Hemis Monastery Museum

4.6

Location: Hemis, Ladakh,194201

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 hour

From Leh, it is at about a distance of 50 km. You can see the canal system on the way which is used to produce Electricity. Hemis is one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist establishments in the region, partly because of its close association with the royal family of Ladakh. Over the centuries, it acquired a sizable and significant collection of religious artifacts as well as everyday objects and kitchen utensils, since it was first founded in the sixteenth century. While others came from outside the region—from Tibet, Kashmir, China, and Nepal, some of these were made in Ladakh.

Attraction

Peoples spending time in Hemis Monastery It is a very big monastery, as usual, painted walls and Thangkas are everywhere. In the museum lot of masks are displayed. Inside the museum, there is also one souvenir shop. To maintain greenery, Monks of Hemis has made effort and plantation work is in progress.

History

It offers modern display methods that ensure the collection’s effective presentation and security, constructed in a style that keeps the aesthetics of the monastery and local building practices in mind. Stretching from the seventh century to more recent pieces dating to the twentieth century, the museum’s collection covers a vast period in Ladakh’s history. During the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries under the reign of Gyalse Rinpoche Mipham Tsewang, who was both a monk and ruler, the artistic development of Hemis reached its height. Hemis was considerably enriched during his leadership—a series of new temples constructed by him initiated the now-popular Tsechu or Hemis Festival.

Inside/Outside Views

Inside view of Hemis Monastery

To construct a new wing devoted entirely to a museum, the Hemis Monastery was possibly one of the first monasteries in Ladakh, at the time it opened. At Hemis Monastery in July 2007, his Holiness the Twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa inaugurated the museum. In the northern corner of the courtyard, the four-storeyed building lies within the monastic complex.

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–5 PM
Thursday 10 AM–5 PM
Friday 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday 10 AM–5 PM
Monday 10 AM–5 PM

Entry & Others Fees

No entry fee required.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By air: Very well connected with some major airports in India, including New Delhi, the closest airport is Leh Airport. To reach the destination from the airport, taxis can be hired.

By Rail: At a distance of 812 km from Leh, the closest major railway station from Leh is Jammu Tawi. To reach Leh over Srinagar Leh Highway in a 3-day journey with overnight halts at Srinagar and Kargil, taxis can be hired from the railway station.

From Leh via Manali Leh Highway, Joginder Nagar railway station is just 635 KM but is not a major one.

By road: The most feasible option is to travel the distance between gurudwara and Leh by road. Between November and April, the road remains closed, so during that time, you should avoid going there.