The Mandala Pilgrimage

26 June SAT Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi. Met at the airport and transfer to hotel for the night.



27 June SUN Delhi

After breakfast, go for a drive-by of New Delhi – the Rashtrapati Bhawan (official resident of the President of India), Parliament House and India Gate complex.



Later visit Akshardham. Apart from being a Hindu temple and built only in 2005, the Akshardham is a spiritual cum cultural campus highlighting Hindu spiritual messages, vibrant devotional traditions and ancient architecture through its architecture.

Drive back to hotel for an early evening in. Overnight at hotel.



28 June MON Delhi–Leh

Transfer to airport in time for flight to Leh. Met upon arrival and transfer to hotel Check in and later a tour briefing is given. Day at leisure for acclimatization to the high altitude. This is highly necessary to get your body ready for the rest of the tour. In the evening, a short walk to the main bazaar will be possible.

Dinner and overnight at hotel



29 June TUE Leh and surroundings

After breakfast at hotel, go for a half day visit and start with the Sankar monastery. This is on the outskirts of Leh and is well known for the Kushok (head lama lineage). Visit the Shanti Stupa and get a beautiful bird’s eye view of the Leh city. Later drive over to Spitok for the first glance of the Mandala in the making (depending on your dates of travel). A knowledgeable Lama will explain the importance of Mandala in Buddhist philosophy and why it is being made.

Afternoon free to visit the local areas – an option would be the Leh Palace and the Tsemo monastery on the hill, overlooking Leh.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.



30 June WED Leh – Thikse and Hemis Festival

After an early breakfast at the hotel, leave for the main morning prayers at Thikse monastery’s Lhakhang. After the ceremony, visit the entire monastery. This is one of the largest Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) monasteries in Ladakh. Drive over to Hemis and spend the considerable part of the day participating in the festival (generally end June / first week of July). The masked dances – depicting the fight of Guru Padmasambhava over the evil forces are fascinating. The basic theme is the triumph of Good over Evil. This coincides with the birth of Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche as he is known as. After the completion of the dances and the festival itself, return to Leh.



Enroute stop at the rock carvings of the five Dhayani Buddhas. They are celestial Buddhas whom we visualize during meditation and represent various aspects of the enlightened consciousness. They are our guides to spiritual transformation.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.



1 July THU Leh – Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – Lamayuru and Alchi

Checkout from hotel after breakfast and after leaving majority of the baggage at the hotel itself, leave for a visit to the Sham valley – along the River Indus. Drive first to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. This is a Sikh temple dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev ji. It is said that Guruji visited Ladakh and was meditating at this place when the demons rolled down large boulders to kill him. However on contact the boulder seemed to melt like wax, and formed an indent of the Guruji’s back – which till date is on display at the temple.



Continue onwards Lamayuru and drive along the riverside villages of Nimoo, Nurla, Khaltse. Stop at the ruins of palaces at Bazgo. Lamayuru, is a spectacular monastery in a forlorn location high up in the barren mountains. One of the most photogenic buildings, this monastery dates back to nearly the 11th century when the learned Naropa sat in a cave and meditated. The holy place is where Rinchen Zhangpo built five small temples which form the monastery today. Our learned guest lama ji will explain the main teachings of this learned sage. The surroundings are so surreal as it has often been compared to “moonscape”.



Drive back to the Indus valley and along the river to Alchi. First check in and refresh at your accommodation before crossing the river to reach the beautiful Alchi monastery in the middle of the fields. Alchi is the oldest standing monastery (9–10th century) in Ladakh and is a treasure house of frescos and statues. The building itself is totally different from all other monasteries in all of Ladakh and Tibet as it was made by Kashmiri artisans. At this monastery, you will get to understand the powerful Bodhisatva – Avlokiteshwara. The main discourse will be the true understanding of the most powerful mantra of Mahayana Buddhism – On Mane Padme Hum. Return to your accommodation for the night and dinner in a fruit orchard under the stars.



