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Ladakh’s calendar runs on the Tibetan lunar year, so most Leh events and festivals shift dates each year, usually by a few weeks. The two big ones are the Hemis Festival in late June or early July and the Ladakh Festival in the first half of September. This Leh events and festivals guide lists the dates, locations and what to expect, and pairs with the best time to visit Leh guide for planning around the crowds. For the full town overview, see the Leh travel guide.
Leh Events and Festivals: Summer (June to August)
Hemis Festival
The Hemis Festival is the largest celebration in Ladakh, held over two days at Hemis Monastery, 45km south of Leh, in late June or early July on the 10th day of the fifth Tibetan lunar month. Monks in elaborate masks and silk robes perform the Cham dance in the monastery courtyard while a giant thangka is unfurled every 12 years (next in 2028). Thousands of visitors attend, so book transport and arrive by 8am to get a seat in the courtyard. Entry to the festival is included in the monastery ticket, about Rs 100.
Sindhu Darshan Festival
Sindhu Darshan is a three-day festival held in early June at Shey, about 15km from Leh, on the banks of the Indus river. It was started to honour the Indus and draws delegates from across India who carry water from their home rivers to pour into it. Expect cultural performances, a small bazaar and a relaxed, local crowd. There is no entry fee, and you can reach Shey by the local bus for about Rs 30.
Phyang Tsedup
Phyang Tsedup is a one-day masked dance at Phyang Monastery, 17km west of Leh, usually in July or August. The dances retell the victory of good over evil and are far less crowded than Hemis, which makes them easier to photograph. Entry is free, and the monastery’s 900-year-old murals are worth the trip on their own.
Leh Events and Festivals: Autumn (September to November)
Ladakh Festival
The Ladakh Festival runs from 1 to 15 September and opens with a procession through Leh in traditional dress, followed by polo matches at the Polo Ground, archery contests and folk dances at Leh Palace and the open-air theatre. It is the best single window to see Ladakhi culture if you missed the summer monastery festivals. Most events are free to watch, and the dates coincide with good weather before the passes close. Book accommodation early with the where to stay in Leh guide.
Ladakh Marathon
The Ladakh Marathon is held in the second week of September and bills itself as one of the highest road marathons in the world, starting at about 3,500 metres. Distances run from a 7km fun run up to the full 42.2km, with a separate Khardung La challenge at 5,359 metres. Register online months ahead if you want to run, and note that the course is entirely on paved roads with little shade. Even if you do not run, expect road closures in town on race morning.
Thiksey Gustor
Thiksey Gustor is the annual masked dance festival at Thiksey Monastery, 19km south of Leh, usually in October or November. It ends with the burning of an effigy that represents the destruction of negativity. It is smaller than Hemis but easy to reach by shared taxi or the Leh-Manali road bus. Entry is about Rs 50.
Leh Events and Festivals: Winter and Spring (December to May)
Losar (Ladakhi New Year)
Losar, the Ladakhi and Tibetan New Year, falls in late December or January and is celebrated in homes and monasteries with butter lamps, prayers and family feasts. The Leh Palace and the monasteries hold ceremonies, and some families open their homes to visitors. It is a quiet, authentic time to be in Leh, but expect most hotels to be closed and flights to be the only way in. See the Leh weather by month guide for winter conditions.
Dosmoche
Dosmoche is Leh’s winter festival, held over two days in February at Leh Palace and in the market below. Monks perform masked dances to drive out evil spirits, and the festival ends with the burning of a large effigy. It falls in the depths of winter, so dress for temperatures down to -14°C and confirm the exact dates locally, since they follow the lunar calendar. For winter travel logistics, see the Leh travel tips and FAQ page.
Stok Guru Tsechu
Stok Guru Tsechu, in February or March at Stok Palace, 17km from Leh, is unique because two lay oracles enter a trance and give predictions for the coming year. The event runs for two days and is one of the few chances to see this tradition outside Tibet. There is no fixed ticket; a small donation is customary.
For more on the town itself, see the Leh neighborhoods guide and the things to do in Leh list.
