Hemis Monastery is one of the most visited and largest monastic institutions in the ‘land of high passes,’ Ladakh. The Hemis Monastery in Ladakh is like an organization that familiarizes you with the teachings and practices of the Mahayoga Tantra School. The magical and thrilling ambiance of the monastery attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of the globe. Therefore, visiting this monastery would be a highlight of your Ladakh tour. Hemis Monastery also allows you to witness the ancient charm with a spiritual touch, making it an ideal destination for tourists.
Ranked among the wealthiest monasteries of India, the Hemis monastery Ladakh boasts vast collections of prehistoric artifacts and relics, namely the statue of Buddha made of copper, stupas made of gold and silver, thangkas (a painting of cotton or silk depicting Buddhist deities) and murals. With Tibetan construction styles, the Hemis monastery is divided into two parts- the assembly hall known as Dukhang and the Tshongkhang temple.
The monastery’s huge courtyard (where all the public events are organized) is also worth a visit. In addition, there is also a picturesque Verandah adorned with colorful wall paintings of Buddhist Kalachakra. Offering a great view from the top of the monastery is the Chomoling, home to several nuns. Every year, the monastery becomes a very fascinating during Hemis Festival venue.
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Everything You Should Know Before Visiting Hemis Monastery
History of Monastery
The Hemis Monastery is considered to have existed before the 11th century, and its history is linked with Naropa (The Pupil of Yogi). And it is said that Naropa and yogi Tilopa met at Hemis, and from here, they proceeded to the Magadha (ancient kingdom). And This Monastery is considered the main seat of the Kagyu lineage of Buddhism. However, there are several other stories linked with its history. One of the popular ones depicts that the origin of this Monastery is the unknown gospel of Christianity. Overall, the history, stories, and beliefs are all just words in front of the experience you get here.
Architecture of Hemis Monastery
The brilliant architecture of Hemis Monastery reflects the Tibetan style. It has stunning white walls covering the beautiful spiritual center. The entrance of this monastery has a massive gate that opens to the vast courtyard. After entering the monastery, you will see two halls on the northern side with guardian deities and The Wheel of Life. Moreover, this monastery is also home to a Library that stores fantastic stuff in the form of books and scriptures.
Major Highlights of Hemis Monastery
- Nyingma Lhakhang
- Prayer Hall
- Museum
- Stagsan Raspa
- Golden Statue of Shakyamuni
- Library
Tourist Attractions Near Hemis Monastery
Several touristy places and offbeat hotspots surround Hemis Monastery. You can cover all that while visiting this monastery and let your travel experiences reach the next level. These places are combinations of peace, culture, and unique experiences. Add these elements to your vacation by exploring nearby places. Here is the list of tourist places you should discover while enjoying your vacation here.
- Sacred Hermitage
- Thiksey Monastery
- Monastery Museum
- Guru Lhakhang
- Shey Monastery and Palace
- Stakna Monastery
Best Time to Visit Hemis Monastery
May to October is the best time to visit Hemis Monastery because the roads between Srinagar and Manali are open. During these months the climate condition is also pleasant and gives you a better sight of beautiful nature and mountain views. Moreover, this monastery receives heavy tourist footfalls when the Hemis Festival occurs in June-July. The monastery reflects the unique and colorful decorations during this festival, and it would be a visual feast for your eyes. Apart from it, you can behold Cham Dance during the festival. While attending this festival, you can get a better opportunity to have a better outlook on Buddhism culture.
How to Reach Hemis Monastery
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the nearest airport well connected with major airports in India. You can catch flights from various places, including Delhi, Mumbai, Jammu, and Srinagar. After reaching the airport, you can take a taxi or cab to get there. Leh-Srinagar Highway is the prominent choice for tourists who choose the mode of transport by road through, car, or bike. For those who are looking for the railway to reach Hemis Monastery, Jammu Tawi is the closest junction which is around 670 km away from Leh. After reaching there, you will find various options to cover the remaining distance by bus.
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Road Condition
The road condition to reach the Hemis is quite good and gives you some challenging routes that will fascinate you. Overall, the road condition is also good and preferable for enjoying the bike trip.
Traveling Tips for Hemis Monastery
- You must get yourself acclimated to the severe environment of Ladakh.
- Wear quality sunscreen cream to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
- You need to buy a ticket to enter the Hemis Monastery. However, you will not need any Inner line permit to visit the Monastery.
- The facility of the locker is available at the monastery museum.
- It is necessary to adhere to the monastery’s dress code and respect their culture and tradition.
- You should take consent before photographing any monk in the monastery.
- You should book your flights early if you are visiting in the peak season to save your money and avoid the last moment disappointment.
- Try to use a postpaid number with BSNL in this region, as other networks do not perform well here.
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