Tucked away in the Indus River valley, Chemrey Monastery (also called Chemrey Gompa) is one of those peaceful gems in Ladakh that you don’t hear about as much—but totally should. It often finds a quiet spot on well-curated Leh Ladakh tour packages, and for good reason.
Built in 1664, this Buddhist monastery sits quietly in the Leh district, surrounded by golden hills and wide-open skies. It's got all the classic monastery vibes—whitewashed walls, fluttering prayer flags, but what really stands out is the massive statue of Padmasambhava. Inside, you’ll also find ancient murals, calm courtyards, and a seriously impressive collection of old scriptures.
It’s quiet, it’s beautiful, and it’s the kind of place where time feels like it slows down. It’s not overcrowded, it’s full of character, and yes, it’s absolutely Insta-worthy in the most peaceful way. Whether you're on a spiritual quest or a scenic Ladakh bike trip, this hidden monastery is a soulful stop worth making.
History of Chemrey Monastery
If you love places that feel frozen in time, Chemrey Monastery is one of those rare gems. Just about 40 km from Leh, this stunning gompa rises out of the quiet Ladakhi hills with all the charm of an old-world postcard. The history of Chemrey Monastery dates back to the 17th century, when it was founded by Lama Tagsang Raschen and dedicated to the powerful King Sengge Namgyal.
It belongs to the Drukpa (Drugpa) lineage, and even today, around 20 monks of this sect continue to call it home. What makes Chemrey Gompa so special isn't just its architecture or peaceful vibe—but the legacy it holds. Built in memory of a king and guided by generations of spiritual leaders, this monastery is more than just a sightseeing spot, it’s a quiet storyteller of Ladakh’s rich Buddhist past.
Best Time to Visit Chemrey Monastery
The best time to visit Chemrey Monastery is between May and September, when the weather in Ladakh is pleasant, skies are clear, and the roads are fully accessible. This period also makes the monastery’s stunning backdrop even more photogenic, with golden mountains and blue skies.
If you want to experience local culture, try planning your visit around the Chemrey Angchok Festival, usually held in November. While winter in Ladakh can be challenging due to snow and freezing temperatures, the festival brings the monastery alive with Cham dances, music, and vibrant energy.
For comfortable travel and gorgeous views, June to early September is your safest bet.
How to Reach Chemrey Monastery in Leh Ladakh
Chemrey Monastery is located about 40–45 km east of Leh, and the journey is scenic and straightforward.
By Road (Most Common & Recommended)
- Travel Time: Around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on road conditions and photo stops.
- Route: Start on the Leh–Manali Highway (NH3), head east towards Karu, then take the Pangong Tso road. Chemrey Monastery is a short detour from this road, clearly marked with signboards near Chemrey village.
- The monastery sits atop a hill, with a winding road leading to its entrance.
Modes of Transport from Leh
The easiest and most flexible option. Hire an SUV (Innova/Scorpio) from Leh. You can stop for photos, explore nearby spots, and set your own pace.
- Cost: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 (round trip, varies by vehicle and time).
- Shared Taxi:
Budget-friendly, but less direct. Look for taxis heading towards Pangong Tso. Get dropped at the Chemrey turn-off, then walk or hitch a ride up. Less convenient, but doable.
Perfect for adventure lovers! Roads are mostly smooth, and the ride is beautiful. Just rent a bike in Leh and ride out.
Least reliable but cheapest. Some buses on the Leh–Pangong route may stop near Chemrey village. You'll need to walk uphill from the main road. Check schedules at the Leh Bus Stand beforehand.
Chemrey as Part of a Monastery Day Trip
Chemrey Monastery fits perfectly into a day tour of Indus Valley monasteries. Here's a common route:
- Shey Palace & Monastery
- Thiksey Monastery
- Hemis Monastery
- Stakna Monastery
- Chemrey Monastery
- Takthok Monastery
You can hire a private taxi for the whole circuit, ideal if you want to explore multiple monasteries in one relaxed day.
Things to See in Chemrey Monastery
A major highlight of the monastery, this one-story-high statue is both awe-inspiring and spiritually significant.
- Ancient Buddhist Scriptures
The monastery holds 29 volumes of sacred texts, with solid silver title pages and pure gold lettering—a rare and precious sight.
- Main Assembly Hall (Dukhang)
- Located on the right side of the central courtyard, this hall houses:
- Statues of Stagtshang Raspa in his 4th and 5th incarnations
- Murals of Sakyamuni (Historical Buddha) and his two chief disciples
- Paintings of two large mandalas: Kalachakra and Akshobhya (the Buddha of the East)
- Multiple Shrines
Scattered throughout the monastery, these shrines add to the calm, spiritual atmosphere.
Held annually on the 28th and 29th day of the 9th Tibetan month, this festival features vibrant Cham (masked) dances, spiritual rituals, and local cultural celebrations.
Chemrey Monastery Timings and Entry Fees
Chemrey Monastery usually welcomes visitors daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, even on Sundays and national holidays, as per eKashmir Tourism. There’s a small entry fee of ₹30, and just a heads-up—the main monastery may take a quick tea break between 4:00 PM and 4:15 PM, so plan your visit accordingly!
Places to Visit Near Chemrey Monastery in Leh Ladakh
If you’re planning a trip to Chemrey Monastery, make the most of your day by exploring these places to visit near Chemrey Monastery:
One of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh, known for its grand Hemis Festival and a huge collection of thangkas, relics, and Buddhist art.
Often compared to the Potala Palace, Thiksey is famous for its 15-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha and sweeping valley views.
- Shey Palace and Monastery
A historic royal retreat, Shey houses a massive copper-gilded Buddha statue and offers a calm, scenic escape.
Perched on a hill shaped like a tiger’s nose, this small but peaceful monastery gives you stunning views of the Indus River.
Built partly inside a natural cave, it offers a unique spiritual vibe and is one of the lesser-explored gems near Chemrey.
Located about 35–40 km further east from Chemrey, Chang La is one of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world. It’s a thrilling ride with stunning views, especially for those on a Ladakh bike trip.
Places to Stay Near Chemrey Monastery
There’s no accommodation at Chemrey Monastery itself, so visitors looking to stay nearby will need to explore surrounding villages or plan a day trip from Leh.
- Homestays in Chemrey Village
For an authentic experience, you can stay in a local Ladakhi home right below the monastery. Expect home-cooked meals, warm hosts, and beautiful sunrise views of the monastery.
- Karu and Sakti Villages (10–15 km away)
These villages offer a few budget-friendly guesthouses and simple hotels. A great choice for backpackers or riders passing through the Indus Valley region.
- Leh Town (Around 40 km away)
If you prefer more comfort, variety, or amenities, staying in Leh is ideal. It’s easy to visit Chemrey as a half-day trip while enjoying the convenience of shops, restaurants, and well-rated hotels in town.
Wrapping It Up
So if you’re craving some peace and quiet with a whole lot of history and Himalayan charm, Chemrey Monastery is totally worth the detour. It’s not crowded, not touristy, and feels like one of those places where time just slows down. Whether you're on a monastery circuit, a bike trip, or just exploring hidden gems around Leh with WanderOn, this little hilltop wonder will leave you with calm vibes and great photos. Pack a snack, take your camera, and let Chemrey surprise you.
