Do you want to add a monastery to your Ladakh trip that’s not just peaceful but also incredibly beautiful? Then you’ve picked the right one! Hemis Monastery is truly a gem, known for its unique architecture, ancient artifacts, and deep religious significance.
Located just 45 km from Leh, Hemis Monastery is one of the most important and well-known monasteries in Ladakh. Set against a peaceful Himalayan backdrop near the Indus River, this monastery belongs to the Drukpa lineage of Buddhism. Hemis is also known for hosting the lively Hemis Festival every June, which celebrates Guru Padmasambhava with colourful masked dances and traditional music.
And if you're on a Ladakh bike tour, Hemis Gompa makes for the perfect detour. Want to know every little detail before you go? Let’s explore Hemis with this much-needed guide!
Entry Fees and Visiting Hours of Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery is open every day from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, and then again from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The entry fee is just INR 100 per person, and that includes both the monastery and the museum. Totally worth it for the views, vibes, and a quick trip through history!
How to Reach Hemis Monastery from Leh
Hemis Monastery is one of the most famous and significant Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, located about 40–45 km southeast of Leh. Here are the best ways to get there:
By Taxi (Most Popular & Convenient)
This is the easiest and most recommended option, especially for tourists.
- You can hire a private taxi from the Leh taxi stand or through your hotel.
- The ride takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on road conditions.
- Many visitors combine Hemis with a full-day monastery tour that includes Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Stakna Monastery, all located along the same route.
Cost:
- A full-day taxi covering Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis usually costs INR 3,000 to 6,500, depending on the vehicle (e.g., Xylo, Innova).
- A direct round-trip to Hemis is cheaper but less cost-effective than a combined tour.
By Shared Taxi (Budget-Friendly)
- Ideal for solo travelers or small groups on a budget.
- Shared taxis are less frequent but available, especially during peak season.
- You may need to wait for other passengers heading in the same direction.
By Bus (Cheapest, Less Frequent)
- Public buses run by JKSRTC (Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation) cover nearby areas.
- There may not be a direct bus to Hemis, but you can:
- Take a bus to Karu (about 35 km from Leh).
- From Karu, Hemis is around 6–7 km away.
- You can either walk, hitchhike, or find a local shared vehicle.
Tip: Bus schedules vary, so check the latest timings at the Leh Bus Stand.
By Motorbike or Scooter Rental
- A great option for adventure seekers who want more flexibility.
- Bikes and scooters are easily available for rent in Leh.
- Make sure you’re comfortable riding on hilly roads and have the necessary permits (usually not required for Hemis).
Also Checkout: 8-Day Leh Ladakh Tour Package with Turtuk and Tso Moriri
Best Time to Visit Hemis Monastery
The best time to visit Hemis Monastery is between May and September, when Ladakh is open to tourists and the weather is pleasant. During these months, roads are clear, the skies are bright, and the views are absolutely stunning.
If you want to see Hemis Gompa in its full festive glory, plan your visit in June, during the Hemis Festival. This annual celebration honours Guru Padmasambhava and features vibrant masked dances, traditional music, and a lively atmosphere that brings the entire monastery to life.
Avoid visiting during winter (October to April) unless you're prepared for freezing temperatures and road closures. The region becomes quite inaccessible during heavy snowfall, and most tourist services are limited or shut.
Things to Do in Hemis Monastery Ladakh
- Explore the Monastery Complex
Wander through peaceful courtyards, prayer halls, and beautifully decorated rooms. Don’t miss the grand statue of Guru Padmasambhava and the intricate wall paintings.
Located within the monastery, this small but fascinating museum displays ancient relics, thangkas (Tibetan paintings), weapons, and other treasures that offer a glimpse into Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage.
Feel the calm as you walk around the monastery spinning traditional prayer wheels, a common Buddhist practice believed to bring peace and merit.
- Attend the Hemis Festival (if visiting in June)
Experience the monastery at its most vibrant during this annual two-day festival. Enjoy colourful masked dances, traditional music, and the festive atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world.
Take a quiet moment to admire the surrounding Himalayan landscape. The peaceful setting of Hemis makes it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the mountain serenity.
