Hemis Monastery
ཧེ་མིས་དགོན་པ
Ladakh's largest and wealthiest Drukpa Kagyu monastery, whose masked cham dances during the summer Hemis Festival are the region's biggest event.
Hemis Monastery lies in a valley about 45 km southeast of Leh. It was rebuilt in the 17th century with the support of King Sengge Namgyal. It belongs to the Drukpa Kagyu school and is the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh, with the most extensive collection. The monastery is tucked into a hollow in the mountains and cannot be seen from the road. Once you pass the gate, you enter a broad flagstone courtyard surrounded by the main assembly hall and cloisters with murals. The monastery museum displays bronze Buddha statues, thangkas and ritual objects, making it a great place to learn about Ladakhi Buddhist art.
Each year, around the 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar (usually June or July in the Gregorian calendar), the Hemis Festival is held. Lamas wearing masks perform cham dances in honour of Padmasambhava. Every 12 years, in the Year of the Monkey, a huge thangka is unveiled. During the festival, accommodation is in short supply, so book well ahead. Museum-inclusive entry costs about 100–200 rupees (confirm on site). Hemis can be combined with Thiksey on the same day.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Stakna Monastery
- Chemrey Monastery
- Thiksey Monastery
- Druk White Lotus School
- Shey Palace
- Stok Palace
- Chang La
- Spituk Monastery