HEMIS MONASTERY

The Hemis Monastry is the biggest and the richly endowed monastery of ladakh, situated some 45km from Leh city. The monastery is decorated on all the four sides by colourful prayer flags which flutters in the breeze and send prayers to Lord Buddha. Hemis monastery belongs to Dugpa Kurgyutpa order or red sect of Buddhism and is said to be enriched and meaningful with a large number of Thangkas or paintings.

HOW TO REACH

You can reach your destination by a cab or hire bullet/bike from Leh, the distance is about 45kms.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Hemis Monastery is during the two-day hemis festival, which is held in the month of June or July. One can see the famed cham dance during the festival and the display of age old Thangkas. In addition, it’s enjoyable to visit from May till September.

THINGS TO SEE IN AND AROUND

The are several places to visit around the monastery. A few to mention would be

• It is the biggest monastery in the region with attractive architecture and building
• There are lots of big statues and stupas decorated with stones and also the splendid collection of thankas
• Birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche is celebrated as Hemis festival which is the prime attraction at the monastery.
• Hemis National Park is another wonderful place to visit where you can see rare snow leopards