Hemis Monastery, also known as Hemis Gompa, is the largest monastic institution in Ladakh and belongs to the Drukpa Lineage of Mahayana Buddhism, also referred to as the Red Hat sect. It stands as a vibrant symbol of Tibetan Buddhist culture in India, under the spiritual guidance of His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa.

Although its origins trace back to the 11th century, Hemis was formally established in the 17th century by Taktsang Repa Ngawang Gyatso, who arrived in 1624 with the blessing of the 5th Gyalwang Drukpa and was welcomed by King Sengge Namgyal. With royal patronage, Taktsang Repa founded the present-day Hemis and earlier established Hanley Monastery. He also preached at Samten Ling, a center still intact today.

One of the monastery’s early spiritual pillars was Gyalwa Gotsangpa Gonpa Dorje (1189–1258), a great yogi who meditated in a cave above the monastery, now a meditation retreat named in his honor.

Hemis Monastery is best known for the Hemis Festival, held every year on the 10th and 11th day of the 5th lunar month, as introduced by Gyalsey Rinpoche. The festival marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who is believed to have brought Tantric Buddhism to the Himalayas. The event features sacred Cham dances in the monastery courtyard, where monks in elaborate masks perform symbolic rituals to the sounds of cymbals, wind instruments, long trumpets, and deep resonating drums. It is the most iconic and widely attended Buddhist celebration in Ladakh.

Today, Hemis oversees more than 200 branch monasteries and cares for over 1,000 monks, playing a central role in the preservation of Himalayan Buddhist culture and spiritual education.

Hemis Monastery is located about 40 km southeast of Leh and can be easily reached via the Leh–Manali Highway. You can hire a taxi or rent a car from Leh; the drive takes about 45 minutes. Roads are well-paved and accessible from late May to October.

Plan your visit in the summer months (May to September) when weather conditions are favorable and roads are open. For a truly immersive experience, try to attend the Hemis Festival held in early June. Arrive early in the morning to witness prayer rituals and avoid the midday crowd.

Admission fee

• Indian nationals: ₹50 per person
• Foreign tourists: ₹100–₹200 per person
  (Fees may include or exclude museum entry; check locally)

Opening time

• Open daily: 08:00 AM – 01:00 PM and 02:00 PM – 06:00 PM
• Closed during lunch: 01:00 PM – 02:00 PM