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Hemis Monastery
45 km south of Leh, hidden in a side valley off the Leh–Manali road
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About Hemis Monastery
The wealthiest and largest monastery in Ladakh, famed for its colourful Hemis Festival, towering thangkas, and a museum of priceless Buddhist relics.
History & significance
Re-established in 1672 under the patronage of King Sengge Namgyal, Hemis belongs to the Drukpa lineage. Every June, it hosts a two-day masked dance festival celebrating Guru Padmasambhava's birth — one of the biggest cultural events in the Himalayas.
Travel tips
- Book accommodation well in advance if visiting during the Hemis Festival.
- Allow 2 hours for the monastery and its museum.
- Photography permitted in the courtyard, restricted inside shrines.
- Try the monastery's traditional butter tea at the small canteen.
Nearby attractions
Thiksey MonasteryShey PalaceStakna MonasteryHemis National Park