Ladakh Hemis Festival Tour: 11 Days of Spiritual Awakening and Himalayan Beauty

Arrive at the Leh airport, where you’ll be received by our local representative and transferred to your guest house or hotel. As Leh sits at over 11,000 feet, today is dedicated solely to rest and altitude acclimatisation. Sip on plenty of warm water, and relax in your room. Tea or coffee will be served at your accommodation. Take the day to gently adjust to the rarefied air and Himalayan energy surrounding you.

Overnight stay in Leh.

Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast and set off for a leisurely tour around Leh. Visit the gleaming white Shanti Stupa, which offers panoramic views of the city and mountains. Stop by the Tsemo Fort and Monastery, perched high on a rocky hill, and explore the 17th-century Leh Palace, once home to the Namgyal dynasty, which is a nine-storied structure. Spend your evening wandering through Leh Market, picking up local handicrafts, prayer flags, and warm yak wool shawls.

Overnight stay in Leh.

After breakfast, you’ll head out to witness the famous Mask Dance Festival, depending on your travel dates—Hemis (5–6 July) or Phyang (22–23 July). These vibrant monastic festivals are spiritual spectacles, featuring masked monks in elaborate costumes performing sacred dances that depict the triumph of good over evil. The sounds of cymbals, horns, and chanting fill the air as you immerse yourself in Ladakh’s deep-rooted Buddhist culture.

Overnight stay in Leh.

After breakfast, begin your drive into Ladakh’s monastic region. Your first stop is at Sangam, the meeting point of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers, near the village of Nimmu. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot. On the way, you can also stop at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a sacred Sikh shrine. Next, visit Alchi Monastery, known for its ancient wall paintings and unique Indo-Tibetan art. Then head to Rizong Monastery, built into a rocky cliff. Finally, reach Lamayuru, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, surrounded by a stunning moonscape-like landscape.

Overnight stay in Lamayuru or Alchi.

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Leh. If you wish, visit Matho Monastery, known for its ancient Thangka paintings, or stop by the Stok Palace, still home to Ladakh’s royal family and filled with royal artefacts and history. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace. You may stroll through Leh’s Old Town, admire the mud-brick houses and prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Visit a local café for some butter tea and traditional Ladakhi snacks. As the sun sets, enjoy a quiet moment overlooking the valley, reflecting on your journey so far.

Overnight stay in Leh.

After an early breakfast, set out for Nubra Valley, crossing the world’s highest motorable road—Khardung La (5,596 m). The drive is breathtaking, offering views of the Indus Valley behind and the Shayok Valley ahead. Upon reaching Disket, visit the striking Disket Monastery and the towering Maitreya Buddha statue. Later, head to Hunder Sand Dunes, where you can enjoy a ride on the rare double-humped Bactrian camels.

Overnight stay in Hunder, Nubra Valley.

Post breakfast, cross to the other side of the Nubra Valley to explore Sumur. Visit the peaceful Samstanling Monastery, one of the most serene gompas in the region. Later, unwind at the Panamik Hot Springs, believed to possess medicinal properties, and walk to Yarab Tso, a sacred high-altitude lake hidden in the rocks. Let the stillness of the Nubra Valley envelop you.

Overnight stay in Sumur or nearby village.

After breakfast, journey through the remote Changthang Plateau, following the route of the Shayok River. By afternoon, arrive at the spellbinding Pangong Lake, its hues shifting from turquoise to ink-blue. Situated at over 14,000 feet, Pangong is a sacred site in both India and Tibet. Camp beside its shimmering waters and absorb the sheer magic of the Himalayas. The lake is about 134 km long, stretching from India into China, with only one-third lying in India. It famously appeared in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, adding to its popularity. Despite being a saltwater lake, Pangong freezes completely during winter—an awe-inspiring sight in itself.

Overnight stay at Maan or Merak village near Pangong Lake.

Begin your return journey to Leh after breakfast, crossing the majestic Chang La Pass (5,374 m). The route passes nomadic settlements and high-altitude meadows. Once back in Leh, spend the evening at leisure, perhaps revisiting your favourite cafés or local shops.

Overnight stay in Leh.

Today is free for you to rest and reflect. Enjoy breakfast and spend the day as you please—meditate at a monastery, take a walk to Leh’s old town, or shop for souvenirs at the market. You may also visit the Central Asian Museum or simply relax with views of the Stok Kangri range. Try a local Ladakhi lunch at one of the cafés and enjoy some quiet time journaling or reading. This unhurried day is perfect for soaking in the spirit of Ladakh before you head home.

Overnight stay in Leh.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Leh Airport for your flight back home. As you soar above the mountains, carry with you the peace, power, and profound energy of Ladakh’s landscapes, monasteries, and people.