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Located in the stunning setting of Ladakh, the Hemis Monastery Museum is within the precincts of the Hemis Monastery, the largest and one of the most reputed monasteries. Its history dates back to the 7th century, serving as a place of worship due to its cultural heritage status. This unobtrusive museum, located within the monastery, displays an extensive range of historical, artistic, and religious objects related to Buddhism. There are other relic items on display such as age-old books, images of movable temple galleries known as thangkas, dancing masks and sculptures showcasing the rich culture of the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
How To Reach Hemis Monastery
Photo: Safi Erneste / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
By Air: Hemis Monastery is best reached by air. The nearer Airport Kushok Bakula Rimpochee in Leh has domestic and limited international flight operations. After arriving at Leh airport, tourists can book a taxi or avail of shared cabs to reach Hemis Monastery.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Leh is in Jammu Tawi, which is located approximately 700 kilometres away. Once in Jammu, the tourists have mostly two choices. The first one is to get a cab or bus from Jammu to other towns and cities. Such road travel lasts from approximately 12 to 15 hours. The second alternative is to fly from Jammu to Leh, which is a quick and easy option for anyone who would like to conserve time and energy.
By Road: From the town of Leh, you can either get a taxi or drive to the monastery. The distance is roughly 45 kilometres and may take 1 to 1.5 hours. The path is well-maintained and offers fantastic scenic views of the mountains, valleys, and nearby villages.
Places To Visit Near Hemis Monastery Museum
Here is the list of places that you can discover after your trip to the Hemis Monastery Museum.
1. Leh Market
Photo: Chris Hunkeler / Wikimedia Commons
Leh Market is a bustling centre of trade and culture located centrally in the city of Leh. This market offers an array of shops and stalls where visitors can buy souvenirs such as traditional crafts, pashmina, and jewellery. Travellers can also access some local produce, spices as well as arts and crafts from Tibet. The market has small restaurants and cafes that serve local food and drinks to customers. Leh market is also beautiful owing to the mountains of the Himalayas that surround it and as such gives a good opportunity for the tourists to enjoy and live the culture and lifestyle of the native people.
Major Attractions: Hemis Monastery, the Hemis Festival, Padmasambhava statue
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Entry Fees: Free
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 to 2 hours for a visit, or half a day for a festival
Nearest Station: Jammu Tawi railway station, about 700 kilometers away
2. Pangong Lake
Photo: KennyOMG / Wikimedia Commons
Pangong Lake is one of the most picturesque lakes in the world in Ladakh, which is approximately 140 km from Leh. The mesmerizing blue waters of the lake, which changes its colour with time, stretch for more than 134 kilometres and are located in the northeastern ranges of mountains, straddling both India and China. It has become a hot spot for many photographers and nature admirers. There are tranquil boat rides, sightseeing walks and rest available in this vacant area. The best months to visit Pangong Lake would be during summer seasons preferably when the climate is warm and favorable.
Major Attractions: Mesmerizing blue waters, breathtaking mountain views, serene boat rides
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Entry Fees: ₹20 for Indian nationals, ₹100 for foreign nationals
Ideal Trip Duration: A day trip is ideal, though many opt for an overnight stay
Nearest Station: Jammu Tawi, about 700 kilometres away
3. Nubra Valley
Photo: Always urs0509 / Wikimedia Commons
Nubra Valley, situated approximately 120 km away from Leh in Ladakh, is a stunning place lying between the Great Himalayas on one side and the Karakoram range on the other and is well known for its incredible sand valleys, green foliage, and Bactrian camels. One can visit places like Diskit and Hunder which provide an interesting insight into the habits and customs of the people. Diskit monastery situated on a hill has a large idol of Maitreya Buddha and a breathtaking view of the valley below. Nubra Valley can be reached easily by the beautiful Khardung La Pass Road, one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
Major Attractions: Diskit Monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Bactrian camels, local villages
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Entry Fees: Free
Ideal Trip Duration: A minimum of 2 to 3 days is recommended
Nearest Station: Jammu Tawi, approximately 700 kilometres away
4. Khardung La
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Khardung La, which is situated in Ladakh approximately 40 kilometres from Leh , is one of the highest motorable roads in the world at an elevation of 5359 meters (17582 ft). This eloquent pass has rather majestic and astounding views of the mountain ranges surrounding the Nubra Valley. It is an access point for vehicles destined to Nubra Valley and it is also a place for trekking and photography. The crisp mountain air can be enjoyed by the visitors as well as stopping by the small military camp and the cafes at the pass.
