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Hemis Festival Ladhak OV

India is known for its uniqueness, vibrancy and variety and its intermingling of culture, history, spirituality and mysticism provide remain unparalleled. Ladhak practices Tibetan Budhism that has exact similarity culturally, religiously, and geographically.  No one denies Ladhak austere beauty, warmth of its people and heat-grabbing place. Ladhaki people has intimate and has everlasting relationship with people of Tibet, this is the reason that Ladhak is also called “Little Tibet”.  “We take a breathtaking mountain flights over the Himalaya arrive Ladkha. We spend the next week wandering, visiting the lavishly decorated colossal Buddhist monasteries of Thikse, Shey, and Lamayuru, and gazing at the spectacular murals at Alchi Monastery. At the festival monks adorned with colorful garments and often frightful masks perform hypnotic mimes portraying the subjugation of the evil Wind King by Guru Rimpoche  “one who was born from a lotus flower.” The founder of Nyingmapa sect. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people, dressed in all their finery, come together to rejoice.

Short Itinerary

Day 01: Onboard Flight to New Delhi (India) Day 02: Arrival New Delhi and Fly Delhi – Leh. Day 03: Leh Sightseeing. Day 04: Drive to Nubra Valley. Day 05: Nubra Sightseeing Tours. Day 06: Drive from Nubra to Leh. Day 07: Drive from Leh to Hemis Monastery. Day 08: Leh - Full Day Hemis Festival. Day 09: Leh Sightseeing Tours. Day 10: Drive from Leh to Tsomoriri Lake. Day 11: Tsomoriri Lake Sightseeing Tours. Day 12: Tsomoriri – Leh. Day 13: Fly from Leh – Delhi. Day 14: Drive from Delhi to Jaipur. Day 15: Jaipur Sightseeing Tours. Day 16: Drive from Jaipur to Agra. Day 17: Drive from Agra to Delhi. Day 18: Delhi Sightseeing Tours. Day 19: Departure from Delhi.

Trip Cost  >	6375$/P
International Flights >	$1450/Person
Regional Flights       >	$230/Person
Travel Innsurance  >	From $250/P

Cost Includes:	Cost Excludes:
- All airport transfers. - Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis. - Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. - North Face Tents during the treks. - Private vehicles. - Local English Speaking  Escort/guide. - All sightseeing  with entry fees. - Inner Line Permit. - All applicable govt. taxes.	- All flights.    - All applicable airport taxes.    - Special entry fees for camera / video camera.    - Laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc.    - Tips.    - Travel and Personal Insurance.    - Passport and Visas.     - All other services different from above mentioned.

Sector	Hotel/Camping	Nights
New Delhi	Imperial Hotel	03
Leh	The Grand Dragon Leh	07
Trekking	Camping	04
Jaipur	Raj Vilas	02
Agra	Amar Vilas	01

Hemis Festival Ladhak IT

Day 01:Arrival New Delhi and  Fly Delhi - Leh (Flight Duration: 1hr 15 minutes). 
Our representatives will receive you at the airport with warm welcome, and drive you to your hotel. Rest of the day, you could spend relaxing at the hotel, and preparing yourself for all the memorable places you will be visiting in next few days.  
Day 02: Leh Sightseeing.     
After breakfast at the hotel, we proceed to the full day sightseeing tours of Leh by visiting Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace and Sankar Monastery.
Thiksey Monastery: It is a glorious Buddhist monastery located in the top of hillock about 12 kms from Leh in Jammu and Kashmir. It encloses numerous Stupas, Thangkas, statues, swords, wonderful wall paintings, and a large pillar carved with Buddha’s teachings. A marvelous Buddha statue in the seated position is adorning the main prayer hall. Thiksey Festival, a major attraction for tourists and Buddhist devotees, is conducted here with splendor and much pomp.   
Shey Palace: It is situated on a hillock 15 km south of Leh. Around 12 feet of Lord Buddha's statue, the largest in the region, made by copper guilt is housed here.  There is another statue of the Buddha three stories in height also with various stone carvings and many chortens scattered around. 
Sankar monastery: Also situated on a hillock 15 km south of Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family. It was constructed by the first king of Ladakh. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kings.  
Day 03: Drive from Leh to Nubra Valley through Khadungla Pass (120 kms).
We drive for about five hours to reach Nubra Valley passing through Khardongla pass (5600 meters above sea level), which is the world’s highest motorable road. The road passes through a bridge laid on Glacier, which finds its way in Guiness book of world records.  Upon reaching the valley, we check into our camping site and then have our lunch. In the afternoon, we go on a short drive to Panamic, which is famous for its hot sulphur spring. In the evening, we return back to the Camp. 
Day 04: Nubra Valley Sightseeing. 
Right after our breakfast, we leave our campsite and visit interesting places of Nubra valley, such as Sumur monastery, which is 265 years old, and Diskit, which is the headquarter of the present administration of Nubra Valley and houses the famous 515  Buddhist monastery situated on a hill top giving panoramic view of the valley. After that, we go on a short drive to Hunder to enjoy the sand dunes and bacterian camels. In the evening, we return back to the Camp.   

