24 Festivals in Ladakh to Witness the Region’s Spiritual Spirit
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Festivals in Ladakh

Hemis Festival, Losar Festival, Sindhu Darshan, Phyang Tsedup Festival, Dosmoche Festival, Saka Dawa Festival, Tak Tok Festival, Matho Nagrang Festival, Ladakh Festival and many more.

Ladakh is a region blessed abundantly with the most scenic vistas of the rolling hills, barren landscape and colourful Buddhist prayer flags fluttering along the roadside, therefore offering the best festivals of Ladakh. The region experiences the best climate of cold winters with snow all around forming a picturesque white desert and a pristine summer making it ideal to roam about freely in warmer temperatures to even get a view of the beautiful Buddhist region and Indus Valley from high up in the passes. If you’re planning a Leh Ladakh tour, this is the perfect opportunity to explore its natural and cultural wonders. Also known as ‘Mini Tibet’, Ladakh is an abode for the Buddhist culture and way of life in India and has a number of monasteries to testify to this. Experience the essence of Ladakh on your Leh Ladakh trip for an unforgettable journey.

These monasteries perched atop, with large and intricately built Buddha statues and ancient scriptures a sight to see from even far away. The rich cultural heritage here along with the pompously celebrated monastic festivals of Ladakh attract visitors from all over the globe to come to experience these unique and joyous celebrations. The festivals of Ladakh are a living testament to the enclosed and solitary life of the monks, but when they celebrate the whole village and region is decorated and set up to welcome the festivities. Monks and priests perform the sacred masked dances and offer prayers up to the deities, sometimes even sacrifices and food offerings are presented to the Gods.

A distinct tradition of these monastic festivals are the oracles who are young monks or local people chosen to live a while in solitude and deep meditation after which they are possessed by the spirit of the Gods. The Ladakhi people firmly believe in their power of predictions against any natural calamity or event to take place in the near future. With dance performances by the priests and even local people, a lot of sports event also takes place during this time. Sports like Archery and Polo are organised for the men and they participate in it with great zeal and fervour to win the cup. The women take part in dancing and traditional folklore songs to keep the event lively and entertaining, dressed in vibrant colours and heavy silver jewellery.

These festivals take place according to the Tibetan Calendar and are a great way to understand the culture of Buddhism in India. So when you plan your visit to Ladakh make sure to attend the famous festivities of the monastic culture as they are a great learning ground and will give you an enriching experience of a different way of life in India. We have listed below the best festivals in Ladakh that will give you a better insight into this awe-inspiring and deep Buddhist culture.

Here are some of the best festivals to enjoy in Ladakh:

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01

Hemis Festival

The Hemis Gompa being the largest and richest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh hosts its annual Hemis festival on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month. Celebrated to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. 

During the festival, the locals and monks dress up in traditional clothes, where men wear cummerbunds and women wear vibrant headgears and ample jewellery. During the monkey year, which comes in a cycle of 12 years, the four-storey thangka of Guru Padmasambhava is hung in the courtyard with other precious thangkas out on display.

The Lamas perform the sacred masked dance known as Chaam while being accompanied by musical drums, longhorns and cymbals. The mystic mask dances performed here to form an important part of the Tantric tradition. Synchronisation of the dances with traditional instruments in the background makes the festival a lively and entertaining affair attracting tourists and Buddhism believers from all over the world, even in harsh and cold conditions.

When is it celebrated: It is a 3-day festival that is celebrated from the 9th - 11th June.

Where is it celebrated: It is celebrated in the Hemis Gompa or Monastery located 45 km towards the south-east of the main city of Leh.

02

Losar Festival

The Losar festival goes on for a month during which the Gods, deities, ancestors and even animals are fed scrumptiously prepared food. It is celebrated as the New Year two months ahead of the Tibetan New Year. In the early 17th century, King Jamyang Namgyal decided to lead an expedition against the Baltistan forces in winter; therefore he decided to celebrate the festival two months before. 

Later it became a tradition and being celebrated in the eleventh month. People illuminate their houses and offer sacrifices and offerings during these celebrations. The pictures of an Ibex are put up as an auspicious symbol with walls of the kitchens being dotted which are believed to bring prosperity in the coming year. 

Then a procession of fire or Metho is organised with people chanting slogans to chase away ghosts and evil spirits. Some villages also keep up the tradition of making snowmen, which lasts for a week. People of all ages celebrate this festival with family members getting together and the tradition of drinking a cup of tea with their name on it. These cups are made even for members who are absent, and that makes it one of the best things to include in the package during planning a tour to Ladakh. In fact, many travellers prefer scheduling their 9 days Ladakh package to coincide with the festive celebrations to witness Ladakh's rich cultural heritage.

This festival is very entertaining and sees the enactment of a lot of ancient rituals like stage fights between good & evil, the dance of the Ibex deer, dramatic battles between the Kind and his ministers. Sees the re-enactment of a lot of ancient rituals as a part of the celebrations like the stage fights between good & evil, a dance of the Ibex deer, dramatic battles between the King & his ministers etc.

When is it celebrated: The Losar festival is celebrated in the eleventh month of Tibetan calendar, two months ahead of Tibetan New Year, either in the month of December or January.

