JULY 2017 : INDIA : DAY 7 : Rumbak - day walk towards Stok La (acclimatisation)

 

 

Acclimatisation in Rumbak Valley

Early morning cuppa delivered by Padam and Lobzang

Warm water for bathing

Mule trains passing

A walk through the nearby village of Rumbak, a popular homestay destination

Lots of activity in the surrounding barley and mustard seed fields

Yak/cows

A walk towards Stok La

A snow leopard trap, used to protect local stock.The snow leopard is then taken by rangers to another part of the park

Looking towards Stok La

Returning to Rumbak, Nawang had a surprise visit into one of the homes.

We were taken into a kitchen/ dining area.

We were served local delicacy of butter tea and Ladakhi barley breakfast

An interesting day with just enough exercise to prepare us for our first climb tomorrow.

M

JULY 2017 : INDIA : DAY 5 : Leh - Hemis Festival

 

 

Hemis Monastery is the largest and best-known gompa in Ladakh. It is 40 kms from Leh. It was built in 1630.The festival falls on the 10th day (Tse-Chu) of the Tibetan lunar month.The head lama presides over the festival.

Only four of us returned on Day 2 and we had front row seats in the main courtyard.

The musicians trumpet in a new day of the festival

Day 2 even more wrathful than the first!

Black hats

The Five Tehog Len, who work against Buddha's dharma and peace

Final dance - Mahe Dongchan - Buffalo Face - destroys an effigy of those who have comitted the ten most destructive crimes.

And when we returned to the hotel, an impromptu folk dancing presentation in the garden..

A very cultural day!

M

JULY 2017 : INDIA : DAY 4 : Leh - Hemis Festival

 

 

Today was the first day of The Hemis Festival.This commemorates the Indian sage, Padmasambhava, who introduced Tantric Buddhism to this area in the 8th century.There are dances depicting Padmaambhava's life and the moral victory of knowledge over ignorance - and a huge bazaar.

Driving to Hemis - about 45 mins from Leh.

Many tourists and locals attend the festival 

The impressive main courtyard at the Hemis monastery with views to the monks' quarters

The musicians

The big introduction

With the unfurling of the grand tanka 

And the performance begins..The Black Hat dance - the dancers cut off all evil influences to allow the festival to  continue successfully

The entry of Guru Padmasambhava

All performed by monks - young and old

One of the four gate keepers

The Lords of the Graveyards

Leaving the main arena and there is just as much colourful activity in the monastery grounds

Waiting for our driver..

Even more to feast on on the drive back to Leh

A wonderfully fascinating cultural day.

M