FAQ

**Q:** What is the best time to visit Hemis? / **A:** The best time for general tourism is from May to September. To see snow leopards in the national park, winter (December to March) is the best time. **Q:** How far is Hemis from Leh? / **A:** It is approximately 45 kilometers (about a 1.5-hour drive) southeast of Leh. **Q:** Do I need a permit to visit Hemis? / **A:** Indian nationals do not need a permit to visit the monastery. Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit certain parts of Ladakh, though the monastery itself is usually accessible. Trekking in the National Park may require specific wildlife permits. **Q:** What is the altitude of Hemis? / **A:** Hemis is located at an altitude of about 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) above sea level. **Q:** Will I get altitude sickness? / **A:** It is a possibility if you do not acclimatize. Visitors should spend at least two days in Leh resting before traveling to Hemis or doing any trekking. **Q:** When is the Hemis Festival? / **A:** The Hemis Tsechu festival takes place in June or July, specifically on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month. **Q:** Can I stay at the monastery? / **A:** There are basic guesthouses run by the monastery and several homestays in the surrounding village. **Q:** Are there snow leopards in the village? / **A:** Snow leopards typically stay higher up in the mountains of the Hemis National Park, but in extreme winters, they have been known to come down near human settlements. **Q:** What is the Cham dance? / **A:** It is a sacred, choreographed masked dance performed by monks during the Hemis festival to depict the triumph of good over evil. **Q:** How do I reach Hemis? / **A:** You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Leh. The nearest airport is the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. **Q:** Is there a fee to enter the monastery? / **A:** Yes, there is a nominal entry fee which includes access to the Hemis Museum. **Q:** Are there ATMS in Hemis? / **A:** No, it is highly advised to carry sufficient cash from Leh as there are no ATMs in the village. **Q:** Is photography allowed inside the monastery? / **A:** Photography is generally allowed in the courtyards and during the festival, but is strictly prohibited inside the main prayer halls and the museum. **Q:** What should I wear? / **A:** Dress modestly as it is a religious site (cover shoulders and knees). Layers are essential as temperatures can change rapidly. **Q:** What is the Naropa festival? / **A:** A major spiritual gathering held every 12 years at Hemis to celebrate the life of the Buddhist scholar Naropa. **Q:** Are there medical facilities in Hemis? / **A:** There is basic first aid, but for any serious medical issues, one must travel to the Sonam Norboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh. **Q:** Is there mobile network connectivity? / **A:** Connectivity is limited. BSNL and Jio postpaid networks may work intermittently, but do not rely on strong mobile internet. **Q:** What food is available? / **A:** Small eateries and homestays offer basic Ladakhi and Tibetan food like thukpa (noodle soup), momos (dumplings), and butter tea. **Q:** Can I do a day trip to Hemis from Leh? / **A:** Yes, many tourists combine a day trip to Hemis with visits to Thiksey and Shey monasteries along the way. **Q:** What is the Hemis National Park famous for besides Snow Leopards? / **A:** It is famous for high-altitude trekking routes (like the Markha Valley), rare Himalayan bird species, and populations of blue sheep (Bharal) and Tibetan wolves.