Where is it celebrated: It is celebrated in all of Ladakh.

03

Sindhu Darshan

Sindhu Darshan is a three-day festival organised on a full moon night in the month of June to commemorate the river Indus as a symbol of communal harmony and unity in India. Whilst promoting tourism in Ladakh, it is also revered as a proud salute to the brave soldiers who have been fighting bravely for our safety. When you are on your Ladakh bike trip, this festival is a must-attend, offering a vibrant cultural immersion amid your adventurous journey.

Local artists from all over the country perform unique dance performances and people from different religions, castes and religions become a part of this festival.

The most distinct part is that people bring water from their own state in a pot and immerse it in the Sindhu River. On the first day of the festival, a reception for all the participants takes place, organized on the banks of river Sindhu at Shey. 

Prayers are also offered on the banks of the rivers by the 50 senior lamas who reside here. A bonfire also takes place at night. On the second day, a cultural program and sightseeing trip is organized, which is further followed by a Puja. The third day remains jam-packed with many tourists as some grand celebration takes place on this day.

When is it celebrated: Sindhu Darshan is a three-day festival held from 1st to 3rd June, in Shey Manila around 8 km.

Where is it celebrated: It is celebrated on the banks of River Sindhu.
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04

Phyang Tsedup Festival

The Phyang Tsedup Festival happens on the 2nd and 3rd day of the 6th month of the Tibetan Calendar, which usually falls in the months of July or August and these months are ideal for Leh Ladakh bike trip. During the Phyang Tsedup festival celebrations, you’ll see monks wearing colourful brocade robes and masks to perform traditional dances with rich costumes to venerate and worship their deity. 

This festival in Ladakh is especially marked for the enthusiasm, energy,y and their constant smiling faces of the monks throughout the festival which uplifts the air and aura of the place. A huge Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, or silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala, also known as a Thanka of Skyoba Jigten Gombo, founder of the Degungpa way of teaching and the Dringumpa Monastic Dynasty, is hung in the courtyard during the festival. 

For those on a Ladakh group trip, witnessing this unique display of heritage and spirituality adds a deeper connection to the journey. Rituals like the burning of offerings and the ceremonial Stroma mark the festival's conclusion. Tourists from all over the world come together to witness and participate in this captivating celebration.

When it is celebrated: The Phyang Tsedup Festival is held on the 2nd and 3rd day of the 6th month of the Tibetan Calendar, which usually falls in July or August.

Where it is celebrated: It is celebrated in Phyang Monastery in Ladakh (19.1 km from Leh)

05

Dosmoche Festival

The Dosmoche Festival is an annual two-day event that is celebrated as the last festival of the Tibetan New Year celebrations, initially started by the royal families in Ladakh to eradicate evil around them. It is celebrated in the Leh, Likir and Diskit Monasteries, however, the Leh Dosmoche festivals of Ladakh is the most well known. 

Monks from different monasteries take part in this celebration by performing Chams or the sacred dance every year in turns. These traditional dance performances take place in the chapel below the Leh Palace where traditional offerings are burnt. If you are on your honeymoon trip to Ladakh during this festival, don't forget to enjoy the vibrant celebrations with the locals — you and your loved one will definitely experience something truly unforgettable and heartwarming.

The monks of the Takthok monastery prepare offerings of thread crosses that are believed to ward off all evil and guard the place against any natural disaster. Senior monks who have the expertise and skill in tantric practices make the intricate thread crosses to trap evil spirits, hungry ghosts and demonic forces. 

Generally, this festival falls between November and March. And the main highlights are the decorations of the Leh Palace, the alluring music of the drums, a masked dance that shows drama and the unique rituals performed by the lamas.
Where is it celebrated: It is celebrated in Likir (lower Ladakh), Leh (Leh Palace) and Nubra Valley’s Diskit monastery, but the Leh Palace celebration is the grandest and best of all.

When is it celebrated:  It is celebrated on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th Tibetan month i.e., mid of February which marks the beginning of the Dosmoche Festival.
06

Saka Dawa Festival

The important and famous festivals of Ladakh is noted to be one of the holiest Buddhist holidays. It is celebrated on the fourth month in the Tibetan calendar which comes in June, it is said to be the month when Buddha was born and received spiritual awakening or Nirvana. Attending this festival is amongst the best things to do in Leh.

The word ska means month and data means star which is strongly associated with the full moon of the fourth lunar month. On this very day, every year, the lamas of nearby monasteries change the Tarboche flagpole, that is located in the South of the mountain, Kailash Kora. It is believed that if after the pole is changed, it does not stand erect, it is not auspicious by Tibetans.

The people refrain from doing certain things on during this festival like the killing of animals, instead, they set them free for the day. You will even notice lamas chanting the mantras 'Om Mani Padme Hum’ which means hail to the jewel and the lotus. 

During this festival of Ladakh, they follow Dharma practices like reciting mantras, performing sadhanas, offering mandalas, taking precepts and saving animals to commemorate the prestigious enlightenment of Sakyamuni.

