The Hemis Festival marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava also called Guru Rinpoche (8th century CE) and the victory of good over evil. The event will be held in one of Ladakh’s famous monasteries, Hemis Gompa.
He introduced tantric Buddhism and through a mix of Tibetan and Buddhist cultures, a new perspective on life was introduced. Ever since, people started to celebrate his legacy to keep the negativities at bay. Celebrated with great fervour, the festival takes place on the 10th day of the fifth month of the Tibetan community which falls in June or July. In 2022, it is on July 8th and 9th.
On arrival at Leh airport, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel. Today full day will be for acclimatization with Leh weather, as it is 3500 meters above sea level.
In the evening short walk around Leh bazaar.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, you will visit the Hemis monastery for the festival.
Afternoon, drive to Leh visiting Shey monastery and Thiksey monastery enroute.
Hemis Monastery: This is biggest and the most important monastery in Ladakh, 49 kms to south of Leh. It was built in the 17th century by Chapgon Gyalshas and has enjoyed the patronage of the royal family. Hemis is the headquarter of the Drukpa order and all the monasteries throughout Ladakh are administered by it. It also trains Lamas for the royal monasteries at Leh, Shey and Bazgo.
In 1956 the head Lama of Hemis Gompa disappeared mysteriously never to be seen again. The monastery contains a few gold statues and stupas decorated with precious stones. It has a superb collection of tankhas, including one, which is supposed to be the largest in existence and is exhibited only once every 12 years. The monastery’s annual festival is a big tourist attraction. Masked dances are held on this day which is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava.
Thiksey Gompa: The Thiksey monastery is a most imposing structure providing a panoramic view of the green Indus valley from its vantage atop a hill. It has chambers full of statues, stupas and tankhas.
Shey Palace and Monastery: 15 kms from Leh is the Shey Palace, summer palace of the erstwhile Raja of Leh, set upon a hill. The monastery is known for its giant copper with gilded gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, which is said to be the second-largest statue in Ladakh and must-see. Many chortens can be seen to the east of the monastery.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast visit Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and Sangam view where Indus and Zanskar rivers meet.
Afternoon visit to Shanti Stupa on the hilltop at Changspa. The Stupa was constructed by a Japanese Buddhist organization, known as ʹThe Japanese for World Peaceʹ to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism and to promote World Peace.
Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast leave for Pangong Lake through Changla pass (5486 metres). While ascending, enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the villages below. Continue to Tsoltak, the summer pastureland of the yaks.
Arrive Durbuk and from there a short drive takes you to the western shore of the lake. Enjoy the landscape in the backdrop of the Lake. This famous blue brackish Lake of Pangong is 5/6 kms wide and over 144 kms long with half of it running on the other side of the “INDO CHINA BORDER”.
Overnight at the camp.
This morning, enjoy the view around the lake. Later after breakfast, leave for Leh. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free for personal activities or to visit the bazar for shopping.
Overnight at Hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Validity: From 1st March to 30th June 2023
Package Price Per Person in Standard Accommodation: From Rs. 31,600 on double sharing basis
| Destination | Hotel | Nights | Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leh | Hotel Royal Ladakh / The Leh / Royal Sheldon |
4 | Breakfast & Dinner |
| Pangong | 100 Sky Camps / Buddha Camps | 1 | Breakfast & Dinner |
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