Thiksey Gustor Festival, Ladakh
Thiksey Gustor Festival is a vibrant celebration held at the Thiksey Monastery, a renowned tourist attraction in Ladakh[1]. This festival, belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, is a two-day event filled with rituals, ceremonies, folk music, and traditional dances. The monastery, the largest in central Ladakh, is known for its 15-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, the largest statue in Ladakh.
How to Reach
By Air The nearest airport to Ladakh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. It is well connected with major cities like Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu.
By Train The closest railway station to Ladakh[2] is in Jammu, which is approximately 700 kilometers away from Ladakh. From Jammu, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ladakh.
By Road Ladakh is well connected by road with Srinagar and Manali. The Srinagar-Leh highway is usually open from June to October, while the Manali-Leh highway remains open from June to September.
2 Days Itinerary
- Day 1: Start your day with a visit to the Thiksey Monastery[3]. Participate in the morning prayer and witness the monks recite the Buddhist sutras. Spend the day exploring the monastery and attending the various ceremonies of the Thiksey Gustor Festival.
- Day 2: Attend the famous masked dances, called Chhams, performed by the traditional Black Hat Dancers. Participate in the sacrificial ceremony, Argham, where the Black Hat Dancers cut the Torma or sacrificial cake. End your day by witnessing the burning of effigies symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Get Around
Local taxis and shared cabs are available for getting around Ladakh. For a more adventurous experience, you can rent a bike.
Things to Do
Apart from attending the Thiksey Gustor Festival, you can explore the beautiful landscapes of Ladakh, visit other monasteries, and try local Ladakhi cuisine.
Offbeat Places
Visit the Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Khardung La Pass for an offbeat experience in Ladakh.
Do
Try your hand at trekking, mountain biking, and river rafting in Ladakh. Also, don’t miss out on a camel safari in the Nubra Valley.
Fairs and Festivals
Ladakh is known for its colorful fairs and festivals. Apart from Thiksey Gustor, other notable festivals include the Hemis Festival[4], Ladakh Festival, and Losar Festival.
Shopping
Ladakh is famous for its Pashmina shawls, Tibetan handicrafts, and Buddhist masks. The Main Bazaar in Leh is a popular shopping destination.
Food
Try local Ladakhi cuisine such as Thukpa (noodle soup), Momos (dumplings), and Chang (a local brew).
Stay
There are numerous hotels and guesthouses available in Ladakh catering to different budgets. Homestays are also a popular option, providing an opportunity to experience local culture and cuisine.
Go Next
After exploring Ladakh, you can head to other beautiful destinations in Jammu and Kashmir like Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Gulmarg.
References
- ↑ https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/festivals/twoday-annual-monastic-festival-thiksey-gustor-concludes-in-leh-101637726160683.html
- ↑ https://homegrown.co.in/homegrown-explore/celebrate-the-triumph-of-good-over-evil-at-a-masked-tibetan-festival-in-ladakh
- ↑ https://www.skymetweather.com/content/lifestyle-and-culture/8-reasons-why-winters-are-the-best-time-to-visit-ladakh/
- ↑ https://www.indiatodayne.in/visualstories/webstories/discover-ladakhs-a-travelers-guide-to-the-must-visit-places-84581-26-12-2023
External links
Official website of Ladakh