Cultural Journey to India during the Hemis Festival

July 7, 2027, - Arrival in Delhi / Delhi – Leh (By Flight)

Arrival at New Delhi International Airport.

After completing the immigration formalities and collecting your luggage, our representative will meet you outside the terminal for your transfer to Leh.

Arrival at the hotel and check-in. Standard check-in time is 14:00 hrs and check-out time is 12:00 hrs.

Half a day of rest is recommended for acclimatization.

Leh Market: The market is divided into several small lanes and streets, with sections dedicated to clothing, handicrafts, spices, food, souvenirs, and local artisan products. Due to the cold climate, the people of Leh have developed a tradition of handwoven woolen garments, which are highly appreciated today and represent typical products of Ladakh.

Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

July 8, 2027, - Leh

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing.

Leh Palace – An ancient royal palace featuring traditional Tibetan architecture overlooking the town. It offers panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding mountains.

Matho Monastery – A monastery located on a hilltop, enjoying a very scenic position overlooking the valley. Less crowded, it preserves local rituals and traditions.

Magnetic Hill – A stretch of road famous for the optical illusion where vehicles appear to move uphill on their own. A brief and interesting stop on the way to Nurla.

Gurudwara Patthar Sahib – Located on the outskirts of Leh, along the Leh–Kargil road, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib was built in memory and honor of Guru Nanak. This sacred place is associated with an important event in the history of the Sikh religion.

Spituk Monastery –Spituk has three branches: Stok, Sankar, and Saboo Monastery. The monastery was originally founded as part of the Kadampa Order (Red Hat Sect) but later became part of the Gelugpa Order (Yellow Hat Sect).

Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

July 9, 2027, - Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder (125 Km, 3 Hours 35 Minutes)

After breakfast, depart for Hunder.

En route, visit Khardung La Pass.

Khardung La Pass –Khardung La Pass serves as a gateway to some of the most enchanting and unexplored landscapes of the region. This famous mountain pass is highly popular among both adventure enthusiasts and tourists.

Diskit – Also known as Diskit Gompa, the monastery’s main attraction is the enormous statue of Maitreya Buddha situated at the summit, inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Maitreya Buddha – A 32-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha facing the Shyok River. This statue was recently built using 8 kg of gold donated by the head of the Gompa and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama on 24 July 2010.

Arrival in Hunder and check-in at the hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay in Hunder.

July 10, 2027, - Hunder-Samstanling-Panamik-Ensa-Nubra Valley-Hunder (A/R 173 Km, 4 Hours 40 Minutes)

After breakfast, begin the day’s sightseeing.

Samstanling – Located in Sumlur Village in the Nubra Valley region, Samstanling Monastery was founded in 1841 by Lama TsultimNima. The monastery is situated approximately 124 km from Leh and is home to more than 50 monks, providing for their daily needs.

Panamik – The Panamik Hot Spring is located at an altitude of 10,442 feet above sea level. The thermal water contains a high concentration of sulfur and is believed to be beneficial for the treatment of rheumatism and other ailments.

Ensa –Ensa Monastery, also known as Ensa Gompa, is located near the village of Panamik. Dating back approximately 250 years, this monastery is considered one of the main attractions of the Nubra Valley and is well worth a visit.

Nubra Valley – Surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan mountain ranges, Nubra Valley lies between Tibet and Kashmir. The scenery is picturesque and breathtaking. During winter, the entire valley takes on the appearance of a lunar landscape, which is why it is known as “Moonland,” while in summer it becomes lush and green.

Transfer to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay in Hunder.

July 11, 2027, - Hunder – Shyok – Pangong (277 Km, 6 Hours 50 Minutes)

After breakfast, depart for Pangong.

En route, visit Shyok (altitude 3,700 m).

The day begins by following the same route towards Leh until reaching Khalsar. From Agyam Bridge, take the road on the left that leads to the villages of Shyok and Durbuk. This route is rarely used by commuter traffic; therefore, heavy traffic is generally not encountered on any day.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay in Pangong.

July 12, 2027, - Pangong – Tsomoriri (180 Km, 7 Hours)

After breakfast, depart for Tsomoriri.

The morning is at leisure to explore the beauty of the lake, then continue eastward. This is a newly opened route that has only recently become accessible to tourists. The journey follows the shoreline of Pangong Lake, passing through the villages of Man, Mirak, and Chushul (the latter is only 80 km from the Chinese border and is famous for the memorial of Major Shaitan Singh, who sacrificed his life during the Sino-Indian War of 1962; every year, the Flag Meeting between the Chinese and Indian armies is held here).

Continue towards Tsaga and the Loma Bend; upon reaching Mahe, turn left and proceed further until arriving at Tsomoriri.

Dinner and overnight stay in Tsomoriri.

July 13, 2027, - Tsomoriri – Leh (240 Km, 7 Hours)

After breakfast, depart for Leh.

Puga –Puga Valley is located in the Changthang region in southeastern Ladakh, approximately 22 km from the Salt Lake Valley. It is an area of great importance, known for its natural beauty and geothermal activity. Puga is also visited for its sulfur-rich hot springs.

Tsokar Lake – Tso Kar, or Tsho Kar, is a shallow salt lake situated on the Rupshu Plateau in southern Ladakh, India. It is recognized as India’s 42nd Ramsar Site.

Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

July 14, 2027, - Leh (Day Dedicated to the Hemis Festival)

After breakfast, enjoy the celebrations of the festival.

Hemis Festival – The Hemis Festival in Ladakh is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the Tse-Chu in the lunar month according to the Tibetan calendar. It is also known as HemisTsechu. This is a two-day celebration that marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. On this occasion, Hemis Monastery is beautifully decorated to host the ceremonies. The colorful festival showcases the region’s exquisite handicrafts and rich cultural heritage. Locals dress in traditional attire and gather in the courtyard of Hemis Monastery, one of the largest and most important Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh.

Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.

July 15, 2027, - Leh – Delhi (By Flight)

After breakfast, depart for Delhi.

Transfer to Leh Airport according to the flight schedule for Delhi.

Upon arrival, proceed for sightseeing.

Jama Masjid – The largest and most famous mosque in India, located close to the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, the oldest and busiest market in Old Delhi. Built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century, Jama Masjid is among the most visited places in Delhi by both pilgrims and tourists.

Cycle Rickshaw Ride in Old Delhi – The unique atmosphere of Delhi’s markets can best be experienced in Chandni Chowk and in the narrow lanes bustling at all hours with vendors and goods of every kind. According to legend, like Jama Masjid and the Red Fort, the Chandni Chowk market was also established during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

Red Fort (Photo Stop) – One of the monuments commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Its construction took approximately nine years and cost around 10 million rupees.

Dinner and overnight stay in Delhi.

July 16, 2027, - Delhi – To Your Next Destination

Transfer to Delhi Airport.

Ciao India Tours wishes you a pleasant journey.