8 days, 7 nights
Duration

Join us on this Ekno Travels journey as we travel deep into the mountains of Ladakh and experience the once in a lifetime Hemis Festival. The spectacularly isolated mountain geography of this remote Indian province is one of the few remaining strongholds of Tibetan Buddhism. Monasteries adorned with the iconic blue, red and yellow prayer flags dot the steep mountain slopes; and crystal clear rivers flow from glaciers, cascading into the mighty Indus river. A part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, it was opened to tourists in the mid-70s and since then thousands of people from around the world have thronged to this bastion of Himalayan Buddhism.

The Hemis festival is a uniquely Ladakhi experience, dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche) an 8th century Buddhist master who was responsible for spreading Buddhism across the world. This festival of dance and theatre is enacted with elaborate masks, costumes, and adornment. The glorious finale; in a cacophony of instruments, chants, and sounds ends in the unveiling of the monastery’s giant Thankga (Tibetan Buddhist painting).  Don’t miss the chance to experience this moment of pure magic for yourself.

TOUR DATES

*13-20 June,

1-8 July,

21-28 July 2024,

*20-27 June,

1-8 July,

15-22 July 2025

* Dates with Hemis Festival

TOUR COST

A$3550 per person twin share

Single Supplement A$1450

* Fixed departure – price based on minimum 6 people
Independent Travels – Price on Application

DURATION

08 Days, 07 Nights

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Spectacular flight over the Himalayas
  • Ancient bazaars of Leh
  • Stunning views of the Himalayas from Leh Palace
  • Masked Lama dance at the Hemis Festival (June dates only)
  • Stok, Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery
  • High pass villages of Lamayuru and Alchi
  • Alchi Gompa

TOUR ROUTES

Delhi, Leh, Hemis, Lamayuru, Alchi

MAP

Hemis Festival Leh Ladakh, India

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Day 1

Delhi

Welcome to India! Upon arrival at the airport in Delhi, our representative will meet you and escort you to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the local area and relaxing in the hotel. Our friendly guide and hotel staff will be on hand should you need restaurant recommendations or general provisions.

Overnight: Hotel, Delhi

Day 2

Leh

We will take an early morning flight to Leh, the spectacular capital of Ladakh. Our flight will pass over multiple Himalayan ranges, which serves as a fantastic photo opportunity. Leh is framed on all sides by the towering Himalayas, with the mighty Indus River roaring in the valley below. After checking into our hotel, we’ll take a walking tour of Leh Bazaar, an important stop on trade routes dating as far back as the third century. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to rest and acclimatise.

Overnight: Hotel, Leh

Day 3

Leh

 After breakfast, we’ll visit Gompa Soma, a Buddhist temple constructed in 1840 at the base of the towering Leh Palace. Afterwards, we’ll head to Moti Market for an exploration of Leh’s old bazaar, which has a rich history that can be traced back to the Asian spice trade. The afternoon is yours to rest, explore, or sip traditional Tibetan butter tea at your leisure.

Overnight: Hotel, Leh

Day 4

Leh

Today we’ll attend the Hemis Festival, an annual celebration of the birth of Guru Padmasambhava. After an early breakfast we’ll travel to the Hemis Monastery, the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh. At 9am the celebrations will begin in the courtyard, which will quickly fill up with locals and Buddhist pilgrims.

The festival highlight is the gathering of the lamas around the central flagpole to perform mystical mask dances (Chams) and sacred plays. Dressed in colourful bright brocades with vibrantly decorated and richly adorned papier-mache masks,
the dancers will enact an elaborate combat between good spirits and evil demons to the clatter of drums, cymbals and long horns.
For other tour dates not including the Hemis Festival: We’ll spend the day exploring Leh with a guided tour, including a visit to the Royal Palace. Constructed in the 17th century, this imposing nine story stone palace is one of the most captivating architectural ruins in the region. Situated in the foothills of a barren landscape, the palace was built as a residence for the King and to mark the reunification of Upper and Lower Ladakh.

Overnight: Hotel, Leh

Day 5

Leh

After breakfast we’ll take a sightseeing tour of Stok Palace, Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery. Stock Palace is the home of the present-day royal family. The palace and accompanying museum were built in 1825 by King Tespal Thondup Namgyal. At present the palace has a collection of elaborate royal dresses and crowns on display.
Shey Palace was built by Deldan Namgyal at the beginning of the 17th century AD. The main image in the monastery is a three-story statue of Buddha Shakyamuni made of copper gilt made in the memory of Deldan Namgyal’s father Singay Namgyal. The statue is the only one of its kind in the region.
Thiksey Gompa belongs to the Gelugpa order of Buddhism and is considered to be the most beautiful of all the monasteries in Ladakh. After our day of sightseeing, we’ll return to Leh in the evening to rest and eat dinner.

Overnight: Hotel, Leh

Day 6

Lamayuru/Alchi

After breakfast we’ll travel to the village of Lamayuru, a spectacular 3-hour drive outside of Leh. Our journey will weave through remote mountain passes and deep river valleys that will embed themselves eternally in your heart and mind.

In Lamayuru we’ll visit the local monastery and gompa and then climb to the high point overlooking the town for unrivalled views across this spectacular region. The afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the lunar-like white stone surroundings. We’ll spend the night in either Lamayuru or the nearby village of Alchi.

Overnight: Guest house, Lamayuru/Alchi

Day 7

Leh

We’ll begin our return journey to Leh by way of Alchi, an ancient Buddhist village on the banks of the Indus River. Alchi Gompa is considered one of the oldest Buddhist sites in the region, dating back to the 10th Century. We’ll spend the morning observing the comings and goings of the monastery and browsing for handicrafts. Our afternoon drive back to Leh offers a spectacular setting for final thoughts and reflection on our journey and discoveries.

Overnight: Hotel, Leh

Day 8

Departure day

After breakfast we’ll return to Delhi by plane. After we arrive in Delhi, you can and continue on to your final destination.

INCLUDES

Met on arrival at the airport by an Ekno representative

Services of an English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour

Local guides in Leh

7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast

All transfers and sightseeing by private AC vehicle as per the itinerary

Return domestic flights from Delhi to Leh

Entrance fees as per the itinerary

EXCLUDES

Return airfares to India

Cost of Indian tourist visa (on arrival)

Lunch and dinner (unless otherwise specified)

Personal expenditure such as drinks, laundry service and souvenirs

Tipping

Donations to monasteries

 Compulsory insurance of any kind

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