Hemis Festival, Ladakh

Day 01 – Arrive Delhi
Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are transferred to the hotel. 

Day 02 – Delhi
Morning sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting the Raj Ghat – the memorial at the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Jama Mosque – the largest Mosque in India and the Red Fort – Once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire.

Afternoon, sightseeing tour of New Delhi visiting the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutab Minar, drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and President’s Residence and end the tour with a drive through Diplomatic Enclave. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 – Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
Today after early breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Leh. Upon arrival at Leh airport, meet with our representative and transfer to the hotel.

Rest of the day for the acclimatization or in the evening one can explore the Ladakhi market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 – Leh
After Breakfast proceed for full day tour of Indus Valley. The attractions that you visit today include the Royal Museum at Stok Palace- called the Stok Palace Museum, it offers an insight into the heritage of the region; Thiksey Monastery- belonging to the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, this gompa is the largest monastery in central Ladakh region, Stagna Monastery- placed on a barren mountain top, the monastery offers nice views of the surrounding area, Changchubling monastery- better known as Rizong monastery.

Evening is free to explore the local market or leisure walks around the area. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 – Leh – Hemis – Leh
Today after breakfast drive to Hemis (approx. 1hour) to witness the annual Hemis festival held in summers. The festival is in honor of Guru Padma Sambhava’s birth anniversary. It also has the largest Thanka in Ladakh which is unfurled once in 12 years Hemis was built in 1630 during the reign of Singge Namgyal, an illustrious ruler of Ladakh. It flourished under the Namgyal Dynasty for the royalty favored the Drugpa sect, which is managed the monastery.

One can witness famous sacred masked dance performed by monks & lamas and special music performance are done in main hall which is also an attraction of this festival.

The masked dance is dedicated to Guru Padma Sambhava. During this festival, all local people from nearby areas come here to take blessing and socialize with other society.  Late afternoon return to the Leh for overnight stay.

Day 06 – Leh – Hemis – Leh
Today after breakfast drive to Hemis to witness another day of Hemis festival held. Spend whole day with local people to get more knowledge about their culture.

Late afternoon return to the Leh for overnight stay.

Day 07 – Leh – Delhi (By Flight)
Morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Delhi. Upon arrival, rest of the day is free to explore the city or for individual activities.

Late night transfer to the airport for your departure flight for onward destination.

**This tour can be change/ amend as per the client requirement or number of days in hand to witness this unique festival.