Ladakh Explorer: This border region of Tibet is a vast valley of moorlands and rocks. Trekkers have made it their paradise. By Sacha Goussin Published on January 30, 2008, at 6:00 AM All we see are Tata trucks, from the largest Indian industrial group. For the past three days, we’ve been continuously crossing these large, colorful vehicles adorned with garlands of flowers. Three days of incessant horn blasts, which here serve as turn signals. Three days of zigzagging between cows, rickshaws, handcarts, and potholes. This bustling scene comes to a sudden halt in Darcha. It is here, in the silence of this village, at 3300 meters altitude, that our trek […]
Ladakh, India: Spoonfuls of Culture Alongside the Himalayas, its Ladakh cuisine is nourished by an immense amount of stories. A new generation is turning tradition into a tool for cultural resurgence. In the region of Ladakh, everything revolves around home, in all its senses. Even time itself moves to the rhythm set by the thap, the traditional clay oven still seen in many old Ladakhi homes. The first rays of light enter through strategically placed openings, illuminating the surface, warming it before cooking time, and turning the structure into a kind of sundial. As the day progresses, the light shifts, capturing the sinuous movement of steam, while the shadows of […]
Have you ever encountered a moment that defies explanation? Recently, I had such an experience that left me pondering long after it occurred. Back in January of this year, my friends and I embarked on the Chadar Trek, an adventure through the Zanskar Gorge. This trek is renowned for its challenges, as it is undertaken during the frigid winter months of January and February when the Zanskar River turns into a frozen pathway. Walking over the ice-covered river to reach the valley is no small feat, given the extreme cold and treacherous conditions. Yet, for trekking enthusiasts, it’s an exhilarating journey, offering a unique blend of adrenaline and natural splendor. […]
Memories and Traditions in Ladakh Over the past six years, I’ve had the fortune and joy of visiting Ladakh multiple times. I’ve come to appreciate how the people here embody a spirit of generosity and hospitality worthy of legend. The memories of my first journey are still vivid—the colorful flags fluttering in the wind, the scent of sage burning in temples, the sound of the breeze rustling through willow branches by the river, and the warmth of the expansive sky during the long summer. I was amazed to find that this community has embraced globalization within less than half a century. What surprised me is that despite accepting modernization, they […]
Vanishing Nomads : The World Through the Lens For centuries, the nomads of Karnak have navigated some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring yet unforgiving landscapes while tending to their herds. Will their time-honored traditions endure through the sweeping migrations that define their way of life? Tsering Stobdan demonstrated the art of using a yak-hair sling by placing pebbles inside and propelling them through the air with a deft flick of his wrist. He explained that this technique is crucial for safeguarding his livestock from predators and retrieving stray goats. It’s just one of the many skills he has perfected to thrive in this challenging environment. In contrast, at an elevation […]
To reach the Desert Rain Café in the heart of Leh, you must veer off the bustling main street that leads to the mosque and navigate a narrow passageway that runs parallel to the back alleys. These alleys are barely paved and so narrow that more than three people passing through at the same time is nearly impossible. The ruins of the Leh Palace loom over from the hilltop above. Entering through the back door of a building and climbing a steep staircase in traditional Himalayan style, you arrive at a small second-floor space overlooking Bazaar Street. As you step inside and remove your shoes, you’re greeted by a miraculous […]
Date & Venue: Location: Ladakh Dates: December 31, 2024 – January 14, 2025 Overview Welcome the Ladakhi New Year with joy and tradition. Losar, the Ladakhi New Year, is a time of festivity and cultural celebration. This 15-day event symbolizes the dispelling of negativity and the welcoming of prosperity and good fortune. During Losar, the entire region of Ladakh comes alive with vibrant celebrations. Friends and family visit each other’s homes, exchanging greetings and good wishes. Monasteries hold special prayer sessions, and the lighting of prayer lamps transforms houses, monasteries, stupas, and business establishments into a dazzling spectacle. The festival extends over nine days, featuring a variety of rituals and […]
When: December 25, 2024 Where: Across Ladakh Galdan Namchot heralds the New Year in Ladakh with joy and light. Honoring Je Tsongkhapa, the Tibetan scholar and Gelugpa sect founder, this festival sees every monastery, public building, and home aglow with lights. Butter lamps are lit, symbolizing light’s triumph over darkness. Delicious traditional foods are prepared, and families gather to share meals and festive cheer. Festive Highlights: Illumination: Every corner of Ladakh shines with lights. Butter Lamps: Symbolic of light prevailing over darkness. Feasting: Families and friends enjoy traditional delicacies together. Getting There: By Air: The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, just 1 km away. By Train: […]
Where: Chemrey Monastery When: November 21-22, 2024 Nestled in the serene landscapes of Ladakh, Chemrey Monastery stands as a testament to the region’s rich spiritual heritage. Established in 1664 by Lama Tagsang Ragspa in honor of King Sengge Namgyal, this ancient monastery has been a beacon of Tibetan Buddhism for centuries. King Deldan Namgyal and Queen Mother Skalzang Dolma, son and wife of Sengge Namgyal, were its prominent patrons. The monastery is renowned for its impressive two-storied statue of Guru Padmasambhava and its association with the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Every year, Chemrey Monastery comes alive with the Chemrey Wangchok Festival, celebrated on the 28th and 29th of the […]
Location: Thiksey Monastery, Ladakh Dates: November 18th – 19th, 2024 Festival Overview: Every year, the Thiksey Gustor Festival takes place in the 9th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, specifically on the 17th, 18th, and 19th days. This event is deeply rooted in the Gelukpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and is hosted by Thiksey Monastery. Highlights: Vibrant Mask Dances: Monks donning elaborate silk robes and masks depicting various deities perform traditional dances, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Intricate Sand Mandalas: Skilled monks craft sand mandalas representing Guyusamaja, Chakrasamvara, and Vajravairava deities. These intricate designs, made from millions of grains of colored sand, symbolize the divine abodes and serve as meditation aids. […]