Day 05: Drive from Nubra to Leh (120 km). 
We leave Nubra Valley, and drive back to Leh. By lunchtime, we will be by our hotel in Leh. After lunch, we can rest at the hotel or carry on with our personal activities of our own choices. 
Day 06: Drive from Leh to Hemis Monastery (40 km). 
After breakfast, we drive to Hemis monastery for the Hemis Festival.
Hemis Festival in the Hemis Monastery: Hemis Monastery is the biggest and the most important monastery in Ladakh. The Monastery contains gold statues and stupas decorated with precious stones and many priceless old Thankas. Each year the Hemis Festival attracts more than its share of pilgrims and tourists. Splendid masked dances are performed to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums and long horns. A colorful fair, displaying some beautiful handicrafts, is the special highlight of the festival. The ceremonies begin with an early morning ritual atop the Gompa where, to the beat of drums and the resounding clash of cymbals and the spiritual wail of pipes, the portrait of "Rygyalsras Rimpoche" is then ceremoniously put on display for all to admire and worship. The courtyard of Hemis Gompa is the stage for the famous 'Hemis' festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of ‘Guru Padmasambhava’. The colourful two-day pageant falls on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month. The local people are seen dressed up in their finest traditional garb for the occasion. Lamas perform splendid masked dances and sacred plays to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums and long horns. 
Day 07: Leh - Full Day Hemis Festival.
This will be another full day to indulge in festive activities of Hemis Festival. You will be engaged in lot of fun-filled activities like dancing with the locals, interacting with the Lamas, taking pictures, souvenir shopping etc. In the late evening, we get back to our hotel for a nice dinner .
Day 08: Leh Sightseeing.
After hearty breakfast at the hotel, we proceed with our full day of sightseeing program in and around Leh.Leh Palace: This is used to an old palace of the Ladakh rulers, and it overlooks the town from the southwest slope of the Tsemo hill. It has eight stories and was at the same time around the famed ‘Potala of Lhasa’, which resembles this palace quite a bit. The damage to the palace on one side, which is gaping open now, stems from the Kashmiri invasions of the last century.  Leh Gompas: There are a number of Gompas in the old town of Leh - such as the Guru Lakhang to the left of the palace, Chamba Lakhang to the south of the palace, and the Chenrezig Lakhang to the southeast. In the centre of Leh, the Buddhist association of Ladakh  built the new monastery containing an image of Lord Buddha that was brought form Tibet. Meetings of the Buddhist association are held in this monastery. 
Shanti Stupa: A relatively new addition to the rocky skyline around Leh is the white Shanti Stupa inaugurated in 1983 by the Dalai Lama. It is also known as the "Peace Pagoda", whose sides are decorated with gilt panels depicting episodes from the life of the Buddha.
The Ecology Centre: Five minutes' walk north of the main bazaar, the Ecology center is the headquarters of LEDeG  (the Ladakh Ecological Development Group) - a local non governmental organization that aims to counter the negative impact of western style "development" by fostering economic independence and respect for traditional culture. This involves promoting "appropriate" technologies such as solar energy, encouraging organic farming and cottage industries, and providing education on environmental and social issues through village drama, workshops and seminars.
Day 09: Drive from Leh - Tsomoriri Lake (4500 m; Distance: 240 kms ).
We drive for about six/seven hours to reach Tsomoriri Lake. We check into our hotel, and then relax for the rest of the day. 
Day 10: Tsomoriri Lake Sightseeing Tours.
After breakfast at the hotel, we proceed to the sightseeing tours of the Tsomoriri Lake.
Tsomoriri Lake:   With an elevation of 4,595 m (15,080 ft), it is the largest of the High Altitude Lakes in the Trans-himalayan bio-geographic region. It has the geographical setting with snow peaks that provides the source of water for the Lake, and is enclosed by rolling hills of the Tibetan cold desert on the western side. The colors of the picturesque Lake changes from moment to moment, and the evening light is fantastic for pictures with the dancing clouds on the naked mountains.  Also known as "Mountain Lake", it is situated in the middle of the elevated valley of Rupshu surrounded by 6000 m peaks. The Area is rich in wildlife including the "Kyang" (wild ass), red fox, and the rare & highly endangered snow leopard. Black necked cranes and geese flock to the lakeside for breeding during the summer months. Also, there is 350 years old Karzok monastery worth visiting in the evening. At night, we will be fixing our tents at the campsite for our overnight camping. 
