Monasteries of Ladakh

• Attend prayer Ceremonies
• Attend Buddhist Teachings
• Cultural Immersion
• Meditation Retreat
• Experience Local festivals

• Domestic fllights
• Anything not mentioned in the tour inclusion
• Transportation charge for personal use and an extra distance charge in case of any natural calamities
• Tips

• An experienced driver with Innova taxi, which includes multi-day sightseeing including airport pickup and drops
• Experienced and qualified monastery guide
• All accommodations with 2 times meals and refreshments
• Inner line permits fees
• All the entrances and monastery fees
• Oxygen cylinder for high passes journey
• A sim card to get in touch with your family and friends
• Customer support and guidance throughout the journey in English, French, Hindi and Malayalam.

Arrival in Leh/ Acclimatization Day

• Upon your Arrival at the Leh Airport, you will be guided to your accommodation of stay in Leh
• Spend the rest of your day at the hotel and acclimatize to the high altitude
• Optional visit to the Shanti Stupa. (A white-domed structure signifying world peace and harmony is located at the top of a small hill in Changspa and was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama)
• Overnight in Leh

Visit Spituk, Sankar Monastery, Hall of fame

• Visit the Spituk Monastery:
• 15th century monastery is 5 Km from Leh
• First Gelugpa monastery in Ladakh
• Visit to this religious enclave, see architectural brilliance & enjoy the serenity around
•  Visit the Hall of Fame:
• The  museum belongs to the Indian Army and showcases war memorabilia, war photos, arms & ammunition used in the war, military uniforms, seized belongings of the rival army, and much more
• Visit the Sankar Gompa:
• Located around 3 Km from Leh, the Sankar Gompa belongs to Gelugpa or Yellow hat sect of Buddhist and is an extension of the Spituk Monastery
• Also the residence of Kushok Bakula who is head of the Gelugpa Sect
• Please note that the visit to Sankar monastery would be scheduled as per the monastery open timings
•  Visit the Leh Palace:
• The Leh Palace is located at the edge of the captivating Namgyal Hill
• Its resemblance is to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The palace was built in the 16th century by Singe Namgyal, then the ruler of Ladakh
• The palace is built in medieval Tibetan-style architecture
• Overnight in Leh

Drive to Alchi; Visit Basgo Fort, Alchi & Likir Monastery

• Visit the Phyang monastery (6 Km from Leh):
• The Phyang Monastery belongs to the Drikung Kagyu sect of Buddhist
• The monastery was built in the 12th century by a lama Kunga Dragspa
• Inside the mostary you will find picturesque murals & paintings of Vajradhara and the five Dhyani Buddhas
• Witness the images of Vairicana and Shakyamuni (Gautam Buddha) who is revered as the founder of the world religion of Buddhism in the monastery
• Visit the Basgo fort:
• Although the fort is on ruins, it used to serve as a major landmark of Ladakh
• Within the perimeter of the Basgo Fort, you will find two ancient temples and a shrine that has images of Maitreya Buddha (believed to be the successor to the present Buddha, Gautama Buddha)
• Visit the Likir Monastery:
• The Likir Monastery was built in the 11th century, and is headed by the younger brother of HH Dalai Lama and once was the Bon center
• Gelugpa Sect
• It houses a museum that has a magnificent collection of ancient coins, armours, thanksas, seals, and several other antiques
• Visit the Alchi Monastery:
• Alchi monastery, popularly known as a monastic complex comprising 4 hamlets
• Gelugpa Sect
• Out of the 4 hamlets Alchi monastery is said to be the oldest and most famous
• Inside the monastery, you will find some of the oldest surviving paintings reflecting the artistic and spiritual details of both Buddhist and the Hindu kings of the time in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in Ladakh
• The Complex also has huge statues of Buddha and elaborate wood carving and art - work comparable to baroque style
• Overnight in the Alchi village