If you’ve decided to book a Ladakh package during this time, try to plan at least a 5-day Ladakh trip so that you can enjoy this festival of Ladakh along with the other experiences included in your package.

When is it celebrated: Saka Dawa is celebrated on the fourth month in the Tibetan calendar which is held during the month of June, on a full moon night.

Where is it celebrated: It is celebrated in all of Ladakh.

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07

Tak Tok Festival

The Tak Tok Festival is celebrated at a cave of the Tak Thok Gompa and is among the major festivals of Ladakh. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and fanfare and locals as well as tourists from far-flung areas storm the place on this occasion. 

It is celebrated on the 10th day of the 5th and 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar which the birth anniversary of  Padmasambhava, founder of Tibetan Buddhism and the patron saint of Tibet. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the locals and visitors to the city, and being in the month of May, sees a large majority attending the celebrations.

This Tak Tok festival is held in the Gompa situated at Tak-Tok. It is commemorated by the dances of lamas, the mask dance and the religious offerings that are made to the Lord. Prayers are offered in the early morning hours.

A lot of cultural programs are organized throughout the day and as the day ends with, a feast is organized for all. Visitors to this city are treated as the guests at the festival. You can also take part if the festivity by wearing ethnic clothes and make your Manali to Leh trip more exciting. This festival is celebrated with lots of devotion and fun.

Where is it celebrated: The festival is celebrated and organised in the Tak Tok Gompa in Leh.

When is it celebrated: It is celebrated on the 10th day of the 5th & the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar which also marks the birth anniversary of Padmasambhava, founder of Tibetan Buddhism and the patron saint of Tibet.
08

Matho Nagrang Festival

The Matho Nagrang Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan Calendar, which is a 2-day event. This monastery is the only gompa in Ladakh that belongs to the Sakya Sect or School of Tibetan Buddhism. During this festival, masked danced performances are put up by the monks of the monastery wearing colourful silk brocaded robes and masks in the form of different Gods and Goddesses.

The main highlight of this festival in Ladakh is the presence of two oracles who attend the festival after completion of one month in solitude and deep meditation. The two oracles appear in the courtyard accompanying the masked dancers and have the power to predict future events that would befall the place or people.

Locals, even from faraway places, come here so that they can get a piece of advice regarding rituals that need to be performed to warding off disasters.

Check out the Delhi to Leh guide and start planning your dream trip.

When is it celebrated: This festival of Ladakh is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar, the Matho Nagrang festival is a 2-day event.

Where it is celebrated: It is celebrated at Matho Nagrang Monastery which is situated on the banks of the Indus River about 20 km south of Leh.

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09

Ladakh Festival

The Ladakh festival is a blend of various cultures of Central Asian, Tibetan and Northern India, which are all found in Ladakh. Held from the 1st to 15th  September in the town of Leh, this a large scale celebration where the locals showcase their zeal and enthusiasm.

This festival in 
Ladakh brings you the festive ambience of sports and cultural ambience full of immense warmth and joy, where hundreds of visitors from across the globe come here to witness the grand procession. The procession sees a large number of cultural troupes from different parts of Ladakh as they pass through the markets and streets singing and dancing to traditional tunes.

The procession includes local leaders, school kids and dancers who perform assorted dances on the conventional tunes played by the orchestra. While the local lads and women wear breathtaking outfits to divert your attention and walk in a line to give you a complete carnival-like feel.

This is a must-visit festival, so if your Ladakh trip coincides with this vibrant celebration—whether you're on a solo adventure, a group trip to Ladakh, or enjoying a Ladakh family tour—don’t miss the chance to experience this once-in-a-lifetime cultural extravaganza!

The highlight of the fest includes wild lion and yak dancing to music presentations and craft exhibitions to yummy dining and tasting intoxicating barley beer called Chang. Finally, the procession ends at the polo ground where interesting folk songs and dance performances are staged like non-stop musical concerts, lama dances and folklore ceremonies. The best part of this festival of Ladakh is the Archery and Polo competitions held which are fun and interesting to watch.

When is it celebrated: The Ladakh Festival is held for a duration of 15 days from the 1st to 15th of September.

Where is it celebrated: This festival in Ladakh is held in the town of Leh and its various villages.

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10

Stok Guru Festival

Beginning on the 9th and 10th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar, the Stok Guru is annual festival hosted in Stok Village, the present seat of the Ladakhi Royal Family. The Buddhist monks show immense faith and zeal in this festival in Ladakh, as they perform sacred masked dances mainly featuring priests from the Spituk monastery.

The festival also sees the presence of oracles who are laymen trained by priests to receive the spirit of the deities and the predictions made by these oracles are firmly believed by the local people of this region.

A lot of exhibitions and fiestas are also organised during this time and the Ladakhi people take pride in all the celebrations as they joyously come to watch and be part of each event.

So plan your Manali to Leh jeep safari and attend this festival to make your time in Leh memorable.

When is it celebrated: This Ladakh Stok Guru festival is celebrated in the 9th and 10th day of the 1st month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar every year.

Where is it celebrated: The Stok Guru Tsechu is celebrated in a small monastery called Gurphug, about 20 km south of Leh a subsidiary of the Spituk Monastery.