Day 11: Tsomoriri – Leh (240 Km).
Right after breakfast, we drive back to Leh. Upon reaching Leh, we check back into our hotel, and pursue our personal leisurely activities for the remaining day. 
Day 12: Fly from Leh – Delhi (1hr 15 minutes).
We fly back from Leh to Delhi, where we proceed to the sightseeing tours of the Red Fort and Raj Ghat.
Red Fort: It is one of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture, built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648. It has walls extending up to 2 kms in length with the height varying from 18 meters on the river side to 33 meters on the city side. The Fort sports all the obvious trappings befitting a vital center of Mughal governance - halls of public and private audiences, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque, and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the Fort is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era, and its magnificence simply leaves one awestruck. It is still a calm haven of peace, which helps one to break away, from noisy and busy life outside the walls of the Fort.  
Raj Ghat: The cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most visited sites in Delhi. It consists of a simple square black-marble platform that stands on the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Nearby, there are cremation sites of Jawaharlal Nehru - the first Prime Minister of India, and other great personnel of India, such as Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri.  Raj Ghat is situated to the south of Red Fort and is very peaceful site.     
Day 13: Drive from Delhi to Jaipur (Distance: 277 Km).
We drive for about 6/7 hours to reach Jaipur, and then spend the rest of the day pursuing our own leisurely activities.  
Day 14: Jaipur Sightseeing Tours.
After breakfast at the hotel, we proceed to the sightseeing tours of prominent places of Jaipur.
Amber Fort: The Fort is located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur. The exterior of the Fort is not in the least like its interiors. The outside is very imposing and rugged looking, whereas the inside is a comforting and warm interior influenced by both Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation. On the walls, are paintings depicting various hunting scenes, and the walls are covered with intricate carving, mosaic and minute mirror work that make the halls look very majestic and imperial. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone, and looks even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground.
Hawa Mahal: The Hawa Mahal, which adjoins the famous City Palace wall, has become one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. The palace is a five-storied building with arched roof is shaped like a pyramid. As one looks at this building, one realizes that the rear side of the building is comparatively very plain and lacks much of ornamentation. One is rather surprised at the contrast, since in the front of the Mahal, there is intricate carving and much attention has been paid to minute details, while the backside of it is more a mass of pillars and passages. Since the Hawa Mahal was built at a time, when women of the royal families were restricted from the coming out to the public. This does explain why Hawa Mahal has such tiny windows and many screened balconies. The royal ladies could look below at the people and many other processions in the streets without showing themselves and thus enjoy a sense of freedom.  
City Palace: Jaipur city is known for its many palaces and forts, and one of these major landmarks of the 'pink city' is the City Palace Complex. The architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Mughal styles of architecture. The Complex comprises of many structures, courtyards, gardens and buildings. There are many splendid small palaces and halls in the complex, and also has a famous temple called the Shri Govind Temple and a museum inside called the City Palace Museum. Here is a splendid gateway, which leads to the Diwan-I-Khas (Hall of Private audience). It is an open hall, where there are two silver vessels on display, which are in the Guinness book of World Records! 
Jantar Mantar:  The Jaipur observatory was built in 1728. There is actually a fascinating story in relation to the construction of the Observatory. According to the story, King Sawai Jai Singh II sent his envoys to various parts of the world. The emissaries came back with manuals and astronomical tables and tons of data on the advances made in the fields of astronomy. La Hire's "Tables" was one of these manuals, and impressed by it, Sawai Jai Sing II ordered the observatory to be constructed according to the data available in this manual. Amazingly, after Jantar Mantar was built, it was discovered that the Observatory was more accurate than the Table itself. So when you are in Jaipur, do not miss the opportunity to check out the biggest stone observatory in the world, which is still in a running condition and stands witness to the wisdom of the former age. 
