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 |
25 June-2 July 2023, 15-22 July 2023, 13-20 June 2024, 5-12 July 2024 *June dates include Hemis |
TOUR COST |
A$2950 per person twin share
Single Supplement A$1190 * Fixed departure – price based on minimum 6 people
Independent Travels – Price on Application
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DURATION |
08 Days, 07 Nights |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS |
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TOUR ROUTES |
Delhi, Leh, Hemis, Lamayuru, Alchi |
MAP |
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Delhi
Overnight: Hotel, Delhi
Leh
Overnight: Hotel, Leh
Leh
Overnight: Hotel, Leh
Leh
The festival highlight is the gathering of the lamas around the central flagpole to perform the mystic mask dances (Chams) and sacred plays. Dressed in colourful bright brocades with vibrantly decorated and richly adorned paper-mache masks the dancers enact an elaborate combat between good spirits and evil demons to the clatter of drums, cymbals and long horns.
In the afternoon, we will return to Leh for a guided tour of the city, 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 the barren landscape, the palace was built as a residence for the King and to mark the reunification of Upper and Lower Ladakh. Above the Royal Palace, on Namgyal Tsemo (Victory Peak), are the ruins of Leh’s earliest royal residence, a fortress type structure built by King Tashi Namgyal in the 16th century.
Overnight: Hotel, Leh
Leh
Stock Palace is the home of the present day royal family. The palace and accompanying museum were built in the year 1825, by King Tespal Tondup Namgyal. At present the place has a collection of elaborate royal dresses and crowns which are open for travellers to explore.
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 Shakamuni, made of copper gilt which was made by Deldan Namgyal in the memory of his father Singay Namgyal. The statue is the only one of its kind in the region.
Thiksey Gompa belongs to the Gelukspa order of Buddhism and is considered to be the most beautiful of all the monasteries in Ladakh. After our day of sightseeing we will return to Leh in the evening to rest and eat dinner.
Overnight: Hotel, Leh
Lamayuru/Alchi
Overnight: Guest house, Lamayuru/Alchi
Leh
Overnight: Hotel, Leh
Departure day
INCLUDES
Pickup and drop off to/from Delhi airport
7 nights accommodation and daily breakfast
Internal airfares from Delhi-Leh-Delhi
All transfers and sightseeing trips by private car including driver
Entrance fees to all museums and monuments
Local English speaking guide throughout tour
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