Hemis Monastery is the richest monastery in Ladakh, built in 1620 by King Sengge Namgyal. The Gompa is 45 km from Leh City and is famous for its two-day annual Hemis festival. The major activity in the festival is the unfurling of the giant Thangka which is a Buddhist painting.
Rugged terrains of the Himalayas surround the monastery and is one of the most popular tourist attractions on a Ladakh tour. The famous monastery belongs to the Drukpa lineage of Buddhism and it has a museum that houses a rich collection of Thangkas, Tibetan books, gold statues, and stupas embedded with stones, weapons, etc.
Hemis Monastery is a two-storey monument with a perfect blend of Tibetan and Indian Architectural styles. The monastery has a courtyard or Dukhang which is the main compartment. Next, there is a prayer hall and Togspa which is a multi-story structure. Tourists can visit the monastery in the summer season, especially during the Hemis festival to enjoy the scenic beauty and the events at the festival.
History of Hemis Monastery Ladakh
As per the ancient records, Hemis is an 11th-century structure that was constructed in 1672 under the patronage of King Sengge Namgyal. The monastery is related to Naropa who was the pupil of Yogi Tilopa and the teacher of the translator Marpa. Naropa was the founder of the Kagyu lineage of the Himalayan esoteric Buddhism. So, Hemis monastery is the main sector of the Kagyu lineage of Buddhism.
Architecture of Hemis Monastery
The architecture of Hemis Gompa is a mix of Indian and Tibetan architectural styles. The layout is a blend of courtyards and assembly halls which surround a statue of Buddha. The main building has white-washed walls.
The courtyard or Dukhang is the heart of the Monastery which is 60 meters in length and meters in width. It is the part of the monastery where you can witness the vibrant Hemis festival marked by Chham dances performed by monks. After entering the courtyard, one can see two large temples on the right. There is a wooden verandah at the front which is designed in the Kashmiri style of architecture.
On the left side, there is another temple called Togspa Khang, and on the right is Dukhang which comprises the throne of Rimpoche- the head Lama and the seating area for other lamas. The walls of Dukhang are decorated with paintings of Sakyamuni with blue hair and other Buddha paintings of deities such as Hevajra and Samvara.
The monastery also has a library on its premises which is worth exploring.
Experience the vibrant Hemis Monastery festival
Hemis festival is a two-day event that is celebrated annually in the Hemis Gompa of Leh Ladakh. The festival is a celebration to honor the birth date of Guru Padmasambhava which falls on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar and in June/July as per the Gregorian calendar.
It is the most famous and important festival for Buddhist people and monks. Tourists can witness monks wearing colorful costumes and masked Chham dance performances. There is also the unfurling of Ladakh’s biggest Thangka (Buddhist painting) on the first day of the Hemis festival.
Hemis Festival is the most revered event for Buddhist people and carries forward the cultural legacy of Ladakh and the celebration of the victory of good over evil.
The best time to visit Hemis Monastery
Hemis Gompa can be visited at any time of the year but the best time to visit is during the Hemis festival which takes place in the month of June-July.
Summer: It is the most perfect time to explore Hemis Gompa as the weather in summer is warm and pleasant. From May to August, the climate is favorable for traveling and tourists can explore the scenic beauty and enjoy nature walks. Visitors can also witness in the summer season the famous Hemis festival which is celebrated in June-July in the honour of birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava.
Winter: you can also visit Hemis in the winter season. However, due to heavy snowfall, it becomes inaccessible to visit Ladakh.
How to reach Hemis Gompa
Hemis Gompa is located 45 kilometers away from Leh. You can reach the monastery by any means such as via flight or road.
Via Flight: The nearest airport to monastery is in Leh which is Kuskok Bakula Rimpochee airport. Book a flight from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or Chandigarh to Leh. After reaching Leh airport, you can book a taxi or cab to reach Hemis Monastery.
Via road: Tourists can also visit Hemis monastery via road which is a 1.5 to 2 hour drive. The road is good and smooth with beautiful scenes of the Indus river and landscapes.
Entry fees for visiting Hemis monastery
There is a small amount of entry fees for visiting Hemis monastery which is 100 to 200 INR per person.
Nearby places in Hemis
You can visit a few attractions on your trip to Hemis monastery
Hemis National Park:
Hemis National Park it is a stunning national park located near monastery and has a diverse variety of snow leopards and rare bird species. The place is known for trekking and nature walks.
Shey Palace:
Shy Palace It is situated 15 km away from the monastery and houses a beautiful Buddha statue.
Thiksey Monastery:
Located on a hillock, this monastery is about 17 km away from Monastery and offers amazing views of the Indus Valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Hemis Gompa?
It is a 17th-century monastery belonging to the Drukpa sector of Buddhism.
What are the opening hours of the Monastery?
The monastery remains open from 6 AM to 8 PM.
Is there any special event in Hemis?
Yes, there is an annual festival held in June or July called the Hemis festival in which there is an unfurling of thangkas and Chham dances by monks.
What is the best time to visit Hemis Monastery?
The best time is in the summer season from May to September.