Best months
Per-day budget
₹500–1,050/day
Getting there
Hemis is a village in the Leh district of Ladakh, 40 km from Leh, best known for the Hemis Monastery — the largest and wealthiest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh. The monastery was founded in 1630 by the Drukpa Kagyu order and has a large collection of ancient thangkas, statues and artifacts. The annual Hemis Festival (in June-July) is the most famous in Ladakh, featuring the masked Cham dance performed by the monks. The Hemis Monastery is set in a valley surrounded by the barren Ladakh mountains. The village is accessible by road from Leh and is a popular day-trip destination. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The destination offers a mix of experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers, from solo backpackers to small groups.
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Why go
The Hemis Monastery is a large complex of whitewashed buildings with a central courtyard, prayer halls with 17th-century murals, and a museum with a collection of thangkas and crowns. The monastery's main hall has a 2-storey high statue of Guru Padmasambhava. The Hemis Festival on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month (June-July) is the biggest event — monks perform the Cham dance in elaborate masks and brocade robes, representing the victory of Buddhism over evil. The Matho Nagrang Temple near the village has a collection of ancient oracle masks.
Hemis is the starting point for some of the best multi-day treks in Ladakh. The Hemis-Shachukul trek is a 4-5 day route through the Markha Valley. The Hemis-Nimaling trek is a 3-day trek to a high-altitude camp with views of the Stok and Kang Yatse peaks. The Hemis Monastery compound has several short walking trails through the village and the surrounding valley. The nearby village of Chemrey has another small monastery with 17th-century paintings.
How to reach
Hemis is 40 km from Leh on the Leh-Manali Highway. Shared taxis from Leh to Hemis take about 1-1.5 hours (₹200-300 per person one way). Buses from Leh to Hemis run daily during the tourist season (₹50-100). Buses are available but frequency may be limited outside the festival period — check current timings and fares with the Border Roads Organisation (bro.gov.in) for pass status and the Leh taxi union for current fares before travel. The nearest airport is Leh. Hemis village is small and walkable — the monastery is a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.
What a day costs
| Day trip from Leh (cost) | ₹200–500 |
| Monastery entry fee | ₹50–100 |
| Food at Hemis (thali) | ₹200–350 |
| Hemis Festival entry | ₹50–100 |
When to go
June to September is the tourist season. The Hemis Festival in June-July is the best time to visit. Outside the festival, Hemis is a quiet day trip from Leh. July-September offers the best weather for the trekking routes starting from Hemis. The monastery is open year-round (May-October accessible). The winter months (November-April) are very cold but the monastery remains open for pilgrims.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Leh to Hemis
Take a bus or shared taxi from Leh to Hemis (40 km, 1-1.5 hours). Visit the Hemis Monastery — explore the prayer halls, the museum and the main courtyard. Walk around the village. Visit the Matho Nagrang temple if time permits. Return to Leh by evening.
Student hacks
- ▸Hemis is a day trip from Leh — ₹50-100 bus from Leh, no need to stay overnight.
- ▸The monastery entry fee is ₹50 — the museum inside has a collection of thangkas and is worth the extra ₹20-30.
- ▸The Hemis Festival in June-July is free to attend (₹50-100 donation suggested) — the masked Cham dance is the cultural highlight.
- ▸Carry water and snacks from Leh — Hemis has limited food options.
- ▸The Hemis Monastery is in a valley — the walk from the bus stop to the monastery is a 10-minute uphill walk.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need a separate permit for Hemis — it is within the Leh district and covered by the common ILP if you are doing longer treks (though not required just for the monastery day trip). The monastery is safe and well visited. The trekking routes from Hemis require a guide and should not be attempted solo by inexperienced trekkers. ATMs are not available in Hemis — carry cash from Leh. Mobile coverage from BSNL is available at the village. The monastery has a small cafe. The Hemis Festival attracts large crowds — arrive early for a good viewing spot.
FAQs
How do I reach Hemis from Leh?
Take a bus (₹50-100) or shared taxi (₹200-300 per person) from Leh to Hemis, 40 km, 1-1.5 hours.
What is Hemis famous for?
Hemis is famous for the Hemis Monastery (the largest in Ladakh) and the annual Hemis Festival with the Cham dance.
When is the Hemis Festival?
June-July, on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month.
Is Hemis worth visiting?
Yes — the monastery is one of the most impressive in Ladakh and the festival is the region's biggest cultural event.
How many days do I need?
Half a day is enough — it is a day trip from Leh. Combine with Chemrey or Thiksey monastery on the same trip.