Location: Diskit Monastery, Nubra Valley Dates: From October 30, 2024 To October 31, 2024 Immerse Yourself in the Deskit Gustor Festival Nestled in the scenic Nubra Valley, Diskit Monastery stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded by the venerable Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a direct disciple of Tsong-kha-pa, this monastery is both the largest and oldest in the region. Perched majestically on a hilltop, it commands a panoramic view of the valley and the Shayok River below. As a key site of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect, it is renowned not only for its historical significance but also for the vibrant celebration of the Deskit Gustor […]
Location Highlights: Kargil: Garkone, Darchik, Chanigond/Shilikchay, Karkichu Leh: Hundri, Turtuk, Lehdo, Saspol Event Overview: The Ladakh Tourism Department proudly presents the Apricot Blossom Festival, a vibrant celebration of local heritage, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s rich culture. Spanning from April 6 to April 18, 2024, this festival transforms the serene landscapes of Leh and Kargil into hubs of festivity. Throughout these dates, various locations in the valley will host day-long events where attendees can enjoy an array of activities. From lively cultural performances and traditional music to bustling markets and engaging games, there’s something for everyone. Witness the apricot trees in full bloom and explore the unique […]
Célébration : Festival de Leh Ladakh 2024 Le mois de septembre à Leh accueille une célébration vibrante de quatre jours, connue sous le nom de Festival de Leh Ladakh. Cet événement annuel, organisé par le département du tourisme, met en lumière le riche patrimoine culturel des diverses communautés et tribus du Ladakh. Les visiteurs peuvent profiter de danses et chants folkloriques traditionnels, de sports locaux palpitants comme le polo et le tir à l’arc, ainsi que d’expositions présentant des thangkas et de l’artisanat. Les danses monastiques, un festival culinaire et des dégustations de Chang local (alcool) viennent enrichir l’ambiance festive. La période du festival coïncide avec la saison des récoltes, […]
Where: Sani Monastery, Kargil When: 20 – 21 July 2024 Entry: Free Discover the Magic of Sani Nasjal Celebrate the enchanting Sani Nasjal festival at the historic Sani Monastery in Zanskar, Ladakh. This event takes place when the Guru Naropa Flower blooms, usually during the first week of August, but this year it will be held in July. The festivities are deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality, centered around the revered figure of Naropa, a prominent Indian yogi from the 10th-11th century. Event Highlights: Unveiling of the Naropa Statue: Witness the grand reveal of Naropa’s statue, a key moment of the festival. Mask Dances by Lamas: Enjoy the captivating mask […]
Festival Nomade : Organisé par l’Académie Culturelle du Ladakh et soutenu par le Département du Tourisme du Ladakh, ce festival vise à mettre en valeur la culture unique de la région du Changthang, en la plaçant fermement sur la carte touristique du Ladakh. Les visiteurs ont eu l’opportunité de s’immerger dans le mode de vie nomade authentique du peuple du Changthang, connu sous le nom de « Changpa » ou « Drokpa » en tibétain, signifiant respectivement « gens du nord » et « nomades ». Contrairement à d’autres communautés nomades, les Changpa prospèrent dans des paysages hostiles et inhabitables, inadaptés à l’agriculture, à l’abri de l’empiètement des agriculteurs sédentaires. […]
It seems that trees communicate and collaborate through an underground fungal network. What are they sharing? In her childhood, Suzanne Simard often explored the old-growth forests of Canada with her siblings, building forts out of fallen branches, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries, and sometimes even tasting the soil (she liked the taste). Nearby, her grandfather and uncles were engaged in low-impact logging with horses, selectively harvesting cedar, Douglas fir, and white pine. Because the number of trees felled was minimal, Simard barely noticed any difference. The forest seemed endless and ancient, a shimmering expanse of conifers and rain-drenched jewels, teeming with ferns and fairy bells. To her, it was a realm […]
Peter Matthiessen’s « Snow Leopard, » a renowned book on spiritual exploration in the Buddhist monasteries of the Himalayas, has reached its 40th anniversary since publication. His son, Alex, retraced that trek. Can one become an armchair Zen monk? It’s one of the questions posed by Peter Matthiessen’s great exploration, « Snow Leopard. » Among all the books I’ve read in my lifetime, especially in recent years, none has vividly captured Matthiessen’s acclaimed trekking journey, the « journey of the heart » to the ancient Tibetan plateau of Dolpo in the high Himalayas. Many believe this. Since its first edition in 1978, « Snow Leopard » has arguably inspired the paths of hippies and backpackers venturing beyond Kathmandu […]
On the longest day of last year, I visited what they call « the highest motorable road in the world. » But « road » might not be the right word. Nor is « pass. » Icicles hung from the mountainside, and along the winding path were memorials to soldiers who had « departed for heaven » after falling off the cliffs. The driver, with a red face and an indomitable spirit, crawled out of the rickety Toyota and began fiddling with the loose starter. This was not what I had hoped for at 18,350 feet. Pink fluid was leaking from the truck in front of us. It was hard to believe that 90 minutes ago, we had […]
In this delicate landscape, the eco-lodges of Ladakh continue to uphold a way of life. Here, we introduce five establishments that aim to provide eco-friendly, sustainable stays while addressing over-tourism and environmental degradation in this mountainous region. The Stok Palace Heritage Hotel in Ladakh, India, is still home to the Namgyal royal family, offering three suites to visitors. This 200-year-old residence stands as a testament to Ladakhi culture and art, nestled in one of North India’s most popular tourist destinations. PHOTOGRAPH BY HH JIGMED NAMGYAL By Charukesi Ramadurai August 28, 2023 Hotelier Rigzin Namgyal nostalgically recalls a time when only truly curious and adventurous people visited Ladakh. When this region […]
Have you ever tried to move penguins from Antarctica to the Arctic, or polar bears from the Arctic to Antarctica? This question feels a bit like fake news, but I’ll answer it anyway. It touches on my area of expertise, and I can’t ignore this kind of provocation. It’s an unfortunately reckless idea. However, regrettably, someone has already thought about it, at least regarding the polar bears. Let’s start from the beginning. Penguins are flightless birds, and in their environment, there are no natural land predators. They feel safe on land, and in Antarctica, nothing threatens them. But the situation in the Arctic is quite different. If penguins appeared in […]
