Masked Cham dancers turning in the courtyard of a Ladakh monastery, the crowd watching from the steps

Festival · Buddhist · HimalayaFestival · Buddhist · Himalaya

Hemis Festival, Ladakh

a heritage, cultural and Buddhist journey

Duration: 12 days · 11 nights
Halts: 6; Delhi to Delhi
Price: On request; quoted to your dates

The journey

Experience the vibrant spirit of Ladakh at the Hemis Festival, a spectacular Buddhist celebration held at the historic Hemis Monastery.

Witness colourful masked dances, ancient rituals, traditional music, and the rich Himalayan culture as monks honour Guru Padmasambhava in one of India’s most fascinating spiritual festivals.

Festival calendar ·
Hemis Festival

June or July, by the Tibetan lunar calendar

The journey is built around the festival’s two days at Hemis Monastery; the dates for the year you travel are confirmed on enquiry.

Highlights

What you will remember

The Hemis Festival: masked Cham dances in the monastery courtyard
Thiksey, Shey, Stok Palace and the Shanti Stupa above Leh
Likir and Alchi on the drive down the Indus Valley
Lamayuru and the ‘Moonland’ hills
Over Khardung La to Nubra: Diskit, the Hunder dunes and the Bactrian camels
Panamik, Sumur and Samstanling in the Nubra Valley

The route

7 halts, in order

Delhi
Leh3 nights
Uleytokpo2 nights
Leh1 night
Nubra Valley2 nights
Leh1 night
Delhi

Delhi
Leh3 nights
Uleytokpo2 nights
Leh1 night
Nubra Valley2 nights
Leh1 night
Delhi

Experiences

The moments it is built around

Everything else on this page is logistics. These are the reasons to come.

The Cham dances
Monks in silk robes and masks dance the victory of good over evil, in honour of Guru Padmasambhava.
A slow start in Leh
A day kept easy at 3,500 metres, then Thiksey, Shey and the Shanti Stupa.
Diskit’s Buddha
Over Khardung La and down into Nubra, where the giant Buddha looks over the valley.
Lamayuru
One of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, among the eroded hills of the Moonland.

Festival · Buddhist · Himalaya

a heritage, cultural and Buddhist journey

12 days, 11 nights

The route, day by day

Every halt, every overnight and every drive, published in full.