2 July FRI Alchi – Rizong - Alchi

Breakfast at camp / hotel. Later drive to Rizong – a very beautiful and secluded monastery. This monastery belongs to Gelugpa or Yellow Hat sect of Buddhism. Hidden in the mountain folds this place of learning also has a nunnery. The monks residing in this monastery cannot own anything except books. Visit the seat of learning and the various religious shrines which are part of the complex.

Drive back to Alchi for dinner and overnight



3 July SAT Alchi– Phyang – Leh

After breakfast checkout and drive to Phyang. Phyang too is beautifully set amidst with barren mountains as a backdrop. This picturesque monastery belongs to the red hat sect of Buddhism and a well-known seat of learning. The belongings of the temple include hundreds of wooden and bronze statues of Buddhist gods and goddesses, as well as a large number of Thankas. The largest Thanka in all of Ladakh is housed here and is unfurled once in 3 years.



The nunnery here is one of the largest in Ladakh. Our learned guide will speak about the Universal Truths and the four Noble truths. Drive to Leh for dinner and overnight



4 July SUN Leh – Spitok – Leh

Breakfast at hotel and later leave for Spitok monastery to see the final preparations of the Mandala being made. This day visit the complete monastery – with special emphasis on the Mahakaal (Vajrabhairava) room – at the very top of the monastery area. This monastery has thebiggest collection of thangkas, paintings and other ancient artefacts – which is a delight for all culture lovers.



A special Buddhist prayer ceremony will be organized for the general well-being of the group members and their families within the monastery premises.

Return to Leh for the afternoon at leisure.



5 July MON Leh – Stok Palace – Matho – Leh

After breakfast, head to the Stok Palace - the residence of the last king of Ladakh. Part of the palace has been turned into a museum and one can see the royal artifacts, dresses and the crown itself. Continue onwards to a unique monastery – Matho. This belongs to the White Magic sect of Vajrayana and is very famous for its oracles. Appearing at the time of the monastery festival time, the predictions made by these oracles are generally true. The monastery is built on the top of a hill and the views from there are expansive.

Return to Leh. Dinner and overnight at hotel.



6 July TUE Leh – Nubra

Breakfast and later leave for the valley of Nubra – north of Leh. This involves crossing the highest motorable road – Khardungla to a barren but exceptionally beautiful high-altitude desert area. The sand dunes at this dessert location were once part of the famed silk route. The Bactrain camels with the signature double humps are native to this area.



Arrive in the valley and it is eerie to see the massive sand dunes at this arid desert. Drive to Hunder village and check in at your deluxe camp amidst apple and apricot orchards.



Fancy a camel ride at this altitude? The short ride on these camels is an unique experience. The views of the barren snow-covered mountains are simply breath taking.

Overnight at your camp.



7 July WED Nubra

After breakfast return to Diskit Monastery for morning prayers. Visit the Diskit Monastery. This 14th century monastery belongs to the Gelugpa order – that is the yellow hat sect of Buddhism . The monastery is known for its vast collection of murals and display of frescoes. Then visit the massive statue of Maitreya Buddha right atop the monastery. You can get breathtaking panoramic views of the Nubra Valley from the base of this statue. Spend some time taking in the gorgeous views of the Nubra Valley from the base of Maitreya Buddha statue.



Spend rest of the day amidst the fruit orchards on Hunder. Day free to enjoy the remote area and it’s beauty. Return to your camp for dinner and overnight.



8 July THU Nubra – Leh

Morning is free at the valley and to enjoy this unique eco system. The photographer’s delight, it is the people of Nubra who make the visit an absolute pleasure. Visit the village and explore the lifestyle of these simple people. In the afternoon return to Leh. Evening is free for last minute souvenir shopping or just strolling through the quaint town.







9 July FRI Leh – Delhi – Agra

Transfer to airport in time to board your flight for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and leave from the airport for a 2.5 hrs drive for Agra. Arrive Agra and proceed to the hotel. Time permitting, visit the Taj by sunset. It is said that this is one of the best times to visit the monument.



10 July SAT Agra – Delhi airport

After breakfast leave for the Taj Mahal, this time with a guide. Visit the Fort before driving to Delhi airport in time for your flight back home.