The biggest festival of Leh Ladakh

Hemis Gompa is the wealthiest, best-known and biggest monastery (gompa) of Ladakh. It is located at 40 km west from Leh. The major annual festival of the monastery is Hemis festival which is celebrated in summer and is the main cause for its popularity. The major celebrations can be witnessed here at the biggest and wealthiest monastery of Leh Ladakh. Hemis monastery was built in 1630 during the reign of Sengge Namgyal, a well-known ruler of Ladakh. It flourished under the Namgyal dynasty for the royalty favored the Drugpa sect. Local people call this monastery as “Chang Chub Sam Ling”, which means the single place of the passionate.

Hemis Gompa

The monastery is divided into two parts, the assembly hall on the right and the main temple on the left. The hall Dukhang is also used as "green room" by the dancers during the festival. The temple is known as Tshogkhang. The varandahs have a surfeit of frescoes, among them the Buddhist 'wheel of life' (Kalachakra) and the lords of the four quarters, besides the prayer wheel.

The courtyard of Hemis Gompa, the biggest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh is the stage for the famous Hemis festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. He is said to be responsible for bringing Buddhism to Nepal and Ladakh. The occasion also celebrates the ancient victory of Lamaism over Shamanism and other religious practices.

Hemis Festival

Local people are seen dressed up in their finest traditional dress for the occasion. Lamas perform splendid masked dances and holy plays with cymbals, drums and long horns. The head lama presides over the function. This famous Thanka, richly decorated with pearls and semi-precious stones. A colorful fair of beautiful handicrafts is the special highlight of the festival. The fair is organized in the courtyard of the monastery.

The Hemis festival is celebrated for two days on the 10th and 11th day in the fifth month of the Tibetan calendar. Generally this festival is celebrated in the month of June. This year the Hemis Festival is going to be celebrated on 29th and 30th June. Tibetan Monkey year is celebrated after every 11 years. The Hemis festival takes an auspicious turn in the Monkey year, when the two-storey high 'Thanka' is displayed.

Ladakh – The Mecca for Adventure Lovers

Ladakh with its arid deserts and enchanting beauty happens to be a dream destination for all the adventure lovers, whose ultimate desire is to visit this enthralling place once in their lifetime.  From poets to painters, from tourists to trekkers, all have been captivated by the alluring beauty of Ladakh.

Though Ladakh has been an independent kingdom for centuries, Tibet and the Muslim neighboring lands have a strong influence on its culture. The architecture in Ladakh, especially the monasteries and the housing complexes bear a strong resemblance to those in Tibet. As Ladakh lies in the great Himalayan range, it has a unique climate and culture. About the climate; summer here is usually bright and warm, whereas winter can be harsh. Owing to its resemblance to Tibet, Ladakh is often called as the little Tibet.

Embarking on a trekking tour is the best way to fuse adventure and natural beauty of Ladakh. Trekking here is dubbed as a lifetime experience by those, who have surrendered to the enticing rugged terrain of this land.  Ladakh adventure is not restricted to just trekking, but also river rafting, cycling, village tour, walking, and bike expedition. The famous Trekking routes in Ladakh are Stok Kangri trek, Markha Valley, Alchi - Lamayuru Trek and Rupshu valley, Nubra Valley Trek, Spituk to Markha Valley, Lamayuru Gompa to Chilling, Likir to Temisgam, Spiti valley trek and Rupshu Valley trek. June to October is the ideal time for trekking adventure in Ladakh. With every nook and corner of Ladakh offers adventure enthusiasts new vistas to get indulged in activities such as cycling, white water, rafting, and mountaineering, polo, archery, Jeep and Yak Safari.

Mountaineering in Ladakh is yet another memorable experience. The terrain is known for its exigent peaks and alps, climbing on which promises an adrenalin rush. The popular mountaineering range here are Stokkkhangri,  Khangiri, Nun, Kun, Konglacha Peak, Kantaka, and Gulap Matho West and many more. It is advisable to take the permission of the India Mountaineering Federation in Delhi, before you embark on a mountaineering expedition.