Day 15: Drive from Jaipur to Agra (Distance: 235 Km).
We drive for about 6/7 hours and reach Agra, where we proceed to the sightseeing tours of prime locations of Agra, such as Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. It is also inducted into UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. It is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is irresistible particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his dear wife and Queen Mumtaz Mahal. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is also a Mausoleum housing the grave of Queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Emperor Shah Jahan was added to it later. Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years employing twenty thousand workers. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own, and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and the symmetry of architectural elements.
Agra Fort: The fort is built alongside the Yamuna river and stretches almost 2.5 km consisting of wall built in red sandstone. The wall has 2 gates – ‘the Delhi Gate’ and ‘the Amar Singh Gate’. You can only enter the fort via the Amar Singh Gate. Inside the fort, there are many buildings of historical importance, and many sites of architectural beauty, such as Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), Royal Pavilions containing beautiful mosques, palaces, and Bazaar. Several of the buildings are made of pure marble with beautiful carvings. To cool off the rooms in the marble pavilions, the walls were hollow and filled with running water. From the balconies in the pavilions, you have a nice view of the Yamuna river and Taj Mahal. As the story goes, the emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj, was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in the Agra Fort, where he had a view of the building erected for his deceased wife.     
Day 16: Drive from Agra to Delhi (Distance: 253 Km).
We drive for about six hours and reach Delhi, where the rest of the day could be used for our own personal activities in and around our hotel.
Day 17: Delhi Sightseeing Tours.
After breakfast, proceed to a full day sightseeing tour of the prime locations of Delhi.
India Gate: India Gate of New Delhi, the war memorial arch, was built by the British in the honor of the unknown martyrs, who lost their lives in the First World War and Second Afghan War. Originally known as All India War Memorial, it has the names of the soldiers who died in the wars inscribed on its walls. Since 1971, there is the eternal soldier's flame burning under it, known as 'Amar Jawaan Jyoti'. It is the ceremonial boulevard of the Indian republic that boasts of ornamental parks, pools and gardens alongside. It is here that the much-awaited event of Republic Day Parade takes place on 26th January every year. 
Presidential Residence of India: Also known as President's House, the building holds a prominent position in New Delhi. Designed by the British architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, this classical building uses colors and details peculiar to Indian architecture. It was in 1950 that President started living in this ceremonial building and the formally known 'Viceroy's House' was renamed as 'Rashtrapati Bhavan.' It has 340 decorated rooms and a floor area of 200,000 square feet.  It presents a spectacular blend of Mughal and European architectural styles. 
Qutab Minar: ‘The victory tower’ whose foundation was laid in 1199 A.D., and is undoubtedly one of the finest stone towers in India, and one of the most important landmarks of Delhi. The tower tapers from a base of 14.32 m to 2.75 m at its top, and was taken 20 years to complete. Built in red sandstone, this tower sports the inscriptions of verses of Holy Quran and some intricate carvings.   
Lotus Temple: The 40 m high Lotus Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in India built in the shape of a half-opened Lotus flower. Completed in 1986, this pure white marble temple is also known as Taj of Modern India. Surrounded by carefully manicured lawns, it has been constructed using marble, cement, sand and dolomite. The temple structure has 27 giant white marble petals and nine pools, indicative of the nine unifying spiritual paths of the ‘Baha'i faith’, which believes in oneness of all religions and mankind. The faith emphasizes on ‘prayer’, which is described as 'Conversation with God,' and ‘meditation’, which is described as 'Key for opening the doors of mysteries'. The temple represents the broad views and scientific ideas of Baha`i faith and signifies the purity and the universality of the Lord. A perfect silence is maintained in the main hall of prayer, to allow the devotees to meditate and pray peacefully.  
Day 18: Departure from Delhi.
After one last meal at the hotel, we drive you back to the Airport for your safe trip back home.

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