Festivals in ladakh
05 Nights – 06 Days
About the Journey
Celebrated with great fervour every year, the festivals of Ladakh are usually held in the courtyard of Buddhist monasteries. Monks wearing colourful robes and frightful masks perform cham (sacred mask dances). These cham represent the purification of mind and also the triumph of good over evil. The festivals are an important part of Ladakh’s cultural life. People, young and old, from all parts of Ladakh attend these monastic festivals.
Best time to visit : March to June
Yuru Kabgyat Festival (15-16 June 2023 )
The Yuru Kabgyat is a two-day-long festival celebrated with tremendous zeal and enthusiasm at Lamayuru, located 127 kilometers from Leh. The Buddhists come from various countries like China, Japan, Tibet, and Korea and attend the Yuru Kabgyat festival at Leh. It is a festival that is celebrated with tremendous pomp and enthusiasm. Colourfully dressed Buddhist Monks throng the Leh Valley and participate in the dance drama. You can enjoy this festival during your Ladakh vacation.
Sindhu Darshan Festival ( 23-26 June )
Sindhu Darshan festival is celebrated every year to pay honour to the river Sindhu (Indus). This three-day festival attracts tourists from all parts of the country. Artists from different parts of India converge to Ladakh and showcase cultural programs such as dance and musical performances at the banks of the Indus river. During this festival, men and women wear their best costumes and pay homage to the Mighty River for her blessings. The river itself is considered God, and people offer flowers and fruits to worship this Great River.
Hemis Tsechu Festival ( 28-29 June 2023)
The Hemis Festival is one of the most famous and vibrant festivals celebrated in Ladakh. The festival is held annually in the Hemis Monastery, located about 45 kilometers from Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
The Hemis Festival is a two-day celebration held on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month, to commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism,
The festival is a colourful and vibrant display of Ladakhi culture and tradition, with locals dressed up in traditional attire and performing mask dances, music, and other cultural activities. The highlight of the festival is the Cham dance, a ritual dance performed by the monks, accompanied by traditional instruments like cymbals, drums, and long horns.. It is a significant cultural event and attracts a large number of tourists and locals every year.
Here is a typical itinerary which can include one of the many festivals celebrated during the summer months in Ladakh
Note that this itinerary can be adjusted according to your preferences and the festival dates, as they can vary slightly from year to year. Also, please keep in mind that the altitude in Ladakh can be challenging for some travellers, so it’s important to take it easy and stay hydrated.
Extensions : to Nubra Valley / Tso-moriri / Pangong lake / Srinagar ( link to Kashmir program )
Duration
5 days
Tour Type
City Tours, Cruises
Itinerary
- Check in to your hotel and rest to acclimate to the altitude (Leh is at 3,500m/11,500ft).
- Explore Leh bazaar and the Leh Palace in the afternoon.
- Visit the monasteries of Shey, Thiksey, and Stakna, Lamayuru , Stok all within a few hours’ drive from Leh. ( on different days )
- Return to Leh in the evening.
- Attend the Hemis Festival, which usually takes place in late June or early July.
- Watch the colorful masked dances, listen to traditional music, and enjoy local food and crafts.
- Return to Leh in the evening.
- Take a day trip to Pangong Lake, a stunning high-altitude lake that’s a 5-hour drive from Leh.
- Spend some time by the lake, take a walk along the shore, and enjoy the views.
- Return to Leh in the evening.
- Drive over the Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, to reach the Nubra Valley.
- Visit the Diskit monastery and the sand dunes of Hunder, where you can take a ride on a Bactrian (double-humped) camel.
- Return to Leh in the evening.
- Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight out.
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