The dramas are also a form of popular entertainment eagerly anticipated by the Ladakhi villagers. Once every twelve years, the Hemis festival also hosts the ritual unrolling of a giant thangka, the gompa's prized possession, which covers the entire facade of the building. It is decorated with pearls, precious stones and embroidered by women, whose hands are now revered as holy relics. Among the treasures on display is an exquisite Buddha Shakyamuni, also inlaid with jewels. Hemis is a possible day trip from Leh by car.
Bus services are only frequent only during the festival.
At other times there is a single daily service. Places to Stay One can stay here, either in a small tent in the woods, where mattresses and blankets are available on rent or if you have your own tent, in one of the many scheduled camping sites besides the stream.