Drive to Leh; Visit Lamayuru and Rizong Monastery

• Visit the Lamayuru monastery & the Rizong Gompa:
• You will visit the monastery on the way back to Leh
• The monastery belongs to the Red-sector Drikung Kagyu of Buddhism and was built by Rinchen Zangpo who was the founder of Alchi Lotsava
• Within the monastery complex you can spot Dukhang or the Assembly Hall, where monks perform worship and ceremonies
• Visit The Rizong Gompa:
• The Gompa is known for its peace, tranquility and is a popular meditation ground among the religious preachers in Ladakh
• Gelugpa Sect
• The Gompa has numerous caverns that are ideal for meditation while being secluded from the rest of the world
• Overnight stay in Leh

Excursion to Matho, Stakna and Stok Monasteries,

• Visit the Matho Monastery (26 Km from Leh):
• The monastery is located on the banks of the Indus River. It was built in the 16th century and was founded by Lama Dugpa Dorjay
• It is the only establishment in Ladakh that was initiated by the Sakya-pa
• During late March or early April on the 14th and 15th day of the first Tibetan month, you can witness the annual Naghrang Festival
• Visit the Stakna Monastery:
• The Stakna monastery is located at a small hilltop which is shaped like a tigers nose hence the name “Stakna''
• This Pous monastery is home to a 7 ft gold-plated stupa of Buddha & you can get a 360 view of the Himalayan landscape from the monastery
• The monastery is home to about 30 monks of the Drukpa sect of Buddhism
• Visit Stok Monastery:
• After visiting Stakna monastery you will be driven to the Stok Monastery which is located in the Stok village
• The monastery is a part of the historic Stok Castle that was built by the King Tsepal Tondup Namgyal in the year 1825
• On the 9th and 10th day of the first Tibetan month, you can participate and enjoy the Guru Tshechu Festival that  involves monks from the Spituk Monastery performing sacred dances and oracle appearances
• Overnight stay in Hemis

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Excursion to Hemis, Takthok & Chemrey Monasteries

•  Visit the Hemis monastery:
• Built-in the 17th century and is located in the Indus Valley
• Drukpa Sect
• Boasts of a spectacular copper statue of Buddha and beautiful paintings, Stupas, articles, and amazing Thangkas depicting various aspects of Buddhist culture
• During the month of June-July, you can experience the Hemis festival which is a riot of colors and fiesta
• Enjoy the Chham Dance or the Mask Dance of Ladakh during the festival
• Visit the Chemrey Monastery:
• Witness the images of Stag-Tshang Raspa or the founder of the Hemis and Chemdry monasteries
• The monastery is adorned with ancient murals, paintings and artefacts that belong to the prehistoric era. The excursion will end with a drive back to Leh
•  Visit the Thakthog monastery:
• After visiting Hemis, you will visit the Thakth0g Monastery in Sakti village
• The monastery was once an earnest meditation ground of the Mahasiddhas
• The roof of the monastery is made of rocks due to which this holy enclave is also known as the Rock-Roof monastery
• The monastery serves as a home to around 55 lamas
• On the ninth and tenth day of the sixth month of the Tibetan calendar, celebrations including sacred dances are held at the monastery.
• Overnight stay in Sakti

 Excursion to Indus Valley; visit Shey Monastery & Thiksey Gompa

•  Visit Thiksey Gompa:
• You will drive to the Thiksey village to visit the Thiksey Gompa
• Gelugpa Sect
• The Gompa sits built on a hill that overlooks the entire Ladakh region
• Inside the monastery compound, witness  a 30 M high statue of the Maitreya Buddha
• Visit the Shey Monastery & Mahabodhi:
• The Shey palace is located in Shey village which was once the capital of Ladakh
• At Shey Monastery you will witness a gold-plated statue of the Sakyamani (Gautam Buddha) which was built in the year 1633 A.D.
• After spending some time exploring the monastery, head to Mahabodhi which is located en route to Leh
• Mahabodhi is the only centre in Ladakh where various meditation programs and ‘Dharma’ talks are conducted throughout the week in summer; except Sundays
• Overnight stay in Leh

