Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery is the largest and wealthiest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, located in Hemis village about 45 km southeast of Leh in the Indus Valley. Belonging to the Drukpa Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, it is renowned for its impressive Tibetan architecture, extensive thangka collection, ancient relics and annual Hemis Festival. Nestled in a secluded gorge surrounded by mountains, it serves as a major spiritual centre and museum preserving Ladakhi Buddhist heritage.

Visitors can expect a large white-walled Tibetan-style monastery complex set in a secluded mountain gorge on the west bank of the Indus River. Inside are colourful courtyards, prayer halls with statues of Guru Padmasambhava and Buddha, ancient thangkas, murals, and a museum displaying religious artefacts, weapons and manuscripts. The surroundings offer stark Himalayan landscapes, and visitors can explore temples, the museum, and open courtyards where the annual Hemis Festival with masked dances is held.

Hemis Monastery was re-established in 1672 by King Sengge Namgyal of Ladakh and the Drukpa lama Staktsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso. It is considered to have been originally founded in the 11th century and is the principal centre of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage in Ladakh. The monastery has historically been the wealthiest and most influential gompa in the region and houses a rich collection of ancient relics and manuscripts.

Hemis is the most important centre of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism in Ladakh. It is famous for the annual Hemis Tsechu festival held in honour of Guru Padmasambhava, featuring sacred Cham masked dances, music and display of a giant thangka. The monastery preserves Tibetan Buddhist art, rituals and traditions and remains an active centre for monks and religious teachings.