Hemis monastery (gompa) is a Buddhist monastery of Drukpa lineage of Buddhism and is located in Hemis village of Ladakh, about 45 km from Leh. The monastery was built before 11th century but it was re-established in 1672 by the king of Ladakh Sengge Namgyal.
Hemis is in the Kharu tehsil, 40 kilometres south-east of Leh along the Leh-Manali Highway and the under-construction Bhanupli-Leh line. The area contains 24 households, following the 2011 Indian census. The effective literacy rate (the literacy rate of the general population omitting children under six) is 90.63%, making it some of the highest in the country.
Hemis Festival
The Hemis Festival (Hemis Tsechu) is one of the most famous Buddhist festivals in Ladakh, celebrated at the historic Hemis Monastery, around 45 km from Leh.
The festival honors Guru Padmasambhava, the revered Buddhist master who helped spread Buddhism across the Himalayan region. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Hemis Festival 2026 Dates
24–25 June 2026 (tentative, based on the Tibetan lunar calendar). Multiple Ladakh festival calendars and travel sources list these dates.
Main Attractions
Cham Mask Dances
Monks perform sacred masked dances called Cham, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The performances are accompanied by traditional drums, cymbals, and long Tibetan horns.
Traditional Costumes & Masks
The festival features elaborate silk robes and symbolic masks representing protector deities, dakinis, skeletons, and Guru Padmasambhava.
Monastery Rituals
Visitors can witness prayers, blessings, religious ceremonies, and spiritual teachings conducted by senior monks.
Sacred Thangka Display
A giant sacred thangka (religious painting) of Guru Padmasambhava is displayed during special festival cycles, making the celebration even more significant.
Location
Hemis Monastery is about 45 km from Leh, and the drive takes roughly 1–1.5 hours.
- Venue: Hemis Monastery
- Distance from Leh: Approximately 40–45 km
- Travel Time: Around 1–1.5 hours by road from Leh.
Travel Tips
- Arrive in Leh at least 2–3 days earlier to acclimatize to the high altitude.
- Leave for Hemis Monastery early morning to secure a good viewing spot.
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and warm layers.
- Respect monastery rules and seek permission before photographing monks closely.
Why Visit?
The Hemis Festival offers a rare opportunity to experience Ladakh’s living Buddhist heritage through sacred dances, ancient rituals, traditional music, and the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas. It is widely regarded as one of the most important cultural events in the region.
Timings
- Monastery opens: 8:00 AM
- Festival activities continue through the day
- Best viewing time: Morning sessions of the masked dances (Cham).
How to Get Tickets
Tickets are usually purchased directly at the monastery entrance on arrival. Advance online ticket booking is generally not required.
How to Reach Hemis Monastery from Leh
Hemis Monastery is located about 45 km southeast of Leh and can be reached in approximately 1 hour by road. The journey follows the scenic Indus River Valley and passes through Karu village before reaching the monastery.
By Road from Leh
The road from Leh to Hemis is well-maintained and suitable for all types of vehicles. Travelers can drive via the Leh–Manali Highway, take a left turn at Karu, and continue for around 10 km to reach the monastery. Many visitors combine Hemis with other nearby attractions such as Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace, and Stakna Monastery.
By Taxi
Hiring a taxi is one of the most convenient ways to visit Hemis Monastery. Local taxi operators offer popular Indus Valley sightseeing tours covering Hemis, Thiksey, Shey Palace, and Stakna Monastery. Full-day monastery tours are available from Leh and are ideal for travelers with limited time.
By Self-Drive Car or Motorcycle
Travelers exploring Ladakh by self-drive car or rented motorcycle can easily reach Hemis Monastery. The route is straightforward, and the roads are generally in good condition. Ensure your vehicle is fueled in Leh, as fuel stations are limited outside the town.
By Bus
Public buses operated within the Ladakh region connect Leh with nearby villages, including Karu. However, direct bus services to Hemis Monastery may be infrequent. Visitors planning to use public transport should confirm schedules at the Leh Bus Stand before departure.
By Air
The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, located in Leh. Regular flights connect Leh with major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, and Chandigarh. After arriving, travelers should spend at least one day acclimatizing before visiting high-altitude attractions like Hemis Monastery.
By Train
Leh does not have a railway station. The nearest major railhead is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, approximately 812 km away. Travelers can continue to Leh by road via Srinagar and Kargil. Another option is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, though it has limited connectivity compared to Jammu Tawi.
Distance Chart
| Starting Point | Distance to Hemis Monastery |
|---|---|
| Leh | 45 km |
| Karu | 10 km |
| Leh Airport | 42 km |
| Pangong Lake Junction (Karu) | 10 km |
| Jammu Tawi Railway Station | 812 km |
Travel Tip: The best time to visit Hemis Monastery is during the famous Hemis Festival, when colorful mask dances, cultural performances, and Buddhist rituals bring the monastery to life.
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Tixora –
The distance from Leh to Hemis Monastery is roughly 40 km southeast, located along the left bank of the Indus River.
Tixora –
The Hemis Monastery mask dance, known as the Cham Dance (or Chams), is a vibrant and sacred ritual performed annually during the Hemis Festival in Ladakh, India.