Ladakh's Hemis Festival Tour with Jungle Lore ( 22-02 July 2012 )

May 9, 2012 - PRLog -- The most famous of all monastic festivals in June is the Hemis Festival that commemorates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. The sacred dance drama of the life and mission is performed wearing facial masks and colorful brocades robes. The monkey year festival is a special treat which comes at a cycle of 12 yrs. The four-storey Thangka of Guru Padmasambhava is displayed during the festival.

Itinerary

Day 1: Mumbai to Delhi

We take the late night flight from Mumbai to Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi to Leh

After a 4-5 hr halt in Delhi, we take a the early morning flight to Leh. Upon arrival in Leh, we transfer to the very hospitable hotel Bijoo, where the entire day is spent resting required for high altitude acclimatization.

Day 3: Local sightseeing in Leh

We spend the day in exploring the local sights of Leh.

Sindhu Ghat: The Sindhu Ghat at Choglamsar village at the bank of Indus is where 50 senior Lamas hold prayers to mark the beginning of the Leh festival.

Thiksey Monastery: Thiksey Gompa is the most beautiful of all monasteries in Ladakh which lies on a hilltop to north of Indus River. The monastery is home to a 35ft Buddha statue, a must visit.

Leh Palace: The erstwhile palace was home to the royal family, located on a hilltop it overlooks the Leh town and offers spectacular views of the same.

Shanti Stupa: A spectacular white domed structure, the Shanti Stupa located on a hilltop at Chagspa offers magnificent view of the sunset. It was constructed by a Buddhist organization, known as 'The Japanese for World Peace'.

Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel Bijoo, Leh.

Day 4: Visit Nubra Valley

Via Khardungla Pass (World`s Highest Motor able Road, 18360 ft) lies the uniquely landscaped Nubra valley, which separates Ladakh range from the Karokaram range. One can experience the white sand desert of Hunder equipped with double hump camel rides. We spend the night sharing peace and space with the mountains at Nubra Organic Retreat.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Nubra Organic Retreat.

Day 5: Visit Diskit Monastery

Diskit monastery is the oldest and the largest monastery in Nubra Valey. The Gompa roof is said to offer glorious views of Nubra valley. We make our way to Leh as the sun sets in. Evening free for Shopping or Relaxation.

Dinner and overnight stay at Leh.

Day 6: Visit Pangong Lake

After crossing the third highest motorable pass the Changla Pass (17800 ft) one arrives at the picture perfect Pangong lake(14500 ft, Highest Salt water lake). It’s an unimaginable 135 kms long with almost 70% of the lake in China. Its part of the Changthang geographical setting in the higher Himalayas.

We spend the night in the serenity of Pangong Lake at the Nomadic campsites on the banks of the lake.

Day 7: Back to Leh

Departure from Pangong post breakfast. The rest of the day presents great opportunity to collect some fantastic souvenirs from thangkas and Ladakhi hats to heavy turquoise jewelry and many more.

Dinner and overnight stay at Leh.

Day 8: Attend the Hemis Festival

Hidden in a gorge, built on a green hillside the Hemis Gompa lies on the western bank of the Indus, also happens to be the biggest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh.

Experience the Hemis festival as the artist groups from various villages and tribes visit the Leh town to showcase the wealth of their cultural heritage.

Dinner and overnight stay at Leh.

Day 9: To Kargil

We take the road again and head towards the Kahmir valley our first stop at Mulbekh. A number of attractions en-route.

Pattharsahib Gurudwara: A beautiful Gurudwara constructed in memory of Guru Nanak Dev. It is situated on the Leh Kargil road

Magnetic Hill: A hill alleged to have magnetic properties strong enough to pull car uphill. Visitors and residents alike claim the legend to be true.

Confluence of Sindhu and Zanskar rivers is a magical sight apart from the obvious geographical significance.

Moonland: As the name says it all, this particular area is said to resemble the moon surface.

Lamayuru Monastery: The Monastery is made up of number of shrines and is well known for its magnificent wall paintings.

Visit to Alchi, also known as monastic complex of temples in Alchi village.

Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel Bijoo, Leh.

Day 10: Depart for Srinagar

We soon begin to enter the Sindh valley as the terrain changes, the greener trees vegetation begin to reappear owing to the decrease in altitude. On our way out from Kargil we visit the Vijay Samarak War Memorial and the legendary Tiger Hill.

Before the entering the Zozilla pass(11,575 ft), we pass by Sonmarg(Meadow of Gold) the start of the Kashmir valley. Upon arrival in Srinagar we head to the very luxurious houseboats midst the serenity of Nagin Lake.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Houseboat in Srinagar.

Day 11: Departure to Mumbai   

We depart with unforgettable memories back home.

Please note: Activities like trekking, rafting, cycling, mountaineering etc. in the Ladakh region can be arranged on request. Any level of customization is available.

Resort Details

Leh - Hotel Bijoo

Nubra Valley - Organic Camp

Srinagar - Khilona Super Deluxe Houseboat

Tour Dates: 22nd June - 2nd July 2012

Cost Details:

Trip cost - Rs 29,500/-

Return Flight Fares - Rs 20,800/- per person

Total cost - Rs 50,300/ which includes:

Accommodation and All meals

Surface transfers as per Itinerary

Inner liner Permits, Entry fees, Taxes , parking & toll

Does not include camel ride in Nubra Valley.

Return Flight Fares (Mumbai - Delhi - Leh & Srinagar - Mumbai)

Please note : Your trips could be customized.