Biking in Ladakh is a good option for adventure freaks. Bike safari is the best way to explore the inaccessible regions in Ladakh. Biking proves to be a thrilling experience, is it gives the tourist an opportunity to behold astounding glaciers and steep hills. Manali to Leh route is one of the famous routes to explore the beauty of Ladakh region.

Ladakh the land of Gompas, mesmerizes the tourists with its rugged terrains and a number of passes and barren rocks. It is undoubtedly the paradise for adventure lovers with plentiful activities to please ones adventurous spirit.

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Silk Route Cottage in Nubra Valley

Ladakh is an unparallel tourism destination for adventure lover tourists in India. It is located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. It is bounded by the mighty mountain ranges of the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram. The beautiful land of Ladakh draws a number of travelers and tourists from all over the world. Ladakh wins the heart of adventure tourists, nature lovers and religious interest tourists. Ladakh is known for cultural tours, adventure tours, fairs & festivals, monasteries, trekking, etc. Ladakh tours attract a number of adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. Trekking in Ladakh is a rewarding experience. There are many natural trekking routes in this region. Monasteries are one of prime attractions of Ladakh tours and travels.

Silk Route Cottage is located in a quaint village Sumur in the Nubra Valley to the north of Leh. It has a very large property with lush green fields and gardens. The only A Class property in Nubra Valley with attached toilets and showers for 24x7. The rooms are fitted with modern amenities and are very spacious & comfortable. The organic vegetables grown in the garden are used for preparing the meals.

There are lots to do in this little village, from village walks to visiting the Sumur Monetary and to raft down the Shyok River. You can enjoy Bactrian Camel Safari to hot springs and fulfill your desire by searching the hidden lakes. Hundar or Deskit Monetary is in two hours bike safari. You can learn how to paint Buddhist paintings. Tourists can visit a Yak farm where they can touch yak. Enjoy a traditional meal at a village home. Spend your time in visiting the local women alliance to learn about their self help group activities and experiencing a local cultural evening dressed in the traditional clothes.

Facilities: 14 Bamboo Cottages and 5 Tents with attached toilets, Sight Seeing/Travel desk, Car on hire, hot & cold shower, Telephone and post paid BSNL mobile, TV with multi-channels, Room service, Multi-cuisine restaurant, Open air restaurant, Village Handicraft Shop, Reception cum Library, Parking, Laundry.

Facilities on demand: Doctor on call, Cultural Show on demand, Bon fire on demand, Barbeque on demand, Room heating on demand.

Silk Route Cottage, Sumur in Leh Ladakh is a favorite and suitable place for Nubra ethnic camp in affordable budget. Tariff is not so high its charges are equivalent to guest houses of Leh.

Plan your vacation now, call us on 1800-103-2228 (toll free in India) or visit our website http://www.destination-doorstep.com/leh/ 

Effigy of the evil forces is burnt in Karsha Monastery

Ladakh Tourism provides the opportunity to know the ancient culture of northern hilly area of India. Various Ladakh packages for cultural tours are announced by the tour operators of India which will take you through the Buddhist monasteries in Leh Ladakh. Mostly festivals of Ladakh is celebrated in winter season, when tourists has to face many difficulties to reach there. Some festivals are held in summer.

One of the important festivals of the region is Karsha Gustor, which is celebrated in Karsha, Stok  and Spituk monasteries in Ladakh every year as their annual festival. Karsha monastery is situated on the top of the hill in Zanskar region of Ladakh. This year, the festival is going to be celebrated for two days on 16^th and 17^th July 2012.

The fate of predictions held in Stok is commonly known as Zanskar (Karsha Gustor). The layman is predictor of the future instead of reputed forecasters, who are commonly recognized for this job. The layman is spiritually authorized by the Lamas after a formal selection, and is prepared for receiving the spirit of the Holy Deity.

