Hemis : Leh-Ladakh

  

                Hemis, a charming village in the district of Leh, situated 42 km southeast of Leh on the banks of the Indus River. Surrounded by serene nature, it's known as the Hemis Monastery. Founded by King Sengge Namgyal of Ladakhi, it is rated as one of the richest monasteries in India.

                Hemis or Hamis Monastery is home to a magnificent copper statue of Lord Buddha, with stupas made of gold & silver, thangkas (painting on cotton or silk, portraying the Buddhist deity) & murals. Both four sides of the monastery are adorned with bright prayer flags that flutter in the wind and give prayers to Lord Buddha. Hemis is most witnessed during the annual Hemis Festival held here every June month. Hemis is also famous for Hemis National Park, too. With a number of lobsters, wolves, marmots, deer & red foxes, the park is home to rare species of snow leopards. With its pristine and breathtaking setting, the village has everything to see, from a national park, a gallery to a Buddhist house.

Hemis Monastery

            Hemis, a Buddhist monastery situated 42 km south of Leh. Founded by King Sengge Namgyal of Ladakhi, it is rated as one of the richest monasteries in India. Hemis Monastery is the most toured during the annual Hemis Festival held every year of Jun month. Hemis Monastery is home to a magnificent copper sculpture of Lord Buddha, with stupas made of gold and silver, thangkas. The large courtyard and the scenic veranda are filled with vivid paintings by the Buddhist Kalachakra. The monastery of Hemis belongs to the Red Sector the Dugpa Kargyupta order of Buddhism. Both four sides of the monastery are adorned with bright prayer flags that flutter in the wind and give offerings to Lord Buddha. It is also a place for teaching the Tantric Vajrayana.

Hemis festival

Hemis National Park

            Hemis National Park, situated at a height of 3,350 and 6,100 meters above sea level. Host to endangered snow leopards, the park is considered to be the highest in the country. It is also the biggest park in South Asia.

            Established in 1981, Hemis National Park is also a location for six villages with more than 1,800 population. Some of them are great camping sites. The park is now home to the 400-year-old Hemis Monastery. This park is also well renowned for its trekking and hiking options.

Market of Hemis

            One could find the Hemis Museum Store while in the Hemis Gompa.  e tempted to go inside and get your hands on art, wooden dragon sculptures, intrigue, postcards, and more.   You may see a few more similar smaller stores in the town, where you can have a chance to take home some exclusive goodies.

Best Time to Visit

            The great season to visit Hemis is from Jun to mid-October when the weather is relaxed for outdoor activities. However, the famous Hemis snow leopards can only be noticed during the winter. Winters in Hemis (Oct to Mar) are frozen cold with temperatures falling to -30 °C and heavy snow most of the period.

How to Reach

            There are a variety of public transit modes between Leh and Hemis National Park, travelers may also take a trek from the Spituk Village in Leh to the park. Kushak Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the closest airport.