FestivalCelebrations
Experience the vibrant festivals of Ladakh, where ancient Buddhist traditions come alive with masked dances, colorful ceremonies, and joyous celebrations that have been observed for centuries.
Major Festivals
10+
Peak Season
Jun - Sep
Major Festivals
Plan your visit around these spectacular celebrations
Hemis Festival
Hemis Monastery • 2 days
The largest and most famous festival in Ladakh, celebrating the birth of Guru Padmasambhava. Features spectacular Cham dances with elaborate masks and costumes.
Highlights:
Significance: Birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava
Losar (New Year)
Throughout Ladakh • 15 days
The Ladakhi New Year celebration, marked by family gatherings, special foods, prayers, and cultural performances. Houses are decorated and new clothes are worn.
Highlights:
Significance: New Year celebration
Ladakh Festival
Leh • 15 days
A government-organized festival showcasing Ladakhi culture, including traditional sports, music, dance, and crafts. Great opportunity for cultural immersion.
Highlights:
Significance: Cultural showcase
The Sacred Cham Dance
Cham is a sacred masked dance performed by Buddhist monks during festivals. These elaborate performances depict stories from Buddhist mythology, with dancers wearing colorful costumes and ornate masks representing various deities and demons.
Masks
Elaborate papier-mâché masks representing deities, demons, and protective spirits
Costumes
Colorful silk brocade robes with symbolic patterns and colors
Music
Traditional instruments including drums, cymbals, and long horns (dungchen)
Symbolism
Each dance tells a story of the triumph of good over evil
More Festivals
Other celebrations throughout the year
FebruaryDosmoche Festival
Leh & Likir
A festival to ward off evil spirits for the coming year. Features Cham dances, the burning of effigies, and elaborate rituals.
Duration: 2 days
JuneSindhu Darshan
Shey
A festival celebrating the Indus River, promoting national integration. Features cultural programs and a ceremonial worship of the river.
Duration: 3 days
October/NovemberThiksey Gustor
Thiksey Monastery
Annual monastery festival featuring sacred Cham dances and religious ceremonies. The monastery comes alive with color and ritual.
Duration: 2 days
Festival Calendar
Plan your visit around major celebrations
Jan
Losar (New Year)
Feb
Dosmoche Festival
Mar
-
Apr
-
May
-
Jun
Hemis Festival
Sindhu Darshan
Jul
Hemis Festival
Aug
-
Sep
Ladakh Festival
Oct
Thiksey Gustor
Nov
Thiksey Gustor
Dec
Losar (New Year)
* Festival dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar and vary each year. Check exact dates before planning.
Festival Etiquette
Respectful tips for attending festivals
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting monasteries
Ask Permission
Always ask before photographing monks or ceremonies
Show Respect
Remove shoes and hats inside prayer halls
Stay Quiet
Maintain silence during prayers and rituals
Arrive Early
Popular festivals draw large crowds
Offerings
Small donations to monasteries are appreciated
Clockwise
Walk clockwise around religious sites
Accept Hospitality
Graciously accept food and butter tea offered
Experience Ladakh's Living Traditions
Plan your visit to coincide with these spectacular cultural celebrations.