Religion is the beating heart of Hemis, which is virtually synonymous with Tibetan Buddhism.
* **Hemis Monastery:** Established in 1672 by King Sengge Namgyal, it belongs to the Drukpa Lineage (the "Dragon Order") of Tibetan Buddhism. * **Spiritual Composition:** The local population is overwhelmingly Buddhist, and daily life is deeply intertwined with monastic rituals, the spinning of prayer wheels, and the hanging of colorful prayer flags. * **Retreat Centers:** The hills above Hemis feature small hermitages and meditation caves where monks undertake rigorous, long-term silent retreats.