Delhi
Leh
Uleytokpo
Leh
Nubra Valley
Leh
Delhi

The route

Delhi
Leh
Uleytokpo
Leh
Nubra Valley
Leh
Delhi

01
Overnight Delhi
Arrival, and Old Delhi
Arrive in Delhi, the heart of India, where a Rang Travels representative will welcome you at the airport with a personalised name placard. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in this dynamic city.
After check-in, begin your journey with an exploration of Old Delhi, including a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, famous for its bustling markets and aromatic lanes. Visit the iconic Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, followed by a peaceful stop at Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.
Experience the rich culture, history, and vibrant local life before returning to your hotel.
02
Overnight Leh
Flight Delhi – Leh
Delhi to Leh, and time to acclimatise
Begin your journey with an early morning flight from Delhi to Leh, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, especially from a window seat. As you arrive in Leh (3,500 metres altitude), you will immediately notice the thin mountain air, making acclimatisation essential.
You will be transferred to your hotel, where the day is kept easy and relaxed to help your body adjust. It is important to rest, stay hydrated, and avoid exertion during the first day at high altitude. Even short walks can feel different, so take it slow.
This carefully planned slow start ensures a safe and comfortable beginning to your Leh Ladakh tour, preparing you for the adventure ahead.
03
Overnight Leh
Thiksey, Shey, Stok and the Shanti Stupa
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Leh Ladakh with a visit to its most iconic Buddhist monasteries. Start with Thiksey Monastery, a stunning hilltop complex known for its tiered architecture and panoramic views.
Visit Shey, once the royal capital of Ladakh, with its palace and monastery, and explore Stok Palace, offering insights into the royal legacy and local history. Beyond the architecture, experience the spiritual atmosphere, prayer wheels, and serene surroundings.
Also visit the Shanti Stupa, one of the most iconic landmarks in Ladakh, beautifully perched on a hilltop overlooking the town of Leh and the surrounding Himalayan mountains. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Leh, especially during sunrise and sunset.
By evening, return to Leh, where the region begins to feel more familiar. Enjoy an overnight stay in Leh.
Hemis Festival
04
Overnight Leh
The Hemis Festival
After breakfast, leave for the Hemis Festival, the most celebrated Buddhist festival in Ladakh, held annually at the famous Hemis Monastery to honour the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Tibet. The festival usually takes place in June or July according to the Tibetan lunar calendar.
During the two-day celebration, monks dressed in colourful silk robes and elaborate masks perform sacred Cham dances in the monastery courtyard. These spiritual dances symbolise the victory of good over evil.
The festival also features traditional Ladakhi music, handicraft stalls, local cuisine, and cultural performances, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the rich heritage, spirituality, and vibrant culture of the Himalayan region.
By evening, return to Leh for overnight stay in Leh.
05
Overnight Uleytokpo
70 km · 2 hrs
Down the Indus to Uleytokpo
Today’s journey takes you along the scenic Indus River Valley, one of the most beautiful drives in Leh Ladakh. Enjoy ever-changing views of wide valleys, rugged cliffs, and remote Himalayan villages along the route.
En route, visit Likir Monastery, known for its giant Buddha statue and peaceful setting, and the historic Alchi Monastery, famous for its ancient murals and unique architecture, unlike other monasteries in Ladakh.
Continue your drive to Uleytokpo, a serene destination surrounded by nature and mountain landscapes, perfect for relaxation. Spend the evening at leisure, soaking in the tranquil Himalayan environment.
Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay in Uleytokpo.
06
Overnight Uleytokpo
45 km · 1 hr each way
Lamayuru and the Moonland
Enjoy a short yet scenic drive from Uleytokpo to Lamayuru Monastery, one of the most unique landscapes in Leh Ladakh. As you travel, witness the dramatic transformation into the famous “Moonland terrain”, known for its surreal, eroded hills and lunar-like landscapes.
Visit the historic Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, set amidst breathtaking surroundings. Take time to explore peacefully, walk around, and experience the spiritual atmosphere without rush.
Later, drive back to Uleytokpo, enjoying the scenic Himalayan views once again. The day offers a perfect balance of nature, culture, and relaxation.
Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Uleytokpo.
07
Overnight Leh
70 km · 2 hrs
Back to Leh by the Indus–Zanskar confluence
Today, drive back to Leh along the scenic Indus River Valley, enjoying beautiful views of mountains, valleys, and remote landscapes. En route, stop at the famous Indus–Zanskar Confluence, where you can clearly see the two rivers merging with different colours, creating a stunning natural sight.
Continue to Magnetic Hill, known for its unique optical illusion, where vehicles appear to move uphill. Later, visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a peaceful and spiritual place visited by travellers from all backgrounds.
Upon arrival, in Leh, the town will feel more familiar and comfortable. The evening is free to relax, explore local cafés, or visit nearby markets.
Enjoy a pleasant overnight stay in Leh.
08
Overnight Nubra Valley
125 km · 4 hrs
Over Khardung La to Nubra
Embark on one of the most exciting journeys of your Leh Ladakh tour as you drive from Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and dramatic Himalayan landscapes from the top.
As you descend into Nubra Valley, the scenery transforms into wide valleys, green patches, and desert-like terrain. Visit Diskit Monastery, known for its giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley, and explore Hunder Sand Dunes, famous for the rare double-humped Bactrian camels.
This scenic and adventurous drive offers a unique contrast of landscapes. By evening, arrive in Nubra for a relaxing overnight stay.
09
Overnight Nubra Valley
Panamik, Sumur and Samstanling
Enjoy a relaxed day exploring the scenic beauty of Nubra Valley, one of the most unique regions in Leh Ladakh. Drive to Panamik Village, located near the Siachen Glacier region, known for its natural hot springs and traditional village life.
Later, visit Sumur Village, offering a peaceful glimpse of local Ladakhi culture, followed by Samstanling Monastery, a quiet and less crowded monastery surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Take your time to interact with locals, explore at your own pace, and enjoy the serene environment. Nubra Valley is perfect for slowing down and experiencing the true essence of Ladakh.
Return to your stay for a calm evening and overnight stay in Nubra Valley.
10
Overnight Leh
125 km · 4 hrs
Nubra back to Leh over Khardung La
Embark on a breathtaking journey from Nubra Valley to Leh, one of the most iconic highlights of a Leh Ladakh tour. Though the route includes rugged mountain roads, the drive offers spectacular views of Himalayan landscapes, high-altitude passes, and remote valleys.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest. The evening is free to relax, explore local cafés, or revisit the markets.
Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Leh.
11
Overnight Delhi
Flight Leh – Delhi
Leh to Delhi, and a free evening
After breakfast, transfer to Leh Airport for your flight to Delhi, enjoying final aerial views of the Himalayan mountains as they gradually give way to the plains. Upon arrival, in Delhi, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.
Later, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping in Connaught Place and Janpath Market, or relax at a local café and experience the vibrant city atmosphere. The contrast between Ladakh’s landscapes and Delhi’s lively culture makes for a unique experience.
Spend the evening at leisure before your overnight stay in Delhi.
12
Departure
Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before your transfer to Delhi International Airport for your onward journey.
As your Leh Ladakh tour comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences—from the majestic Himalayan landscapes and high mountain passes to the peaceful monasteries and remote villages. Ladakh is more than a destination; it is a journey of silence, simplicity, and deep connection with nature.
This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty, leaving lasting memories long after you return home.
We wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you again for another incredible travel experience in India.

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The price

Quoted to your dates

Hotels, transport, guides and entrance fees change with the season and with how you like to travel, so this journey is priced for you. Every quotation itemises what it covers.

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Reviews

In their own words

Word for word, several in Italian, because Italy found us early. 5.0 from 146 reviews on Google, and 5.0 from 200 on TripAdvisor.

“I had an incredible adventure with Rang Travels in Northern India earlier this year! The tour was jam packed. I loved the beautiful forts and buildings we visited, the markets, as well as the stunning World Heritage hotels. This tour gave me a real taste for India, and I felt very comfortable for my first time visiting! …”

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