Hemis Festival continues for two days. This festival follows the Tibetan Calendar and the tenth day of the Lunar month onsets the beginning of this festival. The head monk of the monastery begins this festival. The only reason behind this festival is to celebrate the birth anniversary of the Buddhist leader Guru Padmasambhava. According to the Buddhist culture and tradition this festival marks the dominance of evil over good. As per the Buddhist culture their Guru fought against evil and saved his followers and hence people of this monastery celebrates their Guruβs birthday in order to tribute him.
People of the monastery and the local people of that area dress in colored bright clothes. Another attraction of this festival is the rituals. People of the monastery involve them in some form of singing and dancing. The Lamas of the monastery perform a masked dance which is the most unique feature of this festival. Through their dance, the Lamas make sure that they depict the main theme of the festival that is victory of good over evil. A flagpole that is situated in the middle of the monasteries courtyard is the place where Lamas start their dance.
The Masked Dance during Hemis Festival
The main attraction during this festival is the masked dance performed by the Lamas of this monastery. This form of dance is also known as the Cham Dance of Ladakh. The unique feature of this dance form is that the dance postures are slow compared to other dance forms. The expressions involved in this dance form are twisted. The masks worn by the Lamas depict some special characters of the myth that they were depicting. The dance is a tribute to their Guru.
Suggested itinerary is as under.
Day 1 Arrive at Leh
Arrival Leh in the morning and transfer to the hotel.Full day of rest for acclimatization to the high altitude of Leh (11,500 ft / 3500 mtrs).Overnight in hotel.
Day 2 Leh local sightseeing
After leisurely breakfast visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery & Stok Palace Museum. Post lunch drive to visit Hall of Fame, Kali Mata (Temple of Guardians in Spituk monastery), Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Point and Sangam (confluence of Indus & Zanskar rivers). Overnight in hotel.
Day 3 In Leh Hemis Festival
Drive for approx 35 kms to reach at the Hemis monastery. Witness the most famous festival called Hemis Festival. Evening back to Hotel in Leh and stay overnight.
Day 4 In Leh Hemis Festival
Witness the most famous festival called Hemis Festival. Evening back to Hotel in Leh and stay overnight.
Day 5 Leh-Pangong Lake
After leisurely breakfast Drive to Pangong Lake (approx. 150 kms, located on the Indo-China Border), en route crossing the Chang-la pass (alt: 17370 ft.). chek cin at your camp and enjoy the beautiful evening at Pangong Tso Lake. Overnight in hotel/ Camp.
Day 6 Pangong -Nubra Valley
After breakfast leave for Nubra Valley, by following Shyok river. Check in at your hotel / camp and later explore Nubra valley by visiting Deskit monastery and Hundar Sand Dunes where you can enjoy a short camel safari using the double-humped Bactrian camel found here (optional on direct payment). Overnight at the hotel/ Camp.
Day 7 Nubra Valley to Leh
After leisurely breakfast drive back to Leh. Approx 150 kms drive may take approx 5 hours. En route your day highlight will be reach at world highest motorable pass called Khardungla ( 18380 Ft) . check in at your hotel in Leh and evening explore the beautiful market of Leh. Last minute shopping and get some souvenirs for your dearest and overnight stay.
Day 8 Departure Leh
Morning after breakfast transfer to Leh airport in time to board flight back home.
Approx expenses
Cost per person based on Twin sharing
| Group Size |
Standard |
Deluxe |
Sup Deluxe |
| 02 Clients |
INR 31000 |
INR 34500 |
INR 36900 |
| 04 Clients |
INR 22000 |
INR 24000 |
INR 26900 |
| 06 Clients |
INR 19000 |
INR 21500 |
INR 23900 |
| 5 % GST extra on total bill |
inclusion and Exclusion
| Package Inclusions! |
Package Exclude! |
| Accommodation with breakfast + Dinner |
Air Fare |
| Transport by Non AC SUV |
Expenses for personal nature |
| City tour as mentioned |
Personal insurance |
| Inner Line permit |
Guide services |
|
Camel Ride / ATV Bike ride |
|
Tips to Drivers / Hotels |
|
Other than not mentioned in inclusions |
|
Unforeseen expenses beyond our control |
