Duration: 10 days. Destinations: Ladakh Himalaya ( India ) Activities: Cultural Exploration Date: 18th & 19th November 2005
Thiksey Gustor:
Gustor literally means “Sacrifice of the 29 th dat. It is traditionally to the monasteries of the reformist Gelukpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. This two day long festival is held mainly in the Spituk, Thiksay and Karsha Zanskar) monasteries at different times of the very year. The celebration end with the dismembered and dispersal of the Torma (Sacrificial Cake) by the leader of the Black hat dancers in a ceremony called “ Argham” or “klling”. This sybolise the destruction of all form of evil. And also re-dnacts the assassination of the Tibetan apostate King Lang-Darma, by a Buddhist monk in the mid 9 th century. In some monasteries, an effiy sybolising the stronger forces of evil is burnt at end of the festival. The mask worn by the dancers represent the guardian divinities(harmapalas) of the Buddhist pantheon, and the patron divities of the Geluk-pa order. The hiksay monastery about 20 km south of Leh. This Gonpa is situated on the top the hill and part of Geluk-pa order. The disciple of “Jamgon sokapa, Sherab Zangpo” of stod, first built the temple of Stkmo Lakhang at top the Thiksay Alley. Then Paldan Sharab nephew of Sherab Zangpo, founded Thiksay monastery. Here are sacred shrine and many precious to be seen. The successive reincarnation of Skabjay Khanpo Rinpoche act as in charge of the monastery. The Thiksay Gustor (Festival) held in 17 th , 18 th and 19 th day of the 10 th “ month of Tbetan lunar calendar. There are chance to see prayer in the early morning.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY :
Day 01: Arrival at Leh airport and drive to Hotel. Rest day for acclimatize.
Day 02: Half day sightseeing to Samkar, Shanti Stupa and Tsemo monasteries. O/N Hotel in Leh.
Day 03: Drive to day 1 st Thiksay festival to witness mask dance and while coming back visit the Shey palace. O/N Hotel in Leh
Day 04: Drive to day 2 nd festival at Thiksay and after that we will drive to visit Stakna monastery. O/N Hotel in Leh.
Day 05: After breakfast we will drive to Saboo village which is 6 km away from Leh and we will witness perform of oracle. We will serve with cup of tea there from family. After back to Leh for lunch. After lunch we will drive to visit the Spituk and phyang monasteries. O/N hotel in Leh.
Day 06: Full day sightseeing to Hemis, Matho and Dakthok monasteries. O/N Hotel in Leh.
Day 07 : Today we will go for two days trip out of Leh; we will drive upto Lamayuru after visit the Lamayuru we will drive back to same route to Alchi via visiting Rizong monastery. O/N Alchi family guesthouse.
Day 08: After breakfast we will visit Alchi Choskor and drive back to Leh via visiting Likir and Basgo palace. O/N Hotel in Leh.
Day 09: Rest day or shopping day
Day 10: Early morning transfer to Leh airport and fly back to Delhi .
