Hemis Monastery – Facts, History, and Complete Travel Guide

Welcome to Hemis Monastery, a history, Culture, and spirituality treasure trove. This comprehensive travel guide will take you through the significant highlights, the oldest part of the monastery, and the best time to visit this Ladakh gem.

Significant Highlights of Hemis Monastery

The Nyingma Lhakhang is the monastery’s oldest section.

• Shakyamuni’s golden statue in the Dukhang Barpa Guru Padmasambhava in the Guru Lhakhang Museum,
• The largest prayer hall of the monastery,
• Statsan Raspa sat on a throne in Nyingma Lhakhang

History & Facts About Hemis Monastery :

• The Drukpa Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism contains the history of the Hemis monastery, which is said to have been founded in the tenth century and recreated in 1672 by Sengge Namgyal, the Ladakhi king.
• The monastery is 45 km from Leh city on the bank of the Indus River. It measures about 2,500 acres in the two valleys of Ladakh and Zanskar.
• Hemis is famous for its Tibetan-style architecture, which includes walls painted in white with amazing colourful murals, wooden carvings, and sculptures. The main prayer hall (Dukhang) and assembly hall are particularly notable.
• Hemis is famous for its ground Tsechu celebration in the first week of June when they all appreciate the birth of Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival includes dances in bright costumes and music plays, and people wear traditional dresses.
• Hemis Monastery Museum is an ancient artefact with Thangda paintings, gold statues, stupas, and rare manuscripts. In the courtyard gallery, Mahasiddhas’ art from the 17th to the present day is displayed.
• Guests of the monastery may stay at our guest house within the monastery for an enriching experience. Decorum includes taking shoes off before entering and praying, refraining from driving out monks, and walking around counterclockwise.

Hemis Monastery Visiting Timings :

Check the monastery’s opening and closing times to avoid long queues and closed gates. For easier transitions, look below for the timings.

• Morning: 8 am to 1 pm
• Noon: 2 pm to 6 pm

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Leh Monastery Stay Around Hemis :

There are numerous leh monastery stay such as resorts and hotels located close to Hemis Monastery, that cater to different budgets:

• Hotel Himalayan Heritage
• Hotel Chantsa
• Ladakh Sarai Resort
• The Grand Dragon Ladakh
• WelcomHeritage Lha-Ri-Sa Resort
• The Verda Driftwood Ladakh
• The Silk Route Ladakh
• The Zen Ladakh
• Hotel Royal Palace
• The Nature Residency Hotel

These accommodations offer comfortable stays while blending in with the surrounding environment.  All the above-mentioned hotels are located near the monastery only. So you do not have to worry about the rest.

Leh Monastery Stay – Homestays

Homestays are another popular option for staying near Hemis Monastery. Baksta Homestay is one of the best and most affordable homestays, and it is included in our package. This place will provide the feeling of home away from home. Visitors may experience Ladakhi hospitality and culture through homestays. Compared to hotels, homestays are more affordable and provide a more genuine experience.

The summer months of May through September are ideal for visiting Hemis monastery and exploring the surrounding countryside. The pleasant weather and open roads make travel more accessible. However, visitors should still carry warm layers as Ladakh’s climate can change rapidly.

What Activities are there to do near Hemis Monastery :

Near Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, there are several activities to enjoy:

• Visit Hemis National Park: Try a different angle of viewing and be cautious when seeing a suspected snow leopard.
• Attend the Hemis Festival: If you are most interested in cultural events, definitely visit Hemis Monastery, which usually happens in June or July. Visitors can also check out a masquerade party and theater shows during the fest.
• Yak Safari: Forget about tires. Get leisurely on a Yak Safari through the spectacular roads of Ladakh, which could be a different way to explore the rugged regions.
• River Rafting on the Indus River: Be part of a raging ride with river rafting on the Indus River to create your own memories. One benefit of the river is a range of rafting classes for both neophyte and hardened rafters, from beginner to advanced levels.
• Meditation and Spiritual Retreats: Incorporate meditation and a retreat experience at Hemis Monastery or other similar centers to experience the quiet, peaceful environment and find your inner soul.
• Snow Leopard Spotting Expedition: Go on an exciting expedition to find Snow leopards at Hemis National Park, which will give you unforgettable wildlife voyaging.
• These activities provide that mix of different types of experiences- cultural immersion and wildlife encounter, resulting in you having a great moment, remembering and enriching your visit to Hemis Monastery

