Hemis Monastery, Ladakh. Important visiting information
More about Hemis Monastery, Ladakh and Historical Information
The Hemis Monastery belonging to the Dragon Order of Mahayana Buddhism or the Drukpa Lineage is revered as the wealthiest and largest monastic institutions of Ladakh, India. Situated at the foothills of Indus, this monastery with over 200 branches and 1000 monks houses a rich collection of ancient relics including the copper Buddha, sacred Thankas, stupas made of silver and gold and several other murals and artefacts. The monastery was founded by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso, the monastery is divided into two parts- the Dukhang (assembly hall) and Tshongkhang (temple). The courtyard of the monastery serves as the venue for the Hemis festival which is celebrated as the birthday of the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava. The decoration with pearls and precious stones, mask dance and the unfurling of the giant thanka is a beautiful sight at the annual festival at this monastery.
Located slightly higher than the Hemis monastery, is the sacred hermitage founded by Gyalwa Kotseng. This cave served as a great meditation area for Gyalwa who left footprints and handprints on the sacred shrines as well as the rocks.
Hemis Monastery, Ladakh address and how to reach
How To Reach: By Train: 709 KM away from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station
By Air: 43 KM away from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
Railway Address :Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station, Katra Station Road, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir 182320 Airport Address :Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh 194104
Way from Nearest Airport Way from Nearest Railway station