Also Checkout: Ladakh Tour Packages From Kolkata

11

Yuru Kabgyat Festival

In the month of July or August, the Lamayuru monastery or also known as Yuru Gompa hosts an annual two day festival of celebration and devotion. The Yuru Kabgyat festival of Ladakh is a wonderful opportunity to see a wonderful and ancient place beaming with a lively environment and celebrations.

During the festival, the monks perform mask dances, prayers and rituals in order to ward off any kind of disaster and to bring peace to the world. 

Going by the holy scriptures, the mask dance dates back to 8th century and is performed to protect the people from natural calamities, and epidemics. Lamas dance in a circle formation on the beats of the drum, with long pipes and cymbals. The festival is of cultural importance not only in India but also for people in China, Japan and Bhutan who participate in it. This festival hosts many travellers who are on their Manali Leh Srinagar biking trip.

When is it celebrated: This festival in Ladakh takes place in July or August annually. It is a 2-day festival celebrated with great pomp by the local people and 200 lamas residing in the monastery.

Where is it celebrated: The Lamayuru monastery hosts the Yuru Kabgyat festival around 125 km from the city of Leh.

12

Ladakh Harvest Festival

The Ladakh harvest Festival is a major event organised in Leh by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, from 1st September and lasts until September 15th. It is a colourful celebration of the rich and cultural diversity of the Ladakhi people. 

Week-long festivities are held all over the region where various cultural troupes and villages participate in this extravaganza of ceremonial costumes, skilful dances and traditional songs. You can also enjoy the entertaining polo and archery competitions held for the local people to participate in. 

Archery competitions only allow the entry of males while there are various dance opportunities and competitions for the women. A polo tournament by the name of "Ladakh Festival Cup" is also hosted, and a Central Asian trade mart is held in Leh Bazaar. The monks perform the masked dance and the festival concludes with a final carnival parade passing through the streets of Ladakh.

You can also be part of and watch various theatrical performances and wedding ceremonies being blessed the traditional way with great pride and celebration during this auspicious time.

There are many trekking trails in Ladakh making it the favourite region for adventure seekers. 

When is it celebrated: This festival of Ladakh generally starts from 1st September and continues till 15th September and thus, it lasts for 15 days.

Where is it celebrated: It is organised and set up mainly in Leh where it sees a strong influx of tourists and hordes of locals attending the festivities.

Detailed Travel Guide for Mumbai to Ladakh.

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13

Spituk Gustor

Spituk Gustor is an early winter festival of Ladakh held at Spituk Monastery, a short drive from Leh on the popular Leh to Pangong Lake route. It falls on the 28th and 29th days of the 11th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, typically in January, when the region is locked in sub-zero temperatures and movement is limited. Yet, locals begin arriving before sunrise, undeterred by the cold, to take part in rituals that have long been part of community life.

A giant thangka of Je Tsongkhapa is also unfurled for public viewing during the festival. People wait in queues at the entrance of the Gonkhang (inner temple) to seek blessings from protector deities Mahakala and Palden Lhamo, whose faces are revealed only during this festival.

At the centre of the festival is the cham dance. Monks arrive at the monastery courtyard, dressed in layered robes and elaborate masks, each one representing a guardian or deity. The dance though is deeply symbolic and the performance ends with the cutting of a dough figure. This act is believed to remove bad energy and restore balance, something the locals take seriously, year after year.

When is it celebrated: 28-29 January

Where is it celebrated: Spituk Monastery

14

Shey Doo Lhoo

Shey Doo Lhoo is one of the early agricultural festivals in Ladakh, held at Shey Monastery near Leh. Observed annually on the 26th and 27th days of the first month in the Tibetan calendar, usually in July or August, the festival marks the beginning of the sowing season in the region. This festival is called ‘Shey Doo Lhoo’ to mark the beginning of the sowing season.

Monks conduct special prayer ceremonies to invoke blessings for a fruitful harvest, and locals gather in large numbers to take part in these rituals. A key part of the festival is the arrival of an oracle on horseback (a medium believed to channel divine messages), who undergoes a trance after days of chanting and meditation. The oracle’s prophecies are considered spiritually significant by the community.

The festival coincides with Saka Dawa (a sacred month marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha), adding deeper religious value to the celebration.

When is it celebrated: 26th and 27th days of the first month in the Tibetan calendar

Where is it celebrated: Shey Monastery

15

Shachukul Kabgyat


Shachukul Kabgyat is one of the lesser-known but culturally significant festivals of Ladakh, celebrated at the Shachukul Monastery in the Durbuk region of eastern Ladakh, about 120 km from Leh. Usually held in June or July (depending on the Tibetan lunar calendar), this two-day festival brings together locals from nearby villages to witness masked dances performed by monks in colourful robes. These dances represent various deities and moral teachings from Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the victory of good over evil.

This festival of Ladakh is deeply rooted in the Drikung Kagyu lineage, and the presence of the monastery’s head lama adds to the overall experience. Like many monastic festivals in Ladakh, Shachukul Kabgyat also honours Guru Padmasambhava, believed to have brought Buddhism to Tibet. 

