Hemis monastery

Hemis is the largest and wealthiest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, situated in a sheltered valley about 45 kilometres southeast of Leh. The monastery is best known for the Hemis Festival held annually in June or July, during which masked Cham dances are performed in the courtyard and a giant embroidered thangka is displayed on a hillside. The complex also harbours an important collection of ancient manuscripts, statues, and ritual objects.