Brief Introduction of Hemis Monastery Ladakh

The most popular monastery, Hemis Gompa is also dubbed the richest monastery in Ladakh. Situated around 45 km away from the capital city, Leh, Hemis Monastery is known for its annual 2-day religious event, Hemis Festival. The major attraction during the festival is the unfurling of the giant thangka (religious painting). In fact, every 12 years, during the Hemis Festival, one of the largest thangkas in Ladakh is unfurled infront of a large crowd.

Hemis is a 17th century Buddhist shrine which was re-established in 1672. This famous monastery in Ladakh is of the Drukpa Lineage of Buddhism. The gompa near Leh has a museum that houses a wide collection Tibetan books, Thangkas, gold statues and Stupas embedded with precious stones, weapons, carriers, and even a stuffed vulture pup.

History of Hemis Monastery

The history of Hemis Monastery states that it is considered to have existed before the 11th century. The monastery of Hemis is connected with Naropa, the pupil of the yogi Tilopa, and teacher of the translator Marpa. It is believed that Naropa and yogi Tilopa met at Hemis and together from here they proceeded to the ancient kingdom of Magadha.

Naropa was the founding father of the Kagyu-lineage of the Himalayan esoteric Buddhism. Therefore, Hemis Monastery is the main seat of the Kagyu lineage of Buddhism.

WMajor Highlights of Hemis Monastery

1. The oldest part of the monastery is called the Nyingma Lhakhang.

2. The main prayer hall of the monastery

3. Stagsan Raspa seated on a throne in Nyingma Lhakhang

4. Golden statue of Shakyamuni in Dukhang Barpa

5. Guru Padmasambhava in Guru Lhakhang

6. Museum

Major Festivals

Hemis Monastery becomes alive during the annual Hemis Festival which is celebrated here in early June to honor Guru Padamasambhava. His birth anniversary falls on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Monkey year of Tibetan calendar. An interesting fact about the day is that it comes once after 12 years. Thus, Hemis celebrates the day with great fervor and enthusiasm.

As per beliefs, celebrating this festival bestows good health and spiritual strength. Many musicians play traditional music. The gala begins with early morning ritual when the tapestry adorned with pearls depicting the image of Guru Padmasambhava is exhibited. This is then admired and worshipped by all. A major highlight of the festival is the Masked Dance which are collectively known as Cham. These performances are part of Tantric tradition and monks could be seen performing Tantric worship.

Nearby attractions

1. A sacred hermitage is located some 3 km way from the monastery. The hermitage is founded by the great Gyalwa Kotsang whose footprints and handprints can be found on the rock within the hermitage.

2. Another nearby attraction to the monastery is Hemis National Park where snow leopards and rare animals dwell in their natural habitat.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Hemis Monastery is during the Hemis Festival which takes place in June. Also its quite enjoyable to visit from May till September.

Food to Try at Hemis

There are a number of different platters are found in Hemis. Some of the popular foods at Hemis are Thukpa which is simply a thick soup with vegetables, Khambir which is a local bread, Pava made of Sattu, Skieu made with mutton, flour, andveggies, steamed dumplings stuffed with vegetables meat and chili sauce and sandwiches made with apricot jam.

How to Reach Hemis Monastery

If you are confused about how to reach Hemis Monastery then you do not need to worry as Hemis is well connected by road with the rest of India. Else there are also active bus services available by the government (especially the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation) as well as private authorities. To reach Hemis you would not find any direct flight or rail connectivity. The nearest rail station to connect Hemis is Katra that lies 277 km away from Hemis and nearest airport is Leh Rimpoche Airport that lies 42 km from Hemis Monastery.