Architecture of Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery beautifully reflects traditional Tibetan-style architecture, blended with local Ladakhi elements. The entire structure is built on a hillside, surrounded by rugged mountains, giving it a dramatic and peaceful setting.
The monastery complex includes large courtyards, whitewashed walls, colorful prayer flags, and intricately carved wooden balconies. Inside, you'll find richly decorated prayer halls (dukhangs) with tall statues, elaborate thangka paintings, and ancient murals that depict Buddhist deities and stories.
One of the most impressive features is the main assembly hall, which houses a large statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the monastery's patron saint. The use of natural light, traditional motifs, and detailed artwork makes the space feel both spiritual and artistic.
Overall, Hemis Monastery's architecture is not just about design, it reflects centuries of cultural and religious significance, offering visitors a glimpse into Ladakh’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions.
Also Checkout: 11 Days Ladakh Tour Package with Umling La | Manali Leh Srinagar
History of Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery has been around since before the 11th century, making it one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Ladakh. It was later re-established in 1672 by King Sengge Namgyal, who played a major role in strengthening Buddhism in the region.
Over the years, Hemis has become not just a spiritual centre but also the subject of some intriguing stories. One of the most talked-about claims came from a Russian journalist, Nicolas Notovitch, who visited in the 1800s. He famously wrote that Hemis held ancient scrolls suggesting that Jesus had visited India during his “lost years.” While historians have largely dismissed this as a hoax, it still adds a layer of mystery to the monastery’s legacy.
True or not, the stories, legends, and long-standing heritage definitely make Hemis more than just another peaceful place in the hills.
More on the Hemis Festival
If there’s one time when Hemis Monastery truly comes alive, it’s during the Hemis Festival, held every year in June. This vibrant two-day celebration honours Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha and the protector of the Himalayan region.
Held in the wide courtyard of the monastery, the festival is a colourful mix of music, mask dances, traditional rituals, and spiritual energy. The highlight? The famous Cham dance, where monks dressed in elaborate costumes and dramatic masks perform sacred movements that represent the victory of good over evil. It's not just a performance, it’s a spiritual tradition that goes back centuries.
You’ll also hear the beat of giant drums, the clash of cymbals, and the deep sounds of long Tibetan trumpets, all echoing through the mountains. The whole atmosphere becomes electric, yet deeply spiritual.
Places to Visit Near Hemis Monastery
Exploring Hemis Monastery? You’re in luck! There are several beautiful spots nearby that are worth adding to your day trip:
- Thiksey Monastery (Approx. 20 km from Hemis)
Often called the “Mini Potala” of Ladakh, Thiksey Monastery is famous for its 12-storey structure and giant Maitreya Buddha statue. It’s a great place to catch sunrise views too!
- Shey Palace and Monastery (Approx. 25 km from Hemis)
Once the summer capital of Ladakh, Shey Palace sits on a hilltop and offers a lovely panoramic view. The monastery here houses a huge copper-gilded Buddha statue.
- Stakna Monastery (Approx. 15 km from Hemis)
Built on a hill shaped like a tiger’s nose, this lesser-known monastery offers peace, fewer crowds, and great views of the Indus River.
- Sindhu Ghat (Near Shey, on the way from Hemis to Leh)
A peaceful riverbank spot where you can enjoy the calm flow of the Indus River—perfect for a quiet break or a quick photo stop.
- Hemis National Park (Nearby)
If you're a nature lover or wildlife enthusiast, don’t miss this! It's home to the elusive snow leopard and several species of Himalayan birds and animals.
Hemis Monastery Ladakh isn’t just big, it’s one of the most important monasteries in all of Ladakh. It’s been around since way before the 11th century and is a major part of the Drukpa lineage of Buddhism. From the peaceful vibe and old relics to the colourful Hemis Festival in June, there’s a lot going on here. And the location? Surrounded by mountains and super scenic. Whether you’re on a Ladakh bike tour with WanderOn or just exploring from Leh, Hemis is one of those places that’s totally worth checking out—for the views, the culture, and a little moment of quiet.
