- May to September. Visit during the Hemis festival, usually in June or July, if your dates allow.
About Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery lies in a quiet side valley on the far bank of the Indus, about 45 km south of Leh. It belongs to the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Ladakh. Unlike Thiksey, it is tucked away in a gorge and cannot be seen from the main road.
The courtyard is surrounded by prayer halls with old wall paintings and statues. The monastery has a museum with thangkas, masks, statues and old objects used in rituals. The village of Hemis and the forested slopes around it make it a pleasant place to walk.
The Hemis festival is held every summer, usually in June or July, to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. Monks perform masked cham dances in the courtyard to the sound of drums and horns. The festival draws large crowds, so plan early if your trip falls on the festival days. The monastery is also near Hemis National Park, known for snow leopards in winter.
Things to do at Hemis Monastery
- See the main prayer halls and wall paintings
- Visit the monastery museum
- Watch the masked dances at the Hemis festival in summer
- Combine with Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery on the same day
How to reach Hemis Monastery
- By road from Leh: about 45 km, about 1 to 1.5 hours by car, via Karu on the Leh to Manali highway.
Tips before you go
- Check the Hemis festival dates for the year, as they follow the Tibetan lunar calendar
- Wear modest clothing and ask before photographing monks or rituals
- Go early in the day to see Hemis, Thiksey and Shey without rushing
Nearby places to visit
Thiksey Monastery
A large hilltop monastery near Leh, often compared to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, with a seated Maitreya Buddha statue two storeys high.
Time needed: 1 to 2 hoursRead more →Leh
Ladakh's main town, with Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and a busy main bazaar. Your base for the first and last nights, and the place to acclimatise.
Time needed: 2 to 3 days, split between the start and end of the tripRead more →Pangong Tso
A high-altitude lake at about 4,250 m that stretches into Tibet, known for its changing shades of blue. Nights are cold even in summer.
Time needed: 1 night, or a long day trip from LehRead more →Hemis Monastery: FAQs
When is the Hemis festival held?
It is held every summer, usually in June or July, on dates set by the Tibetan lunar calendar. Check the exact dates for your year before booking.
How far is Hemis Monastery from Leh?
It is about 45 km from Leh, about 1 to 1.5 hours by car.