Ladakh Tour and Hemis Festival (9D/8N)
Ladakh Tour & Hemis Festival (9D/8N)
Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights
Places of Interest: Leh – Hemis - Thiksey – Lamayuru – Alchi – Pangong Lake – Leh
Ladakh, the Land of High Passes, offers a variety of wonders for us to explore. Expect stunning landscapes of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan mountains, pristine lakes, rivers and colourful ancient Tibetan monasteries.
The main highlights of Ladakh are its ancient gompas and monasteries. Nestled at breathtaking locations, these monasteries are treasure troves of ancient manuscripts, carefully preserved thangkas and relics, and amazing architecture. Bedecked with flags, monasteries in Ladakh are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
In this tour, you will have a chance to experience the Hemis Festival at the Hemis Monastery. Hemis Festival is the biggest festival in Ladakh, and what makes the festival most attractive is the masked dance called ‘cham’ performed by the colourfully-dressed Lamas. This is the best time to see the locals dressed up in their best traditional attires – a sight to behold and a photographer’s dream! You may also have the opportunity to see how the stunning ceremonial headgear of Ladakhi women are made.
Ladakh also offers plenty of trails for hiking and bike riding, therefore should you wish to experience these special interests, do let us know and we can curate your itinerary!
This Ladakh tour can be extended to include sights in the Nubra Valley.
Best time to travel: June & July
Hemis Festival 2023: 28 & 29 June.
To enquire and/or book, email us at hello@crimsonasia.my
Day 01: Arrive in Delhi
On your arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist you to transfer to your hotel.
Check in hotel and overnight stay in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi – Leh Flight and rest of the day at leisure for high-altitude acclimatization (B,D)
Transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Upon arrival in Leh, spend the rest of the day at the hotel to relax and acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03: Hemis Festival, Thiksey and Hemis Monasteries
We shall proceed for Hemis for the Hemis Festival. Hemis Festival is the biggest festival in Ladakh and is celebrated every year on the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. The festival is celebrated in Hemis Monastery - the famous and largest monastery in Ladakh of the Drukpa order of Tibetan-Buddhism, dating back to 300 years. The Hemis Festival begins with the devotees seeking blessings of the Guru and musicians play music while the ceremony is going on. What makes the festival most attractive is the masked dance called Cham performed by the colourfully-dressed Lamas.
At the fair, you can purchase Tibetan souvenirs and the festival is the best time to see the locals dressed up in their best traditional attires a- sight to behold! You may also have the opportunity to see how the stunning ceremonial head-gear (perak) of Ladakhi women are made.
After the festival, visit Thiksey Gompa of the Gelukspa order, another beautiful monastery in Ladakh.
In the evening back to hotel in Leh for overnight stay.
Day 04: Leh - Lamayuru (3 hours’ drive)
Proceed to drive to Lamayuru. Upon arrival check in at hotel.
After lunch, visit Lamayuru Monastery which is the oldest and one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05: Lamayuru – Alchi – Leh (4 hours’ drive)
We return to Leh and en route we shall visit the Alchi Gompa, Spituk Gompa and Namygal Tsemo Gompa.
Overnight stay in hotel in Leh.
Day 06: Leh – Pangong Lake (6 hours’ drive)
We shall drive to Pangong Lake, one of the most famous high-altitude lakes in Ladakh at 4,225 metres (13,862 ft).
Pangong Lake: This scenic wonder derives its name from the Tibetan word “Pangong Tso” which means “high grassland lake”. Pangong is one of the largest saltwater lakes in Asia. It is 134km long and extends from India to Tibet. 60% of the length of the lake lies in Tibet. You’ll find striking landscapes here – the lake is known to change colours appearing blue or green at different times of the day.
Overnight stay at heritage camp in Pangong.
Day 07: Pangong Lake – Leh (6 hours’ drive)
Wake up early to witness the morning beauty of Pangong Lake. After breakfast we leave the camp and return to Leh. Upon arrival check in at hotel.
Overnight stay at hotel in Leh.
Day 08: Tour of Leh
Enjoy a relaxing day of sightseeing in Leh, the capital of Ladakh.
Visit Leh Palace, a former royal palace overlooking the town. The Palace is open to the public and its rooftop provides panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding areas.
Later, we shall visit Chang Gali, a shopping place behind the main bazaar that has many intriguing shops selling curios, jewelleries and semi-precious stones.
You may return to the hotel for rest, and in the evening visit Shanti Stupa. Built by the Japanese for World Peace, Shanti Stupa is a magnificent white-domed structure on the hilltop of Changspa. The stupa was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1985. From there one can see a spectacular view of Leh town. The stupa looks best at night when it is beautifully illuminated with glittering lights.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 09: Leh - Delhi Flight and flight departure for onward journey home
Transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi domestic terminal, transfer to hotel for day use to freshen up before evening flight.
In the evening, proceed for departure transfer to Delhi International Airport to board flight for onward journey.
***END OF TOUR***
For full private tour details and bookings, please email hello@crimsonasia.my
