Ladakh Hemis Festival

Attend one of the most spectacular celebrations of ancient Tibetan Buddhism on earth.  Ladakh is one of the most scenic, welcoming places in the world. You will be the guest of local Ladakhi hosts who have been guiding JOURNEYS ecotravelers for 30 years On this special departure you will  attend the Hemis Festival, a celebration of the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, who is believed to have fought off demons to protect the local people.  The ceremony's rich colors, dances, drama and music are set against a backdrop of the high Himlayas and ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. You’ll explore seven different monasteries, visit the homes of local people, and camp in an apricot grove beneath an ancient palace. Your trip will build upon the good karma works of previous JOURNEYS adventurers whose travel supported monastery restoration, school and library construction, repair of monasteries, Buddhist prayer wheels, and other projects. This is a trip that can change your view of the world and your own culture.