Leh Monasteries Tour: Shey, Thiksey & Hemis with Guide

Three monasteries, a golden statue, and the Indus valley in a single day

A full-day tour of three Buddhist monasteries around Leh (Shey, Thiksey and Hemis) with a private vehicle, English-speaking guide and hotel pickup. You visit Shey Monastery's giant golden Buddha statue inside the royal palace, climb to Thiksey Gompa perched on a hilltop, and reach Hemis on the Indus riverbank, home to painted Thangkas and the annual Hemis Festival. Entrance fees are paid on-site. Lunch is optional at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Shey, Thiksey and Hemis Monasteries

• Visit Shey Monastery and Palace
• Drive to Thiksey Gompa
• Explore Thiksey Monastery
• Drive to Hemis Monastery
• Visit Hemis Monastery

The experience

The tour starts at Shey Monastery, set within the grounds of Shey Palace on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding landscape. The main draw is a massive golden statue of Lord Buddha, one of the largest in Ladakh, housed inside the palace structure that once served as the summer retreat of Ladakh's royal family. From there, the route heads to Thiksey Gompa, built on a steep hillside and often compared to the Potala Palace in Lhasa for its architectural style and position. The monastery sits at the top of a hill and draws pilgrims and visitors for its design, religious significance and views across the valley.

The final stop is Hemis Monastery, tucked into a mountainside on the west bank of the Indus River. It's the largest and most visited monastery in the region, known for its collection of Thangkas, painted Buddhist religious artworks, which are displayed during the annual Hemis Festival celebrating Guru Rinpoche's birth. The monastery belongs to the Dugpa Kargyutpa order, one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Throughout the day, the guide provides context on the sites and their religious and historical significance.

A private non-AC vehicle picks you up from your Leh hotel and stays with you for the full eight hours. Two bottles of mineral water per person are included. Entrance fees to each monastery are paid directly at the gate and vary by site. The operator provides approximate costs beforehand. If your hotel is outside central Leh (or if you need pickup from the airport or railway station), an additional charge applies, arranged when you book.

What’s included

• Private non-AC vehicle for the full day.
• English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from central Leh.
• two bottles of mineral water per person.
• lunch (available as an add-on option at checkout).

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English09:00, 09:30 and 10:00

Guide in English09:00, 09:30 and 10:00

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 3.36

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by TOP TRAVEL AND TOURS PVT LTD.

Is this one for you?Book the basic option if you want to move at your own pace and choose where to eat. Add lunch if you prefer everything arranged and want to spend more time at the monasteries without breaking for a meal search. The eight-hour day fits comfortably between a morning start and an evening return, leaving time to explore each site without rushing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.

What is the giant Buddha statue at Shey Monastery made of?

The statue is golden and stands inside Shey Palace, which sits atop a hill. It's one of the largest Buddha statues in Ladakh and serves as the main attraction at the monastery.

How does Thiksey Monastery compare to other monasteries in Ladakh?

Thiksey Gompa is famous for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. It sits on top of a hill and is known for its architectural design, pilgrim activities and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

What makes Hemis Monastery special?

Hemis is the largest and most popular monastery in Ladakh. It's renowned for its collection of Thangkas, painted Buddhist artworks, which are exhibited during the annual Hemis Festival, and it sits on the west bank of the Indus River.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is optional. You can add it when you book by selecting the CAR + GUIDE + LUNCH option at checkout. The basic option includes the vehicle and guide only.

Do I need to pay entrance fees upfront?

No. Entrance fees for each monastery are paid directly at the site when you arrive. The operator provides approximate costs in advance, though fees may change according to government regulations.

What if my hotel is outside central Leh?

Pickup is included from Leh city hotels only. If your accommodation is outside the city (or if you need pickup from the airport or railway station), an additional charge applies, payable directly to the operator when you book.