Hemis Monastery is popularly known as Hemis Gompa, which was built during the reign of King Sengge Namgyal in 1630. Presently, this Gompa is run by Drukpa sect of Buddhism, which once flourished during the Namgyal dynasty. There are two main portions in the monastery, namely Tshongkhang and Dukhang.Visitors can see beautiful wall paintings in the veranda of this Gompa that depict the Kalachakra and the Lords of the Four Quarters. There is also an idol of Sakyamuni Buddha at this monastery that attracts a lot of devotees. The monastery is very crowded during late June and early July, when Hemis Chheshu or the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava is celebrated. Once every 12 years, a giant Thangka is also hosted by the Hemis festival.