Best Places To Eat In Leh or Around Hemis Monastery :

Several popular restaurants near Hemis Monastery offer a variety of local and international cuisine:

• Pangong Restaurant: Tucked away along a country road no more than three miles from Middletown’s bustling downtown, the quaint cabin had the perfect mix of adventure and solitude. Within 2 km of Hemis Monastery, these restaurants serve delicious local cuisine in a stunningly beautiful place.
• Indus Retreat: has a warm, cozy atmosphere and delicious food options.
• Karu Leh: In this village restaurant, we will enjoy Ladakhi and Tibetan dishes, including momos, thukpa, and apricot deserts, in a peaceful garden.
• Chopsticks Noodle Bar, Leh: This restaurant, whose origin has been described as the taste of China, offers the best Chinese noodles, dim sum, and other Asian dishes craved by people from all corners of the globe.
• Lamayuru Restaurant, Leh: This homey hotel offers monthly tastings of local and international dishes prepared by a professional chef.
• Wonderland Restaurant, Hemis Road, Leh: The restaurant’s worldwide blend of foods will surely satisfy any craving, be it Italian pasta, German schnitzel, or Indian curry.
• Ladakh Kitchen, Changspa Road, Leh: At this venue, take a culinary journey down authentic Ladakhi food, with dishes like skyu and butter tea activating your taste buds.
• German Bakery, Old Fort Road, Leh: A trip to Leh without a stop in this bakery, which sells fresh baked goods, sandwiches, and drinks, is incomplete. The cozy Alpine style will make you feel like you’re in a mountain cabin, and the atmosphere is full of a noble spirit.

They are able to cope with the tourists’ multifaceted tastes and preferences, enabling them to have a full culinary pleasure accompanying their spiritual visit.

Also Read: Nubra Valley To Leh

Best Time To Visit Hemis Monastery Ladakh :

The ideal time of year to arrive at the Hemis Monastery Ladakh is during summer, which is from May to September. The weather here is favorable and moderate without drastic temperature fluctuations. The temperature remains between 15 °C and 25 °C, which is quite convenient and also allows for a visit to the Hemis monastery. The major part of Ladak’s roads are in operation throughout the year, yet the airport is used in May- November to visit Ladakh.

Below, we have mentioned the reasons for choosing the best time to visit the Hemis monastery:

• During the period from May to October, people can join this expedition whether they are traveling to Ladakh via Srinagar or Manali.
• Starting with Srinagar and Manali, the Ladakh road is closed to traffic from November to April yearly. Then, a journey through the air is taken to reach Ladakh and travel to Hemis monastery.

The type of travel you choose between May and September will be more fun and stress-free as your budget will allow for cheaper and affordable travel.

Summing Up All about The Hemis Monastery :

A collection of unforgettable memories awaits the travelers at Hemis Monastery Ladakh. From visualizing the ancient halls and ornately structured festivals to exploring the wildlife and indulging in cultural exposure, everyone has something mesmerizing to take back home. The peak time for a visit is during the pleasant summer weather when there are a lot of activities, such as the birth of the Hemis Festival, the Yak Safaris, and the Hemis National Park exploration planned. Those who stay overnight have various options, including the monastery’s guest house, resorts, and homestays, while shopping enthusiasts can visit local markets and music halls to obtain handicrafts and souvenirs. The dining experiences of Hemis Monastery have appealing options for everyone, offering blends of Ladakhi traditional dishes and international food tastes. Whether one is in urgent need of soul searching, for an encounter with wildlife, or tasting the local delicacies, Hemis Monastery and its surrounding areas offer it all and top it up with that unique, holistic experience that will remain unforgettable.