Hemis Monastery

Hemis Monastery is the largest, most celebrated, and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. Located about 45 km south of Leh on the west bank of the Indus River, it belongs to the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was re-established in the 17th century under the patronage of King Sengge Namgyal. Its collection of thangkas, statues, stupas, and ancient manuscripts is among the finest in the Himalayan region. The annual Hemis Festival held in June or July is the most famous festival in Ladakh, featuring colourful Cham masked dances performed by monks in the courtyard. A giant thangka of Padmasambhava is unfurled here once every twelve years.