When you are in the land of Lamas; how you can you miss visiting their abodes. Yes! The monasteries; which are monk’s schools, homes and the place where they take religious vows. Imagine, some of the Lama’s spend their whole lives here. Leh Ladakh; apart from being the land of high passes is also dotted with innumerable ancient Buddhist Monasteries. Each monastery here is an architectural marvel either jutting from the mountain face or on the top. They have deep-rooted Buddhist & Tibetan religious associations. So, the monastery hopping circuit in Leh Ladakh has become an important part of Ladakh Tourism. And here in this post, we will be taking a tour of the biggest & wealthiest Gompa i.e. Hemis Monastery of Ladakh.
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<h3><strong>The Hemis Monastery Ladakh</strong></h3>
<p>The Hemis Gompa, being the biggest and wealthiest is not simply perching on the mountaintop or on the roadside. It is hidden in the deep gorge, 49 km from Leh, completely encircled in between the mountains. The mountaintop around the gorge is believed to be the place, where the <strong>Lord Padmasambhava</strong> or <strong>Rimpoche</strong> had once meditated. Being hidden the Hemis monastery, remained unharmed, unscathed during the wars and became wealthiest of all. And today, it owns more than half of the land in Ladakh.</p>
<p><em><strong>Also Read: 6 must visit Leh Ladakh Palaces before they disappear</strong></em></p>
<h3><strong>How to reach Hemis Monastery</strong></h3>
<p>From Leh, cross Shey and Thiksey Monastery, further keep driving along the river Indus, towards Manali Leh highway for 39 km till Village Karu. Then cross river Indus via cantilever bridge and head in between the mountain trails till Village Chushod, which is almost 10 kilometers. Then cross the green oasis lined with poplar and willow trees and you will see the colorful Hemis Monastery, jutting straight from the mountains.</p>
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The renovation of the Hemis Gompa was carried by King under the assistance of famous Tibetan Priest Stag-Tsang-Ras-Pa, the disciple of Drukpa / Drugpa School. So, under the rule of Namgyal dynasty, monastery flourished and till the day it is flourishing and is managed by Drukpa Lineage or Red Hat sect of Buddhism.
Inside Hemis Gompa
After purchasing the ticket, climb few stairs and you will see the vibrant colored typical Tibetan Buddhist entrance welcoming you.
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<p>Remove your shoes and on your left stands the Hemis museum. In the center, there is a huge courtyard where the world famous <strong>Hemis festival or mask festival</strong> takes place. The long colorful corridors run along the courtyard and in the center are three sacred poles with the fluttering flags. Just don’t stop here as the interiors inside and views from to are really impressive too.</p>
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The Hemis Monastery is divided into two – the assembly hall known as Dukhang and the Temple known as Tshogkgang. The main temple where the daily prayers happen houses the huge golden statue of Lord Buddha, sacred Thangkas, and Stupas embedded with precious and semi-precious stones.
The Hemis Museum houses a large collection of historical Buddhist Thangkas, weapons, carriers etc. Inside there is a huge library that has an inspiring collection of Tibetan books, manuscripts, and relics. Just at the ground floor of the museum is a souvenir shop selling various Ladakh magnets, T-shirts, books etc. Photography is completely prohibited inside the museum. Indeed, lockers are provided before entering the museum to keep your valuables safe.
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<h3>Hemis Monastery Terrace</h3>
<p>Before leaving the Monastery complex, climb up to the terrace to get some. mesmerizing views. You will see the stacked Himalayas, enclosing and protecting the monastery from all sides with the green oasis in between.</p>
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Have you visited Hemis Monastery in Ladakh? Do you feel the same like us?