Major Attractions: Stunning panoramic views, rugged landscapes, military outposts
Best Time To Visit: May to October.
Entry Fees: Free
Ideal Trip Duration: A day trip is sufficient for visiting the pass
Nearest Station: Jammu Tawi, about 700 kilometres away
5. Shey Palace
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Shey Palace, situated 15 kilometres from Leh, is an intriguing place that served as the summer capital of the Ladakh rulers. Standing on a hilltop, the palace has a picturesque view of the Indus Valley and mountains. The Shey Palace, built in the 17th century, is laden with beautiful structures and contains a stunning statue of Shakyamuni Buddha 3 meters tall made of copper and coated in gold. The Shey Monastery, located just next to the palace also boasts of some exquisite paintings.
Major Attractions: Magnificent statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, stunning murals
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Entry Fees: Free
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Station: Jammu Tawi, approximately 700 kilometres away
Where To Stay
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
While sightseeing in Hemis Monastery, various accommodation facilities are available to suit different tastes. The Hemis Monastery Guest House allows visitors to spend time inside the monastery, encouraging them to appreciate the tranquil environment. For those who prefer a hotel, Hotel Zanskar in Leh offers contemporary services and is within easy reach of tourist sites.
Where To Eat
Photo: Sharada Prasad CS / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
On the outskirts of Hemis Monastery, one can find several dining establishments serving tasty ethnic food. One such venue is Café Lotus in Hemis serving various Tibetan and Ladakhi delicacies like momos and thukpa in a warm environment. The Himalayan Restaurant is also a great place since it offers authentic Ladakhi cuisine and picturesque mountain views. Tourists can enjoy simple vegetarian meals, which are provided by the resident monks, allowing visitors to experience real monastic cuisine.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Hemis Monastery is best explored during the summer months- May to September. This duration experiences moderate climatic conditions, as the daily temperatures range between 15°C to 25°C, which is appropriate for visiting the monastery and its environment. The weather also helps to make the mountain regions of Ladakh, where the clear blue skies are accompanied by the colourful picture of nature, quite inviting and pleasing to the eye.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Kgbadariprasad / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Here are some factors to consider while visiting Hemis Monastery Museum.
Average Cost Of Trip
According to the estimates, a budget traveller can expect to spend roughly ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 per day on accommodation, boarding and local transport. A mid-range traveller can expect to spend ₹5,000 to ₹8,000 per day for better places. For a luxury stay, rates may go as high as ₹10,000 and above per day.
Tips For Travellers
- Be sure to make your reservations for hotels and transport services in advance, especially during June to September.
- Bring warm layers of clothes, sunscreen, shades, a cap, and a medicine kit for any emergency.
- Ensure you have enough cash because there are few ATMs in Zanskar Valley and fewer places where cards are accepted.
- Make sure to drink a lot of water and refrain from drinking alcohol to adjust to high altitude.
- Tourists are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing, and not take pictures without asking to respect the local culture.
- Inquire about road conditions and travel restrictions set by authorities before the journey as the condition of roads can be unpredictable.
Plan your visit to the Hemis Monastery Museum today and learn about the rich history and beautiful architecture. If you are a history lover, nature enthusiast or just looking for a calm holiday then Hemis Monastery Museum and its nearby attractions have something for everyone. Plan your trip with TripXL for a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Alekh15 / Wikimedia Commons