Drive to Sabu; Visit the Deity of Holy Maitreya Buddha

• Visit the Sabu Oracle to visit the Deity of the holy Maitreya Buddha
• This site holds high historical significance as it was once a ground where the bodies of the defeated Mughal soldiers were offered during the medieval era
• With the completion of this visit, you will be driven back to Leh, the rest of the day will be spent at leisure.
• Stroll around the local market & buy souvenirs
• Overnight stay in Leh

Departure

•  Waking up in the morning, enjoy a heartfelt breakfast at the hotel and wind up all your luggage and belongings
• Your tour representatives will pick you from the hotel and drop you to the Leh Airport for your onward journey

What qualifications do our monastery guides for the monastery and cultural tours in Ladakh have?

 The monastery guides for the monastery and cultural tours in Ladakh are experiential and professionally qualified with  A-grade certifications from Ladakh Tourism Department, Ladakh Buddhist Association, and Ladakh Gonpa Association. These certifications ensure that the guides have extensive knowledge and understanding of Ladakh's cultural and religious heritage and are equipped to provide visitors with an authentic and meaningful experience. With their expertise, visitors can explore Ladakh's ancient monasteries and gain insights into the local way of life, customs, and traditions. So, you can rest assured that you will be in capable hands when you choose to embark on a monastery and cultural tour in Ladakh with us.

Guidelines: Do’s & Don’ts

• Always read the guidelines displayed at the entry point before entering an observatory.
• Take permission before clicking pictures of the locals.
• Smoking and other intoxicants should be avoided during tour.
• Wear a modest outfit during your visit to monasteries
• Always read the monastery guidelines before entering any monastery or a sacred place.
• Respect and greet the locals or monks with Jullay (pronounced joo-lay which means Hello).

Save the Himalayas: Follow leave no trace policy

• Advisable to carry a water bottle with a filter as you can refill it while travelling to any part of Ladakh.
• DZOMSA stalls are also available for refilling water bottles at just ₹7 per litre.
• Use reusable shopping bags in Leh market as plastics are totally banned in Ladakh.
• Always follow the rules and regulations of Wildlife protected areas of Himalayas
• Do not litter. Bring back your own trash.

Recommended Accommodations available

•   In Leh: Homestay, Guesthouse, Hotel, Resort
• In Alchi: Homestay, Guesthouse
• In Kharu: Homestay, Guesthouse, Hotel

 What is AMS?

Acute mountain sickness (AMS), is the negative health effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.

How to avoid AMS?

• Give your body enough time to adjust to the high altitude/acclimation
• Get enough sleep and eat healthy food
• Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol

If you suffer from any respiratory or health-related issues, please let the tour guide know before the start of the tour.

How is the mobile connectivity in Ladakh?

Only Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh registered pre-paid sims are serviceable in Ladakh. The following services providers/services are active in Ladakh:

• Airtel: Postpaid service
• Jio: Postpaid & pre on post-service
• BSNL: Postpaid service

You can buy and activate a new sim in Leh.

What things should I carry for the trip?

Following are the list of essentials that you should carry:

• Medicines such as Diamox, Aspirin/ Disprin, Candy bars
• Warm clothes and Thermals
• Sunglasses, sunhat & sunscreen
• Torch and power banks
• Water-bottles
• Backpack for Extra Luggage
• Warmer layers for the late August/September trips
• Soft kitbag for camping - please note that this trip is camping. A large, hard, wheeled suitcase is not recommended for camping. We suggest you bring a Sift kit bag.

How are the restaurants in  Leh?

You can find plenty of restaurants in Leh serving Ladakhi,  Indian, Kashmiri, Tibetan, Korean, Italian and continental food. There are always plenty of choices for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Please keep about £70-100 (US $110-160) for food.

Do try the Ladakhi cuisine like vegetable momos or thukpa during your time in Leh!

Booking and Cancellation Policy 

• Please refer Booking and Cancellation policy https://www.majesticladakh.com/bookingpolicy