Hemis Monastery
Ladakh's Largest and Wealthiest Gompa
Overview
Hemis is the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, hidden in a side valley about 45 km south of Leh above the Indus. Though a religious site existed earlier, the present gompa was re-established in 1672 under the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal, and it is the principal seat of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. It is famed for the two-day Hemis festival honouring Guru Padmasambhava, its masked cham dances, and, once every twelve years, the unfurling of a giant embroidered thangka. Its museum holds outstanding relics and statuary. MyTripMyTravel times visits to the festival or to a quiet weekday.
Hemis is Ladakh's grandest monastery and the seat of the Drukpa Kagyu order, tucked out of sight in a side valley off the Indus so that it stays hidden until the last turn of the approach road.
The present complex was re-established in 1672 under Sengge Namgyal, though the site is older, and generations of royal patronage made it the richest gompa in the region. It is best known for the Hemis festival in early June, when masked cham dancers enact the triumph of Guru Padmasambhava in the great courtyard; once every twelve years, in the Monkey year, a vast embroidered thangka is unfurled down the monastery's front.
MyTripMyTravel either aligns a visit with the festival, booked far ahead, or chooses a calm weekday, pairing Hemis with a museum viewing of its gilded statuary and 17th-century murals.
At a glance
Hemis Monastery in brief
What to see
Highlights
The Hemis festival
Masked cham dances in the courtyard honouring Padmasambhava, one of Ladakh's great annual spectacles, in early June.
The giant thangka
One of the largest embroidered scrolls in Ladakh, unfurled down the monastery front only once every twelve years, in the Monkey year.
The monastery museum
Gilded-copper statues, thangkas, and ritual objects amassed through centuries of royal patronage.
The 17th-century murals
The courtyard gallery, including paintings of the Eighty-Four Mahasiddhas in ground-mineral pigments.
The hidden valley setting
The secluded ravine that keeps the great gompa out of sight until the final approach.
Visitor information
Our tips
If you can align with the Hemis festival in early June, do, but book far ahead and expect crowds.
The giant thangka is shown only in Monkey years (once every twelve), check the cycle before setting expectations.
It sits deep in a side valley; combine it with Thiksey and Stakna for a full Indus-valley day.
It is an active monastery, dress modestly and follow shrine etiquette in the prayer halls.
Good to know
Hemis Monastery, your questions
What is Hemis best known for?
Being Ladakh's largest and wealthiest monastery and the Drukpa Kagyu seat, and for the annual Hemis festival with its masked cham dances.
When is the Hemis festival?
In early June, on the 10th day of the fifth Tibetan month, honouring the birth of Guru Padmasambhava.
What is the giant thangka?
A vast embroidered scroll unfurled down the monastery's front, displayed only once every twelve years, in the Monkey year of the Tibetan cycle.
How far is it from Leh?
About 45 km south, up a side valley off the Indus, roughly 1.5 hours by road.
More in Leh
Visit with us
See Hemis Monastery, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Hemis Monastery into a wider Leh and Himalayan Peaks itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Hemis Monastery
Free, no obligation quote. Your details stay private.