Hemis monastery with sideview, Leh, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Ladakh

Hemis

The terrain of Hemis Monastery

Hemis monastery with sideview, Leh, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, India
map

January

-20 - 6.3 °C

February

-15.9 - 9.3 °C

March

-10.4 - 15.9 °C

April

-3.7 - 20.8 °C

May

0.6 - 24.8 °C

June

4.7 - 30.7 °C

July

10.5 - 33.4 °C

August

9.7 - 33.2 °C

September

2.3 - 28.8 °C

October

-6.3 - 22.8 °C

November

-12.9 - 16 °C

December

-16.5 - 9.6 °C


Nearest Airport :

Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport Leh (IXL)

Nearest Airport :

Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport Leh (IXL)

A compendium

Hemis is situated in a picturesque setting surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. The village and its surroundings offer breathtaking views and are popular among tourists and trekkers. Hemis, additionally known as Hamis, is an area in Ladakh's Leh province. Hemis is famous for the Hemis monastery, founded in 1672 AD by King Sengge Namgyal. It was founded in the 11th century and is a popular tourist destination. The beautiful monastery's distinctive architecture, old antiques, and religious significance attract you to Tibetan Buddhism, history, culture and art.

In July, the community throws a colourful celebration. It is near Hemis National Park, a habitat for the vulnerable snow leopard. The park was established in 1981.

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.

A trekker’s paradise

Hemis is a starting point for several trekking routes in the region. Popular treks include the Markha Valley Trek and the Stok Kangri Trek, which provide opportunities to explore Ladakh's remote and stunning landscapes. Since some of these treks such as the Markha Valley Trek, Stok Kangri Trek, and the Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River, are quite challenging, they attract experienced and adventurous trekkers seeking a thrilling experience. Trekking here allows you to explore various terrains, from lush green valleys to stark deserts, frozen rivers to high mountain passes. The region's geographical diversity offers trekkers a constantly changing and captivating environment. You can experience a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty.

Known for

Hemis Monastery: Hemis Monastery is a Drukpa Lineage Himalayan Buddhist monastery (gompa) in Hemis, Ladakh, India. The monastery, located 45 kilometres from Leh, was again established in 1672 by Ladakhi ruler Sengge Namgyal. The monastery was founded in the 11th century and restored in the 17th century by the same ruler. It is also widely recognised for the two-day religious festival Hemis Festival. A display room with artworks of Eighty-four Mahasiddhas is located in the Monastery's courtyard. These paintings were created in the 17th century using ground mineral pigments., where Mahasiddhas 1 to 14 are shown in the works of art.

Hemis National Park: Home to a few snow leopards, Hemis National Park is situated across more than 4000 km square and at an altitude of roughly 3000 - 6000 m. This National Park is the second-biggest ecological reserve after Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, and it is home to numerous endangered and uncommon varieties of flora and fauna.

Gotsang Gompa: Located near the Hemis Monastery, Gotsang Gompa is peaceful and calm. Gotsang Gompa, a roadless Buddhist centre, features two main temple complexes and is accessible through a trekking trail from Hemis Gompa.

Stakna Monastery: Also known as Stakna Gompa (meaning "Tiger's Nose"), this monastery is built on a hill structured like a tiger's nose, hence the name. This monastery is located on the waters of the Indus River, which is 25 kilometres from the centre of Leh.


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Hemis

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How to get there 

Leh has an airport that connects with a number of the major towns in northern India, including New Delhi, Srinagar, and Pune. This is the only airport in close proximity to Hemis. The airfield is 44 kilometres from Hemis, and you can take a taxi or use the bus services that run routinely between the city and the airport to get to Hemis.
air
Hemis needs a train station. The closest train station is at Srinagar. This railway junction is linked to all of India's significant stations. Trains arrive in Srinagar via Chennai, Pune, New Delhi, and Jammu. Some buses leave immediately outside the train station, taking passengers to Hemis.
rail
Road travellers can also get to Hemis as Hemis is connected to Leh by a decent road network, and the distance is 40 kilometres. The best alternative would be to take one of the government-run buses that operate along the route. When compared to cabs, the pricing is likewise quite low. 
road
You can hire a private cab, a motorcycle, or an automatic bike such as Leh's Scooty. 
bike
A bus goes between Leh and Martselang town, passing through Changa and Hemis. The bus leaves Leh at 8:30 a.m., arriving in Martselang at 9:30 a.m. This bus leaves Martsellang again at around 4:30 p.m. and reaches Leh at 5:30 p.m. after passing through Changa and Hemis.
bus
You may travel to the surrounding towns from Leh and can engage a taxi service in Leh to get to Hemis, both round-trip and one-way.
cab