Monastery festivals of Ladakh are a significant aspect of the cultural calendar in Ladakh, steeped in Buddhist tradition and history. These festivals have been an integral part of life in the region for centuries, serving not only as spiritual gatherings but also as markers of the seasons for the local population.
Typically held in various gompas (monasteries) throughout the year, these festivals attract numerous local pilgrims who dress in their finest Goncha, the traditional attire of Ladakh, adorned with jewelry and, in some cases, hand-held prayer wheels. Early in the morning, attendees gather in the monastery’s spiritual courtyard to participate in the festivities.
The celebrations feature a rich array of performances, including traditional music played by monks using instruments such as drums, conch shells, cymbals, and the large Dungchen trumpet. Accompanying this music are sacred dances known as Chams, performed by monks in colorful robes and elaborate masks that depict Buddhas and various Dharma Guardians. Unlike other festivals, the atmosphere at these gatherings is deeply spiritual and reverent.
Visitors to Ladakh have the unique opportunity to experience these vibrant monastic festivals, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
| Festival Name | Location | Dates 2025 | Dates 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spituk Gustor | Spituk Monastery | 27-28 Jan | 16-17 Jan |
| Dosmochey | Leh, Likir, Diskit | 26-27 Feb | 15-16 Feb |
| Stok Guru Tsechu | Stok Palace | 08-09 Mar | 25-26 Feb |
| Matho Nagrang | Matho Monastery | 13-14 Mar | 02-03 Mar |
| Shey Doo Lhoo | Shey Monastery | 29 Mar | 18 Mar |
| Saka Dawa | All over Ladakh | 11 Jun | 31 May |
| Sindhu Darshan | Near Shey village | xx-xx Jun | xx-xx Jun |
| Yuru Kabyat | Lamayuru Monastery | 22-23 Jun | 13-14 Jun |
| Hemis Tsechu | Hemis Monastery | 05-06 Jul | 24-25 Jun |
| Shachukul Kabgyat | Shachukul Monastery | 12-13 Jul | 02-03 Jul |
| Stongde Gustor | Stongde Monastery | 12-13 Jul | 02-03 Jul |
| Phyang Tserup | Phyang Monastery | 22-23 Jul | 12-13 Jul |
| Karsha Gustor | Karsha Monastery | 22-23 Jul | 12-13 Jul |
| Korzok Gustor | Korzok Monastery | 27-28 Jul | 17-18 Jul |
| Takthok Tsechu | Takthok Monastery | 04-05 Aug | 24-25 Jul |
| Sani Naro Nasjal | Sani Monastery | 08-09 Aug | 28-29 Jul |
| Ladakh Festival | Leh town | 21-24 Sep | xx-xx Sep |
| Diskit Gustor | Diskit Monastery | 19-20 Oct | 08-09 Oct |
| Thiksey Gustor | Thiksey Monastery | 08-09 Nov | 28-29 Oct |
| Chemrey Wangchok | Chemrey Monastery | 18-19 Nov | 07-08 Nov |
| Galdan Namchot | All over Ladakh | 14 Dec | 03 Dec |
| Ladakhi Losar (New Year) | All over Ladakh | 20 Dec | 09 Dec |