Featuring the Hemis Tsechu

Photograph the startling contrast between the arid, almost lunar landscapes of Ladakh's Himalayan ranges with the lush green valleys and forests of Manali.

Beginning this journey in Manali we head north to visit the historic monasteries of Kye and Tabo before crossing the Himalaya to the Indus Valley. We will join in the festivities at Hemis Tsechu  — the annual Buddhist festival at the monastery. The The Hemis Tsechu includes two days of masked dancing and prayer ceremonies. A colorful bazaar springs to life as locals set up their booths and stalls outside the courtyards. Hundreds of people, clad in their traditional Ladakhi dress, come from every corner of Ladakh to pay homage to the deities and to participate in the festival.

A drive along the scenic Leh-Srinagar Highway takes us to Lamayuru,  a 10th Century Tibetan monastery that has, to this day, remained active and powerful.  In the 13th Century, it was the main contender against the Sakya Monastery for acknowledged supremacy throughout Tibet. We will also visit the mural wonderland at Alchi and the hidden gompa of Rizong before flying back to Delhi and home.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: DEPART USA

Day 2: ARRIVE DELHI – Nonstop flights from the USA arrive tonight; other flights arrive early morning Day 3.

Day 3: TO MANALI – This morning take the flight to Kulu in Himachal Pradesh.  Met on arrival and transferred to Manali in the foothills of the Himalaya.

Day 4: EXPLORING MANALI – Today we will enjoy a short hike and free time, as we acclimate to the 6,324 feet altitude of Manali.  Visit the Hadimba Temple.

Day 5: TO KAZA – Morning drive to Kaza the headquarters of Spiti district situated on the bank of river Spiti.  Kaza is a major stopover village on this route.  Visit the Dhankar Monastery between Tabo & Kaza.

Day 6: EXPLORING KAZA – We have the day to explore the Kaza area and to continue or acclimatization as we are now over 12,000’ in elevation.  Visits to the 1,000-year-old Kye Monastery, with its wonderful thangka collection, and the village of Kibber, at 13,800’ the highest permanent settlement in the region.

Day 7: TO KEYLONG/JIPSA - Today we begin the drive into Ladakh.

Day 8: TO SARCHU/SOKAR – Crossing the 16,400’ Baralacha La, we reach Sarchu, at an elevation of 14,000 feet, which lies on the boundary between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

Day 9: TO HEMIS – Leaving Sarchu, we venture into Ladakh, crossing the 17,500’ Tangla La, before finally arriving at Hemis.  We will be staying in Hemis the next two nights, and will be partaking in the festivities surrounding the Hemis Monastery Festival.  Hemis is one of the largest and best-endowed monasteries in Ladakh.

Day 10: HEMIS FESTIVAL – Full day today to enjoy the colorful and exciting annual festival at Hemis Monastery.  This evening make the drive to Leh.

Day 11: TO ALCHI - Today we will raft the Indus River (class 2, 3 rapids) to Likir Monastery and then drive onward to Alchi Gompa, which dates back to the 6th Century.  An option for non-rafters will be available. 

Day 12: TO LAMAYURU & LEH - The day is spent exploring the famous 10th Century Lamayuru Monastery.  We then return to Leh.

Days 13 & 14: EXPLORING LEH - The next two days are spent in this ancient and mesmerizing city with its winding streets, bazaar and hundreds of little shops. The 400-year-old Leh Palace and surrounding buildings, as well as Buddhist gompas, stupas and cloisters, dominate the city.

Day 15: TO DELHI & DEPART TO USA – This morning we will fly from Leh to Delhi.  We will have the day in Delhi and a special “Farewell Dinner” before transferring to the airport later this evening for our return flight to the USA.

Day 16: ARRIVE USA

Call us toll free at 1-800 MY INDIA (1-800-694-6342) or email us to request a detailed day-to-day itinerary.

A true highlight of the trip was the charm, warmth and amazing hospitality of the Ladakhi people. Their friendliness produced a photographer's paradise.
- Debra Levine, CA

Protector deity, Lamayuru

Masked dancer, Hemis

Monastery above Leh

Perak - Ladakhi women's formal headdress