Quick answer
The Hemis Festival is a two-day monastery festival at Hemis Gompa, about 45 km south-east of Leh, held in late June or early July on the 10th and 11th days of the fifth Tibetan month. Monks perform masked cham dances honouring Guru Padmasambhava in the courtyard. Book Leh hotels two months ahead and acclimatise for two days before you go.
Highlights
- Masked cham dances by the monks in the monastery courtyard
- Long horns, cymbals and drums opening each morning's ceremony
- The giant thangka of Padmasambhava, displayed once every 12 years (next in 2028)
- Thiksey, Shey and Stakna monasteries on the drive from Leh
- Ladakh's best weather window for Pangong and Nubra
What happens at Hemis
Hemis is Ladakh's largest monastery, and its summer festival marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, who brought Tantric Buddhism to the Himalaya. On both mornings the monks emerge to long horns and drums, then perform cham, slow masked dances in which deities, protectors and demons act out the victory of good over evil. The dances run from mid-morning to early afternoon. Villagers in traditional dress fill the balconies and a small fair of stalls sets up outside the gate.
Every 12 years, in the Tibetan monkey year, the monastery also unrolls a huge thangka of Padmasambhava. The next display is due in 2028.
How the dates work
The festival falls on the 10th and 11th days of the fifth Tibetan lunar month, which lands between mid-June and mid-July and shifts by up to three weeks from year to year. The monastery and Ladakh's tourism department confirm the dates months ahead; check before you buy flights. Day one is busier and has the more complete programme.
Where to stay and how early to book
Most visitors stay in Leh and drive out, about an hour each way. Late June and July is peak season: mid-range Leh hotels cost ₹4,000–8,000 a night and Delhi–Leh flights often run ₹8,000–15,000 one way. Book both about two months ahead. A few guesthouses and campsites near Hemis suit those who want to be first into the courtyard.
Altitude, crowds and safety
Leh is at about 3,500 m. Rest for 48 hours after flying in before any outing, drink plenty of water and skip alcohol. The courtyard fills by 9 am, so arrive early for a balcony or rooftop spot. Expect steep steps and no seating; older travellers should carry a cushion and plan to leave before the midday heat.
Photography, etiquette and what to wear
Photography of the dances is allowed, but no flash and no stepping into the dancers' space. The museum and prayer halls have their own photo rules. Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels. Days are about 25°C with fierce sun, while mornings and evenings are cool: wear layers, a hat and sunscreen, and cover shoulders and knees.
Combining it
Pair Hemis with Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley on a six-night trip. See the best time to visit Ladakh, things to do in Ladakh, where to stay and our June ideas.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Hemis Festival held?
Can I do the Hemis Festival as a day trip from Leh?
Is the giant thangka shown every year?
How do I avoid altitude sickness at Hemis?
How we checked this page
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
