Hemis Gonpa is the most famous and the largest monastery of Ladakh, situated around 45 km south of Leh. It belongs to Drukpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in 1630, who was invited to Ladakh by king Singey Namgyal, who offered to this Buddhust saint a large religious estate spread all over Ladakh region.
The Hemis festival is held this year in the month of June, on 26th and 27th. One of the special features of the monastery is the display of a special Thangka every 12 years. Last time this Thangka was exhibited to devotees was in 2004. So, next year it would be a special festival, called Naropa and you could see the famous Thangka. Don’t miss it!
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