Leh Monasteries Half Day Tour: Thiksey & Hemis

Monks and centuries-old relics share space in working monasteries, not museum displays.

A private half-day tour of Leh's Buddhist monasteries takes you by vehicle to Thiksey Monastery, a 12-story complex with temples and nunnery, and Hemis Monastery, home to a celebrated Thangka statue and an ancient relic collection. Your driver handles the route between sites. You spend the afternoon walking through active monastic spaces and meeting the monks and children who live there. Lunch is on your own. Entrance fees are not included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Leh's Buddhist monasteries

• Travel to Thiksey Monastery
• Explore Thiksey Monastery temples and halls
• Meet monks and children
• Lunch at own expense
• Visit Hemis Monastery
• See Buddhist statue and relics
• Return to hotel

The experience

You have a free afternoon in Leh and want to see the region's Buddhist heritage without arranging transport yourself. A private driver picks you up from your hotel and takes you first to Thiksey Monastery, a 12-story structure built into the mountainside. The complex holds temples, a nunnery, and assembly halls. You walk through them at your own pace and can meet the monks and children who practice Buddhism there full-time. The itinerary builds in time for lunch at a place of your choice before moving on.

The second stop is Hemis Monastery, a Himalayan Buddhist site known for its Thangka, a large painted silk Buddhist statue, and a museum holding centuries-old relics and artifacts. After exploring both monasteries, your driver returns you to your hotel. The whole outing runs between three and five hours depending on how long you linger at each site.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• driver for the full route between Thiksey and Hemis monasteries.
• access to both monastery complexes during operating hours.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Discover Activities

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to visit both Hemis and Thiksey Monasteries in one afternoon without splitting your time between multiple stops. Your guide handles the route and pacing so you move at your own speed between the two sites.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Thiksey Monastery like when you arrive?

Thiksey Monastery is a 12-story complex built into the mountainside, with temples, a nunnery, and assembly halls spread across multiple levels. You walk through the spaces and can interact with the monks and children who live and study there.

Can I meet the monks at either monastery?

Yes. The itinerary notes that friendly monks and children devoted to Buddhist practice are present at Thiksey Monastery, and you have the chance to meet them as you explore the site.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. Time is set aside during the afternoon for you to eat at a restaurant of your choice at your own expense.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs between three and five hours, depending on how much time you spend at each monastery. Your driver handles all transport between sites.

What is the Thangka at Hemis Monastery?

The Thangka is a large painted silk Buddhist statue housed at Hemis Monastery. It is one of the monastery's most celebrated artworks and is displayed alongside the museum's collection of centuries-old Buddhist relics.