Visitors can observe ritual offerings, chants, and colourful displays of monastic culture in a remote and uncommercialised setting that offers an authentic glimpse into Ladakh’s traditions. The celebrations draw to a close with the symbolic cutting of the Torma (a sacrificial cake) offered during the final rites.

When is it celebrated: 12th-13th July 2025

Where is it celebrated
: Shachukul Monastery (Changthang region of Ladakh, near the villages of Durbuk and Tangtse)
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16

Stongde Gustor

Stongdey Gustor is one of the traditional festivals celebrated in Ladakh, held every July at the Stongdey Monastery in the remote Zanskar region. It is held for 2 days and includes prayers, rituals, and Cham dances performed by monks from the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. These masked dances tell stories from Buddhist teachings, often showing the fight between good and evil.

The monastery is located at a height of over 500 metres and is the second-largest in Zanskar. During the festival, it becomes a hub of all the celebrations, with locals from nearby villages gathering to take part. Many travellers plan their 6-day Ladakh trip around these festivals to get a closer look at the region’s cultural roots and traditions.

When is it celebrated: July 13-14

Where is it celebrated: Stongde Monastery (in Zanskar)

17

Karsha Gustor

Karsha Gustor is one of the festivals in Ladakh held every summer at Karsha Monastery, the largest gompa in Zanskar, around 8 kilometres from Padum. Celebrated on the 28th and 29th days of the fifth Tibetan lunar month, this Leh Ladakh festival marks the victory of good over evil. One of its defining aspects is the selection of a layman rather than a traditional oracle, to predict the future. Chosen and spiritually prepared by the monks, this individual plays a central role in the ritual proceedings. 

The festival includes sacred Cham dances performed by monks of the Gelugpa order, with the Black Hat dance(form of Zhanak Cham), being one of the key highlights. These rituals are believed to ward off negative energies and the festival is concluded with the destruction of the Storma, a sacrificial cake that represents evil. Local residents also join the celebrations with folk performances and the monastery turns into a centre of devotion, tradition, and cultural unity in the heart of Zanskar Valley.

When is it celebrated: 22nd–23rd July

Where is it celebrated: Karsha Monastery (Padum Valley of the Zanskar region)

18

Korzok Gustor

Korzok Gustor is a unique Ladakh festival celebrated at the centuries-old Korzok Monastery, set against the pristine backdrop of Tso Moriri Lake in the Changthang region. Founded by Kunga Lodro Ningpo over 300 years ago, the monastery belongs to the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. One of the many two-day festivals of Ladakh, usually held in July or August, features sacred Cham dances performed by monks wearing traditional masks that represent guardian deities. 

A highlight of the festival is the attendance of Changpa nomads, who arrive in large numbers, dressed in traditional attire, bringing with them the essence of Ladakh’s nomadic culture. 

The festival concludes with the destruction of the Storma, a ritual symbolising the victory of good over evil. If you're booking a 12-day Ladakh tour package around this time, make sure it includes Korzok Gustor, it's a great way to experience local culture, and the stark beauty of Ladakh in one trip.

When is it celebrated: 27-28 July

Where is it celebrated: Korzok Monastery (located on the shores of Tso Moriri)

19

Sani Naro Nasjal

Sani Naro Nasjal is one of the main festivals of Ladakh, held each year at Sani Monastery, which is believed to be the oldest monastery in Zanskar, with roots going back to the 1st century CE during the time of Emperor Kanishka. Held between the 15th and 20th days of the sixth Tibetan month, this monastic festival usually takes place in Ladakh in August and is a major highlight of the summer season.

The monastery, now affiliated with the Drukpa Kagyu tradition, becomes the centre of religious and cultural gatherings. Monks from Bardan Monastery perform traditional Cham dances, and in a rare tradition, newlywed brides from the village also take part in ceremonial dances. The festival also includes the unveiling of the statue of Yogi Naropa (a prominent Indian Buddhist Mahasiddha) for blessings, and locals present khataks (ceremonial scarves) to the couples. With the blooming of the Guru Naropa flower and views of the ancient Kanika Stupa, this Ladakh festival offers a great cultural experience to travellers attending the festival.

When is it celebrated: 08-09 August

Where is it celebrated: Sani Monastery (Near Sani Village, North of Padum)
20

Diskit Gustor

Diskit Gustor is one of the major festivals celebrated in Ladakh, held annually at Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley. As the largest and oldest surviving monastery in the region, Diskit Monastery overlooks the valley and the Shyok River. During the two-day celebration in October, it becomes the centre of local life. Residents from across the valley gather here to mark the age-old ritual of good triumphing over evil. Monks from the Gelugpa order perform the Cham dance. Songs are played and sung throughout the festival, with both locals and travellers joining in. The sound of longhorns and cymbals echoes through the valley, played not just by monks but also by those who come to be part of the celebration. Towards the end of the festival, the Storma effigy is burned, symbolising the defeat of evil and the arrival of peace and good fortune.

Around 5.5+ Lakh devotees attend this festival, making it one of the largest gatherings in Nubra. If you’re in Ladakh in October, attending Diskit Gustor is your chance to witness the spirit and strong community bonds of the region.