During the Karsha Gustor, a Black Hat Dance is performed. The significance of this dance is to force the evil forces to leave the region and to establish the victory of good over the evil. This is also a masked dance similar to Chhams. The festival is a famous festival of the Buddhists.

This is a Masked Dance that is performed by the Monks of the Geluk-pa order because the Zanskar (Karsha Gustor) Festival is typical to that order. The masked Hat Dancers symbolizes the guardian divinities (Dharmapalas), and is a kind of help by the Geluk-pa order.

The festival finishes with the distribution of the sacrificial cake. This is also known as the Storma. The concluding part of the Black Hat Dance during the Zanskar (Karsha Gustor) is killing of the evil force by the leader of the dancers, which is known as Argham.

The main feature of this dance is the re-enactment of the assassination of the Tibetan renegade, King Lang-dar-ma, by a Buddhist Monk. The king was said to be a traitor who lived in mid 9th century, and caused a lot of harm to the state. Effigy of the evil forces is burnt at the end of the festival.

Plan your vacation now, call us on 1800-103-2228 (toll free in India) or visit our website http://www.destination-doorstep.com/leh/

The Cuisine of Ladakh Draws a Number of Tourists

The delicious food of Leh Ladakh is almost the same as Tibetan food. Farmers in Ladakh practice farming of vegetables like potatoes, pumpkins, beetroots, beans etc. These vegetables are cooked in different ways. Non-vegetarian dishes like mutton and chicken are very common and are cooked in a variety. Trying nourishing and usually mildly flavored local food of Ladakh like Thukpa, Momos. Steamed dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetable can be a different experience, when you enjoy your LehLadakh tour in India. There are many restaurants in Ladakh where you can get Tibetan, Korean, Chinese and other international dishes of your choice. A variety of recipes for chicken and dumplings, from old-fashioned to low-fat and easy to cook is one of the most popular dishes of Leh Ladakh.

Ladakh serves a variety of Tibetan, Korean, Chinese, and Continental dishes. When it comes to the traditional food of Ladakh, the use of dry fruits (walnuts, almonds and raisins), spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, saffron, etc) and additive spices (Hing, Saunf, chillies and dry ginger) are a must to provide a pleasant aroma and flavor to the food.

Ladakh hosts the formal grand feast 'Wazawan' like other parts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Wazawan is a rich and delicious meal, consists of mostly non-vegetarian dishes. Vegetarian specialties are dam (potato and chaman), korma sag (made from the popular Dal Lake vegetable 'lak'), saag (made from thick-leafed green leafy vegetable 'hak'), lotus root and apricot jam and Ladakh also serves all the vegetarian dishes of India.

Non-Vegetarian Specialties are thukpa (noodles cooked in mutton soup), skieu (made with veggies, mutton and flour), yakhni and tabaq naat (made of fried ribs). There are several restaurants and hotels in Ladakh that are known for their specialties. Ladakh serves the choicest selection of vegetarian and non vegetarian meals. The rich and aromatic flavor of the cuisine of Ladakh draws a number of tourists from all over the world. The special gurgur tea of the snow desert is famous which is prepared by yak-milk and special spices for the tea.

Enjoy the delicacies and taste of Ladakh. Plan your vacation now, call us on 1800-103-2228 (toll free in India) or visit our website http://www.destination-doorstep.com/leh/

Accommodation in Nubra Valley – Ladakh

The Nubra valley is one of the best agricultural areas in Leh Ladakh. The Nubra Valley is known to the world for famous Silk Route along the banks of Nubra River. There are numerous hotels in Ladakh for comfortable accommodations. Hotel Karma Inn in Nubra valley is located just 1 km from the sand dunes of Hunder village in a very scenic and peaceful atmosphere amidst poplar and apricot trees. Hotel Karma Inn is nestled in the lap of Hunder, suitable for a peaceful and relaxed holiday. It is one of the best places for ethnic camp in the region. Nubra means orchard or garden, is a picturesque green valley. It has milder climate as compared to any valley of Leh Ladakh. Karma Inn Hotel is well known for its additional service like guiding tourists and helping them with other facilities.

