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Tour into Zanskar |
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 India
Tours main page
Ladakh Tours main page |
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Tour highlights |
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This tour
offers an exciting overland journey to Zanskar where the first of the two
festivals is held. A visit to this secluded Shangri-la is a memorable experience
even if no major festival were to be part of this journey. Along with visits to other major monasteries of the region, the
tour accounts for one of the most dramatic overland festival tours spanning the
regions of the isolated Zanskar, the Suru Valley and the Indus river valley.
Karsha Gu-stor festival, commemorating the victory of good over evil, takes
place at the largest Geluk-pa, Yellow Hat, monastery in Zanskar. It is also
Zanskar's largest in terms of resident monks, counting more than 100 lamas. The
monastery is built on a steep mountainside rising above the village of Karsha, a
spectacular site some 12 kilometers from Padum, Zanskar's ancient capital.
Gu-stor sacred dances or 'chhams' are held to commemorate the birthday of
Tsongkha-pa, the founder of the Geluk-pa monastic order.
The
victory of Black hat dancers over evil.
Gustor literally means 'Sacrifice of the 29th day'. it is traditional to the
monasteries of the reformist Geluk-pa order of Tibetan Buddhism. This two-day
ling festival is held mainly in the Spituk, Thiksay and Karsha (Zanskar)
monasteries, at different times every year.
The celebration ends with the dismemberment and dispersal of the 'Storma'
(sacrificial cake) by the leader of the Black Hat dancers in a ceremony called 'Argham'
of 'Killing'. This symbolizes the destruction of all forms of evil. And also
re-enacts the assassination of the Tibetan apostate King Lang-dar-ma, by a
Buddhist monk in the mid 9th century. In some monasteries, an effigy symbolizing
the strong forces of evil is burnt at the end of the festival. The masks worn by
the dancers represent the guardian divinities (Dharmapalas) of the Buddhist
pantheon, and the patron divinities of the Geluk-pa order. |
Itinerary:
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Day 1 |
Early
morning flight Delhi to Leh, transfer to hotel and rest.
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Day 2
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Morning
sightseeing - Shanti Stupa, and Sangkar and Tsemo Gompas; afternoon rest.
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Day
3
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Day trip to
Hemis gompa, with stops to see Matho and Stakna monasteries
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Day
4
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Start
to Zanskar, stop at Likir and Alchi monasteries, night in Uletokpo Camp.
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Day
5
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Continue to Lamayuru,
see Lamayuru Gompa; night
in camp. |
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Day
6
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Continue to Zanskar,
through Kargil, via Suru Valley to Rangdum Gompa;
night in camp. |
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Day
7 |
Arrive in Karsha;
night in camp. |
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Day
8 |
Karsha
Gu-stor |
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Day
9 |
Karsha
Gu-stor |
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Day
10 |
Day
trip to Zangla |
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Day
11 |
Day
trip to Bardan Gompa |
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Day
12
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Start on return journey back to Leh,
stop at Mulbek for the night. |
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Day
13 |
Continue
back to Leh.
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Day
14 |
Full day
at your own leisure. |
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Day
15 |
Return flight to Delhi; depart India. |
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What's included & What is not: |
Included
in Land Cost:
-Accommodation on twin sharing basis
-Full support in camps (sleeping bag not included)
-breakfasts & dinners while in Leh (private
tour)
-All meals en route to/from Zanskar.
-All transfers / transportation per itinerary
-Services of knowledgeable English speaking guide
-Monument entrance fees
Excluded
from Land Cost:
-International ticketing
-India domestic airfare
-Airport tax & Excess baggage charges
-Personal expenses - laundry, room service, phone
calls, etc.
-Medical, Evacuation and Trip Cancellation
Insurance.
-Any
or all other services not mentioned above.
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Festival Date:
July 11-12, 2007
Group Tour:
15 days / 14 nights
Jul 4 - 18, 2007
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Group Size |
6
to 10 Persons |
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Costs |
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Group Tour:
$899 Per Pax
Private Tour:
Quote on Request
2 pax from:
$1199 Per Pax
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If you'd like to customize
this itinerary & run it as
your own Private Tour on
dates you select, email us! |
Specializing in itineraries for
couples! |
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Difficulty Level |
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n/a |
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