Located on the outskirts of Leh, Hemis Monastery lies on the banks of the Indus river and belongs to the Dugpa Kargyutpa order. It is believed to be the biggest and the richest monastery of Ladakh and is hidden inside a gorge-like formation. Masked dances are performed here during the 9th and 10th days of the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar. The monastery houses a copper-gilt statue of Lord Buddha, numerous stupas made of gold and silver, sacred thangka paintings, and other objects of religious importance. Hemis Monastery is said to have been built by the first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in the year 1630. Visitors can stay overnight in order to attend morning prayers.

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