When is it celebrated: 19-20 October

Where is it celebrated: Diskit Monastery (in Nubra Valley)


21

Thiksey Gustor

Thiksey Gustor is a main festival of Ladakh, observed each year at Thiksey Monastery, approx. 19 kms from Leh. Thiksey Gustor is among the main festivals of Ladakh, held at Thiksey Monastery, approx. 19 kms from Leh. It usually takes place in late October or early November in Ladakh, just before the Losar celebrations begin. The two-day event draws locals from nearby villages and a fair number of travellers who are keen to understand how deeply traditions run in this part of the country.

The day starts early with prayers by the monks. Soon after, the courtyard fills up as monks perform Cham dances (elaborate masked and costumed dance). Wearing silk robes and heavy masks representing protectors from Buddhist texts, they move to the beat of longhorns, cymbals, and drums. One of the more talked-about performances is the Black Hat dance, which builds up to the burning of the Storma, an effigy meant to cast away negativity.

What also stands out during Thiksey Gustor is the careful construction of sand mandalas. These intricate artworks represent deities like Chakrasamvara and Vajravairava and are made using coloured powdered stone. It’s a slow and detailed process, carried out with patience and focus. Once complete, they wipe off the mandala as the final ritual, a reminder that nothing lasts forever.

When is it celebrated: 08-09 November

Where is it celebrated: Thiksey Monastery ( Southeast of Leh, on a hill above the Thiksey village)


22

Chemrey Wangchok

A lesser-known yet culturally significant Ladakh festival, Chemrey Wangchok is held at the 15th-century Chemrey Monastery, about 40 km from Leh. This two-day festival usually falls in November, on the 28th and 29th days of the ninth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. Unlike the more touristy festivals, Chemrey Wangchok is just as important to the locals and closely tied to daily monastic life. The festival is preceded by a week-long period of silent meditation by the monks of the Drukpa lineage, setting the tone for the rituals that follow.

Over the course of the festival, monks perform Cham dances in the monastery courtyard. These ritual dances, carried out in elaborate robes and masks, are rooted in centuries-old teachings. They symbolise the clearing of obstacles and the triumph of good over harmful forces.

Chemrey Wangchok isn’t grand in scale, but it’s deeply tied to the daily life and traditions of the monastery. For those planning a trip from Delhi to Leh Ladakh, attending this festival offers a chance to experience a quieter, more rooted side of the region’s traditions.

When is it celebrated: 18--19 November

Where is it celebrated: Chemrey Monastery (East of Leh, north of Hemis Monastery)


23

Galdan Namchot

Galdan Namchot is one of those winter traditions festival in Ladakh that brings people together to celebrate once the harsh winter sab subsided. Observed on the 25th day of the tenth month in the Tibetan calendar, Galdan Namchot is Ladakh’s own ‘festival of lights’. This Leh Ladakh festival is celebrated in December and marks the birth and enlightenment of Je Tsongkhapa, the man behind the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. More than just a religious day, it also signals the beginning of the New Year celebrations in Ladakh.

Butter lamps flicker on windowsills, in monasteries, and across rooftops. You’ll find families prepping bowls of thukpa, shaping momos, some even pulling out old recipes that only surface during winter. People make their rounds of visiting relatives, eating together, and exchanging khataks (scarfs) as a gesture of goodwill. 

There are no loud drums or elaborate processions, but people do exchange warm wishes and greetings. Galdan Namchot, a Leh Ladakh festival? that brings together community, food, and faith, making it a celebration that stays in people’s memories.

When is it celebrated: 14 December 

Where is it celebrated: Across Ladakh 


24

Ladakh Monlam Chenmo Festival

Monlam Chenmo, often called the ‘Great Prayer Festival’, is one of the main festivals of Ladakh. Held annually in Leh, it brings together monks, nuns, and devotees from different parts of the region for days where people collectively pray, perform traditional rituals. What began in 1991 under the All Ladakh Gonpa Association is now a key event on the cultural calendar.

Rooted in a tradition started by Je Tsongkhapa in 15th-century Tibet, the festival typically falls in May, during the third month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. Monks gather to chant sacred texts and perform rituals for world peace and well-being. The ‘Chambe Drandren’ procession is one of the standout moments where you’ll see sacred scriptures and thangkas being carried through Leh’s streets.

Unlike most festivals in Ladakh that revolve around music or movement, Monlam Chenmo is a unique festival rooted in silence, prayer, and collective purpose. What sets it apart even more is the Seva for Sangha initiative, which organises outreach camps and help desks to help monks and nuns access government services, like health scheme enrolments and document updates, that are otherwise hard to reach in remote monastic communities. As a famous festival of Ladakh, Monlam Chenmo brings together centuries-old traditions with present-day concerns.

When is it celebrated: Begins on 28 February, concluding on Mar 14, 2025

Where is it celebrated: Across Ladakh

People Also Ask About Ladakh

  1. What are the famous festivals of Ladakh?

    Some of the famous festivals celebrated in Ladakh include:

    Hemis Festival: Celebrated in the largest and richest buddhist monastery, the Hemis Festival is one of the most famous Festivals of Ladakh. At the times of this festival, locals dress in their traditional costumes and perform a sacred masked dance in a big gathering.

