Hemis is a pilgrimage place in Ladakh, India, centred on Buddhist monasteries and religious sites. The main draw is Hemis Monastery, a Himalayan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage with a collection of Tibetan artefacts. Visitors can also explore nearby monasteries such as Thikse, Chemrey and Shey, each offering a different setting and Buddhist connection. Thikse stands on a hill and is noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, while Shey has a large Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Chemrey lies in the Indus River valley and belongs to the Drugpa monastic order. Hemis suits travellers interested in Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan culture, religious architecture and the cultural landscape of Ladakh. It works best for visitors who want a place focused on spiritual and cultural sights rather than a broad mix of urban attractions.
Known for: Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan artefacts, Pilgrimage, Hilltop gompas
Top things to do in Hemis
Hemis Monastery: A Himalayan Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Lineage with a collection of Tibetan artefacts.
Thikse Monastery: A hilltop Buddhist monastery of the Gelug school, noted for resembling the Potala Palace in Lhasa.
Shey Monastery: A hilltop monastery complex containing a large Shakyamuni Buddha statue.
Chemrey Monastery: A Buddhist monastery in the Indus River valley belonging to the Drugpa monastic order.
When is the best time to visit Hemis?
Best months: June to September
June to September is the usual time to visit, the warmest part of the year. Rain is light in every month, and January, February and December are the coldest.
January: 46 mm of rain, dry, among the coolest months
February: 35 mm of rain, dry, among the coolest months
March: 54 mm of rain, dry
April: 46 mm of rain, dry
May: 31 mm of rain, dry
June: 28 mm of rain, dry, among the hottest months (good time to go)
July: 54 mm of rain, dry, among the hottest months (good time to go)
August: 44 mm of rain, dry, among the hottest months (good time to go)
September: 28 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
October: 15 mm of rain, dry
November: 28 mm of rain, dry
December: 22 mm of rain, dry, among the coolest months
How to reach Hemis
By air: Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), about 29 km from Hemis in a straight line