HEMIS, LEH – ESCAPE TO A WORLD OF STUNNING LANDSCAPES AND ANCIENT TRADITIONS

Hemis is a small village located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Leh, which is the capital city of Ladakh. Hemis is best known for its famous Hemis Monastery, which is one of the largest and wealthiest monasteries in Ladakh.
Hemis Monastery was founded in the 17th century and is the seat of the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is known for its colorful festival called Hemis Festival or Hemis Tsechu, which is held in honor of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival takes place once a year, usually in late June or early July, and attracts many tourists.
Apart from the monastery, Hemis also offers several trekking and hiking opportunities, including the Hemis National Park, which is known for its wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard. The park is also home to several rare and endangered species such as the Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear, and Himalayan griffon.
The village is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, and it is also a great place to experience the traditional Ladakhi way of life. Visitors can explore the village and its surrounding areas to experience the unique culture and customs of the Ladakhi people.
The best time to visit Hemis is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is mild, and the roads are open. However, visitors should be prepared for the high altitude and take precautions to prevent altitude sickness.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Hemis, Leh:
1. Hemis Monastery is the largest and richest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, and it houses many rare artifacts, including ancient murals, thangkas, and gold and silver stupas.
2. The Hemis Festival, held annually at the monastery, is one of the biggest religious festivals in Ladakh and attracts many tourists.
3. The Hemis National Park is the largest national park in South Asia and is home to many rare and endangered species, including the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear, and Himalayan griffon.
4. Hemis is located at an altitude of over 11,000 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest inhabited regions in India.
5. The village is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers stunning views of the Himalayan range.
6. The Ladakh region, including Hemis, was once an important stopover on the historic Silk Route between China and India.
7. Hemis is home to several traditional Ladakhi villages where visitors can experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the Ladakhi people.
8. The Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary, located within the Hemis National Park, is the only protected area in India where the Tibetan argali (mountain sheep) can be found.
9. The region is known for its unique cuisine, which includes dishes such as momos, thukpa, and butter tea.
10. Hemis has been featured in several films, including the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots,” which was partly shot in the Hemis National Park.
Popular Activities for Tourists
Here are some popular activities for tourists in Hemis, Leh:
1. Visit Hemis Monastery: Hemis Monastery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hemis. Visitors can explore the monastery’s beautiful architecture and Buddhist artifacts, attend prayer ceremonies, and learn about the unique culture and traditions of Ladakh.
2. Attend Hemis Festival: Hemis Festival is a vibrant cultural event that takes place annually at the Hemis Monastery. The festival features traditional dance performances, music, and colorful costumes, attracting many tourists from around the world.
3. Trekking and Hiking: Hemis is a great place for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. The Hemis National Park offers several trekking routes, including the famous Snow Leopard Trek, which takes visitors through the park’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and traditional Ladakhi villages.
4. Wildlife Safari: Hemis National Park is home to many rare and endangered species, including the elusive snow leopard. Visitors can take a wildlife safari to explore the park’s wildlife and natural beauty.
5. Experience Ladakhi Culture: Hemis is a great place to experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the Ladakhi people. Visitors can explore traditional Ladakhi villages, interact with the locals, and learn about their customs, traditions, and cuisine.
6. Visit Tso Moriri Lake: Tso Moriri Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located near Hemis. Visitors can enjoy the lake’s serene beauty, go for a boat ride, and explore the surrounding mountains.
7. Stargazing: Hemis is located in a remote area with clear skies, making it a great place for stargazing. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the night sky and observe the constellations and Milky Way.
8. Photography: Hemis offers many opportunities for photography enthusiasts, including stunning landscapes, wildlife, traditional Ladakhi architecture, and colorful festivals.
Top Attractions and Must See Places
Here are some top attractions and must-see places in Hemis, Leh:
1. Hemis Monastery: Hemis Monastery is the most famous and largest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh. It is known for its beautiful architecture, murals, and Buddhist artifacts.
2. Hemis National Park: Hemis National Park is the largest national park in South Asia and is home to many rare and endangered species, including the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Eurasian brown bear, and Himalayan griffon.
3. Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary: The Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary is located within the Hemis National Park and is the only protected area in India where the Tibetan argali (mountain sheep) can be found.
4. Tso Moriri Lake: Tso Moriri Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located near Hemis. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by the majestic Himalayan Mountains.
5. Ladakhi Villages: Hemis is surrounded by many traditional Ladakhi villages, including the Stok Village, which is known for its beautiful palace and museum.
6. Zanskar Valley: Zanskar Valley is a beautiful and remote valley located near Hemis. It is known for its stunning landscapes, trekking routes, and Buddhist monasteries.
7. Stok Kangri: Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in the Stok Range and is a popular destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts.
8. Shanti Stupa: Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa located in Leh. It is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
9. Magnetic Hill: Magnetic Hill is a natural wonder located near Leh, where vehicles appear to move uphill against gravity.
10. Khardung La Pass: Khardung La Pass is the world’s highest motorable pass and offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan Mountains.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hemis, Leh is from May to September when the weather is pleasant and the roads are open for tourists. During this time, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C during the day and drops to around 5°C at night. This is also the time when most of the popular festivals and events take place, including the Hemis Festival.
Temperature during winter time can drop to sub-zero levels, and the roads can be closed due to heavy snowfall. If you are planning to visit during this time, make sure to carry warm clothing and check for road closures beforehand.
It is important to note that Hemis and Leh are located at a high altitude, so visitors should take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Drinking plenty of water, taking adequate rest, and avoiding strenuous activities for the first few days is recommended.