    Losar Festival: Going on for a straight month, this is one of the biggest Festivals of Ladakh and attracts flocks of tourists from all over the world. From organising small fairs to exhibiting rituals and cultural performances, this festival gives out carnival like vibes.

    Sindhu Darshan: This one is a three day festival and is celebrated on the full moon of June month. Dedicated to river Indus, this festival can be best enjoyed along the shores where people can be seen opening food stalls and serving free food to others.

    Phyang Tsedup Festival: If you want to enjoy the performances of buddhist monks dressed up in capes and wearing masks then Phyang Tsedup Festival is a must visit for you. In addition to this, various authentic food shacks are settled up at several locations to exhibit a fair like vibe.

  2. What is the main festival of Ladakh?

    Hemis Festival is one of the most famous and main Festivals In Ladakh. Around this time, one can enjoy joyous vibes in every corner of the town. The locals and monks get dressed up and perform traditional arts in front of tourists and other local folks.
  3. When is the Losar Festival celebrated?

    The dates of the Losar Festival vary depending upon the Lunisolar Tibetial Calendar. Considered similar to a new year, this festival comes around February or March of Gregorian Calendar. Just like hindus celebrate diwali by lighting up lamps and dressing up in their best attire, similar is the Losar Festival to Ladakhis. In addition to his, various stage fights are also held and plays are exhibited on the stage to depict the victory of good over evil.
  4. What is the biggest summer festival held in Ladakh?

    One of the biggest summer Festivals In Ladakh is the Sindhu Festival which starts around the full moon of June and lasts for around a month. This festival is dedicated to River Indus and people pray along the gushing streams of this river while enjoying a fair like surroundings.
  5. How do people celebrate Hemis festival in Ladakh?

    Hemis festival is one of the most popular Festivals In Ladakh and attracts flocks of tourists from all over the world. To celebrate this festival, the locals and buddhist monks dress up in their traditional costumes and wear giant masks. Various art performances are exhibited to celebrate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet.

    Also Read: Leh - Ladakh Bike Rentals

    Read the stories of our happy and delighted travellers: Thrillophilia Leh Ladakh Reviews
  6. What is the best time to plan a Ladakh trip from Mumbai?

    The ideal time to embark on a Ladakh trip from Mumbai is between June and September. During these months, the weather is pleasant, most mountain passes are open, and it’s perfect for exploring monasteries, high-altitude lakes, and enjoying adventurous activities like biking and trekking.

    If you're aiming for a snow-covered experience, visiting between December and February is best—though winter trips require more preparation due to extreme cold and limited accessibility. Avoid the monsoon season, especially by road, as landslides and travel delays are common.
  7. How to reach Ladakh for a tour package from Delhi?

    Looking to plan a tour package from Delhi to Ladakh? Here’s how you can make that journey, tailored to your travel style and what kind of adventure you’re after:

    1. By Air:
    The quickest and most comfortable option is to hop on a direct flight from Delhi to Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport). With several airlines offering daily flights, this is perfect for those who prefer short tour packages or want to skip the long travel times.

    2. By Road (Via Manali or Srinagar):
    If you’re feeling adventurous, hitting the road is a fantastic choice. You can choose between:
    Manali–Leh Highway (Approx. 1000 km): This route is open from June to September and is a favorite among bikers and jeep safari enthusiasts. Expect breathtaking views and thrilling high-altitude mountain passes.
    Srinagar–Leh Highway (Approx. 420 km): This route opens a bit earlier than the Manali one and is great for a more gradual ascent to higher altitudes.

