Hemis Monastery

The Largest & Wealthiest Monastery of Ladakh

Hemis Monastery – The Largest & Wealthiest Monastery of Ladakh

Hemis Monastery, founded in the 17th century, is the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh and lies about 45 km southeast of Leh. It follows the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and is renowned for its extensive collection of thangkas, murals, and ritual artefacts.

The monastery is famous for the biennial Hemis Tsechu festival, commemorating Guru Padmasambhava through masked cham dances. It reflects Ladakh's deep spiritual and natural linkages. Hemis monastic festival alike other monastic festivals serve as a major centre of religious learning and cultural preservation in the region.