Hemis Festival Buddhist Tour in Ladakh

Itinerary Details Expand All [+]

• Day 01: Delhi - Leh (1 Hr, 30 Min by flight, 130 KM) – Arrival

  Start your spiritual sojourn by taking a flight early in the morning from Delhi to Leh, the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh’s former capital. As you arrive at Leh you will meet our representative who will greet you and make all the arrangements to transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. Check in to your hotel and acclimatize yourself to the harsh high-altitude environment of Leh. Leh is located in Jammu and Kashmir and is renowned for its historical and cultural treasures. It houses many famous Buddhist attractions that you’ll explore to get a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. The town is dotted with colorful prayer flags, Buddhist monasteries, and natural vistas. You will first visit the Leh Palace which has been built in a style similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. It testifies to the royal family’s rich heritage. Appreciate the architecture of this palace and enjoy the breathtaking views of Leh from this site.

  In the evening you will make your way to your hotel and have a luscious dinner. After dinner, you will head to your room and have a restful sleep thinking about the upcoming adventures.

• Day 02: Hemis Festival Celebration and Sightseeing - (Stok Palace, Shankar Gompa, Namgyal Tsemo & Cham Dance)

  Today you will join the grand celebration of the Hemis Festival. This festival commemorates Guru Padmasambhava’s birth, the well-known spiritual leader who played a vital role in bringing Vajrayana Buddhism to the Himalayan region. The highlights of this festival are joyous gatherings, mesmerizing performances, and sacred rituals that showcase Ladakh’s sacred rituals. Savor a mouth-watering breakfast in the morning and then head to the Hemis Monastery which is the wealthiest and largest monastery in Ladakh. At around 9 AM, the monastery’s courtyard turns into a cultural hotspot with vibrant hues of traditional attires and traditional music. Join the local Ladakhis in this grand ceremony and pay homage to their religious leader, Guru Padmasambhava. Witness the mystic mask dances performed by the lamas in masks and traditional costumes. As you see these sacred dances you will learn about the Tantric tradition that is the base of this dance form. This dance form depicts the struggle between evil and good. The pulsating rhythm of long horns and drums and the mesmerizing performances of the monks will leave you mesmerized. As you attend this festival you will get an insight into the essence of Ladakhi culture and the wisdom of Buddhist teachings.

  Head for Leh’s guided sightseeing tour in the afternoon. You will first visit the Royal Palace which once served as the royal family’s residence. Marvel at the architectural grandeur of this nine-story stone palace that symbolizes authority and royal power. It marks the reunification of Lower and Upper Ladakh. You will then visit the Namgyal Tsemo which is also known as Victory Peak. You can see here the ruins of the royal residences of Leh. It testifies to the storied past of the region. You will then ascend to the summit and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, taking in the Himalayan landscape’s otherworldly beauty.

  The next destination that you will visit is the Sankar Gompa, an age-old monastery adorned with Buddhist sculptures and paintings. Marvel at Avalokitesvara’s image, the compassionate bodhisattva that has been portrayed with the help of a thousand eyes, heads, and arms radiating divine grace. Next, you will visit Shanti Stupa, a beautiful white stupa that symbolizes harmony and peace. The stupa commemorates twenty-five hundred years of Buddhism and is the perfect place for reflection and contemplation. Your second day’s exploration will end with a visit to Stok Palace where you can see the relics and heirlooms of the Sengge Namgyal family. The stupa offers an insight into the cultural heritage and royal heritage of Ladakh. After the spiritual exploration, you’ll head back to your hotel and savor a lip-smacking dinner. After dinner, you’ll have a soothing sleep at your hotel.

• Day 03: Local Tour - Explore - Leh Bazaar - Jokhang

  Today you will explore Leh and get an insight into its rich culture and history. Relish a tasty breakfast in the morning at your hotel and then head out to explore the lively streets and cultural attractions of this Himalayan destination. You can also participate in the Hemis Festival and enjoy musical, drama, and dance performances. Immerse yourself in the Ladakhi tradition.

  Alternatively, if you decide to stay near the town, you can indulge in retail therapy at the Leh Bazaar, a bustling market brimming with colorful stalls and local vendors. Here, you can buy a wide range of goods ranging from textiles and traditional handicrafts to souvenirs and fresh produce. Once you have explored the Leh Bazaar you will head to Jokhang, a famous Buddhist temple that was constructed by the Ladakh Buddhist Association in the 1980s. Admire this sacred sanctuary’s architectural beauty. It is adorned with vibrant prayer flags and intricate carvings. Explore the temple grounds and soak in the blissful atmosphere of this temple.

  You will also visit a seventeenth-century mosque that testifies to Leh's cultural heritage and rich diversity. It is the perfect place to witness the fusion of Tibetan and Islamic architectural styles. After the leisurely exploration, you will head back to your hotel and enjoy a lip-smacking dinner. Post dinner you will have a relaxing sleep at your hotel.

• Day 04 – Monasteries & Palaces- Indus Valley- Shey & Thiksey Monastery

  Your fourth day will be dedicated to the exploration of the royal palaces and ancient monasteries around Leh. Savor a luscious breakfast and then head for a guided tour to discover the architectural grandeur of the Shey and Thiksey Monasteries and the Stok Palace. Shey Monastery is located outside Leh on a hilltop and is known for its architectural splendor and rich history. It served as the royal family of Ladakh’s summer residence and features a high-seated two-story image of Buddha adorned with gold leaf and crafted from copper. Explore the courtyards and chambers of the monastery, and immerse yourself in its tranquil ambiance.

  Next, you will visit Thiksey Monastery, located atop a hill overlooking the Indus Valley. From the rooftop of the monastery, you can enjoy picturesque views. Admire the murals that adorn the courtyard walls and stay in awe as you see the exquisite stupas and statues located within its chambers. The design of this palace seems to be inspired by the Potala Palace in Lhasa. End your trip with a visit to Stok Palace, a museum that showcases the Sengge Namgyal family’s relics and heirlooms. The Palace gives an insight into the customs and regal traditions of the region. As the day comes to an end you will return to your hotel and have a delectable dinner. Head to your room and have a stress-free sleep.

• Day 05 – Leh to Delhi-( 1 Hr 30 Min, 1026 km) - Departure

  The fifth day marks the end of your tour. You will have a hearty breakfast and then you will check out from your hotel. Bid farewell to Leh taking back tons of happy memories. Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport as per your flight schedule and you will board the flight to Delhi. After arriving in Delhi our representative will greet you warmly and transfer you to the international airport. As you catch the next flight to your hometown relish the memories you have created in the Himalayan land.