    3. By Train:
    While there’s no direct train to Leh, you can take a train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi and then continue your journey to Leh by road.
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Excellent
"the experience was awesome. The whole thing organized by Thrillophilia was great. Our tour operator Jigmet sir and the whole crew were 1 no. SHAMAAASS. Julley.
11 July 2019
Excellent
We went for Manali to srinagar Bike tour. It was the best bike trip of my entire life It all started with the person named Shubham from thrillophilia who helped me in selecting the best trip and processed with my booking, all thanks to him! Without him I wouldn’t have been able to experience the best trip of my life. On arrival there, we met our tour guide Tani and our Mechanic Shashi about whom I have read a lot at thrillophilia reviews. These 2 guys were so supportive during the entire tour that no matter what happened they were always there to look after us. They always made sure we are safe and we are following them and there is no overtaking taking place. Tani, the tour guide, one chilled out person he is! Make sure you get him as your tour guide and Shashi as the mechanic as these guys will always make sure that they are there for you no matter what. And in the end, it’s all the Main man behind everything, Jimmy Sir. Thanks a lot Sir for making me experience the best trip of my life! Without you and your team this wouldn’t have been possible. Thanks for helping us out in every way possible. The roads here are difficult terrain to ride on. You gotta be careful. You gotta carry your gum boots during water logging which is the most difficult to cross. But these guys made sure that we were all safe and had sound health till we reached home. Not even a single person was hurt. Our group was a mixture of all age groups, I’m fact we even got to meet 2 people From the Indian navy as well. One mad kickass experience! Unbelievable. Reaching the worlds highest Pass, Khardungla Top, was the highest achievement of my life till date which happened on this trip! And if at all you wish to go, don’t forget to ask Tani and Shashi as your tour guide and mechanic, and go only through Jimmy Sir as he has the best team! Thanks a lot to everyone out there for which I thought the best way would be to write at thrillophilia reviews.
16 July 2019
Excellent
We had a wonderful experience with Thrillophilia Out tour was Leh-Ladakh 6N7D, which includes Leh Sightseen, Nubra Valley Overnight Stay, Pangong Overnight Night. 1. First of all you should know that Thrillophilia doesn't have its own Travel Team. Thrillophilia actually linked up with several local Travel Agency. Once your Tour is booked Thrillophilia tagged one local Travel Agency for your Tour and that particular travel agency will take care of your entire tour. Our travel manager is Lobzang Tseldon. She is very helpful and you will not face any problem in your entire tour. 1. Hotel provided in Leh: Ladakh Heights. The hotel was very good,neat and clean.It is a new hotel so you don't found any pics in the internet. But lobzang will send you the pics of the Hotel. There is a canteen within the hotel where you will be having complimentary breakfast and dinner. Non Vegetarian please let Lobzang know that you want non-veg items as well.they generally prepare veg items only.but on request they will provide you omlette in breakfast and chicken/mutton in dinner. So if anyone wants to book Thrillophilia please ask Thrillophilia to tag you to the travel agency that offers non veg items too. The Hotel Ladakh Heights is a bit far from the main city but don't worry Lobzang will provide you car for visit to Leh market whenever required and she will not charge you for that. You will get a beautiful view from this hotel but if you want to stay near the main city you will not get any view from the hotel. 2. The stay at Nubra Valley was awesome. They have Royal Camp in Nubhra and it's is a nature-friendly camp. You will love it, I can guarantee you. 3. They stay at Pangong was okay. You can understand that at that altitude you will not get luxury.so the camp provided at Pangong was good for 1 night stay. Overall my experience with Thrillophilia was very good. We enjoyed a lot. Thanks a lot to Lobzang Tseldon for the wonderful arrangements of our tour.
Excellent
"Trip was really awesome. I feel everyone should consider this trip at least once in their lifetime. My eyes were never tired of looking around at such beautiful and scenic views. I would like to extend my special thanks to Tour leader Mr. Jigmet Tandar. He is highly trained professional. The way he lead the tour made us have more fun. Thanks to the whole crew Jigmet, Stanzin, Wangyal, Kaushal, Tundoop. Made a lot of new friends. One suggestion to Thrillophilia team: Since this is not just any casual trip that anyone can go through please consider keeping a screening process for people who opt for it. This is one of the most extreme adventures where your body and mind will go through a lot of challenges, one can successfully complete this trip only if they are determined and well prepared."
03 June 2019
Excellent
An exhilarating life-changing experience. If you are able bodied, a biking lover, a landscape / scenery admirer and a crazy adventure seeker, this is a must try for life. Our group of bikers were fun-loving yet very responsible riders. We became friends on the very first day and all of us enjoyed every moment, giving mutual respect at every instance, having each other's backs at every dangerous turn. Even elderly couples in the group made amazing memories with all the young folks! The Ladakhi food, the heritage site visits, the campfire dancing, the photos, the market shopping, the music, the hikes, the snow, even the adorable mountain dogs, furry yaks and double-hump camels, every-bit was amazing. The road team was extraordinary, specially Tani (captain) and Shashi (bike repairman). They were very friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable and also helpful at every step. We had a truck carrying our luggage all along, running behind us all through the roads, making sure no one is left behind. Jigmet has a lot of local connections, so you will be well taken care of at camps and hotels (even Jain food, on request).
24 October 2020
Excellent
I had a wonderful trip with Thrillophilia. Hotel provided in Leh was clean and good. All sightseeing places covered as per itinerary. The camping stay at Nubra Valley and near Pangong lake was awesome. We enjoyed a lot and overall experience was great.
Bhushan Gandhi Sham Valley Trek
Excellent
The Sham Valley Trek was one of the most enjoyable treks I have undertaken in the last few years, and all the credit goes to Thrillophilia. The booking experience was extremely smooth and I would highly recommend this company for all your travels in the valley.
Excellent
Ladakh was the place I always wanted to visit for a long time, But this time I get this chance by traveling with Thrillophilia because this platform offers the best/affordable/organized package compared to other websites...The itinerary was rich all places we visited were well-selected...A breathtaking place I've ever seen in my life...All arrangement on this tour was spot-on...
Vishwamitra Johar Leh Ladakh Package From Mumbai
Excellent
Very interesting tour of my life! No place can beat Ladakh! I was in love with the place of the whole-tour...Our guide was nice, transportation was comfortable, the accommodations were nice so the food too...Overall it was a memorable experience...
Aashritha Mahajan Leh Ladakh Package From Mumbai
Superb
A tour to Ladakh was simply BIG WOW... Thank you for everything Thrillophilia... I highly recommend this tour to everybody...

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