Hotel Karma Inn provides furnished rooms with all modern facilities and comfort, fertile garden studded with multi-colored flowers, provide an opportunity to relax and experience the best of life. Through the windows of your room you can enjoy the panoramic view of Shyok River and sand dunes. Friendly staff makes sure that that you get whatever you need in time to lead a stress free life in the hotel. Hotel can arrange and advice you the best suitable route for sight-seeing and trekking in Ladakh.

All rooms of the hotel have attached bath-room with 24 hours running hot and cold water. They provide their special Ladakhi traditional food and Gurgur tea, a special tea of Leh Ladakh. Different types of International cuisines like Chinese, Italian, Tibetan and Indian are cooked by well trained and dedicated Chefs with international taste and standard.

Other facilities provided by the hotel are airport pick-up on request, laundry facilities, cultural- show on demand, travel help desk, doctor on call, in house generator and camel safari rides.

Tariff of the hotel is similar to any standard hotels in Ladakh. They have single and double room facility. They are providing extra bed on charge in pick season. Hotel is charging room rent in four categories; EP is simple room rent, CP is room rent with breakfast, MAP is room rent with breakfast and lunch, and fourth AP is room rent with tea, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Plan your vacation now, call us on 1800-103-2228 (toll free in India) or visit our website http://www.destination-doorstep.com/leh/

The Nubra Valley: Valley of Flowers

The Nubra Valley is called valley of flowers in Leh Ladakh. It was on the trading route of southern Asia and central Asia via the famous Karakoram Pass. This valley has been recently opened for the tourists of India and abroad. Nubra Valley is located in the north of Leh at the average height of about 10,000 feet above the sea level. Leh to Nubra Valley is one of the best trekking routes for jeep safari and trekking in Ladakh. The Khardong village, Khalsar and Deskit are the main villages of Nubra valley.

The valley is prime farming land in Leh Ladakh, but at the first glance it looks arid and dry area. Apples, apricots, barley and orange berries trees and plants can be seen in the valley as dotted areas of the Tsetalulu. Ancient gompas, ruined palaces and villages are very close to each other. So trekking in the valley becomes magnificent. Nature of the local people of Nubra Valley is very co-operative, friendly and hospitable.

The Nubra Valley is indeed a precious treasures of Leh Ladakh where people still living in the complete isolation for half of the year from rest of the world. The main attractions of the Nubra valley are Camel safari and sand dunes of the valley. Bactarian Camels (double hump Camel) can be seen around sand dunes. Camel safari is possible only in this valley throughout Leh Ladakh.

Other major attractions are hot water spring and Khardung la Pass (18,380 feet) above sea level. Tourists are advised to spend two to three nights in the valley. A permit is required to visit the valley which tourists have to handover the photocopies of the permit at North Pullu and South Pullu on Khardung la. The permit will allow you to visit the valley for seven days up to Panamik. Tourists have to submit photocopy of the permit while visiting near the bridge of Summer village.

The Jeep safari to Nubra valley leads you through Khardung la (the highest motor able road in the world) and beyond the pass is the wide, flat Nubra Valley, crisscrossed winds of the Shyok and Nubra rivers. The Diskit the administrative headquarter of the valley is about 150 km from Leh. Buses of state government and private companies are running frequently from Leh to Diskit. It is an advice to tourists to enjoy Jeep safari as it provides you the freedom to stop wherever you want to wait. The roads are under control of the Indian army. Sudden change in the climate and short term road blockage by snowfall are common. You should be prepared to face natural hazards while visiting Nubra Valley of Leh Ladakh.