Shachukul Gustor: July 4-5
Located about 125km east of Leh, the monastery is on the way to the popular lake, Pangong Tso. The annual Gustor festival marks the victory of good over evil; monks wearing black hats perform the dance of the good. The leader later distributes a sacrificial cake called the ‘argham’. The whole village participates in the programmes. Package tours by private operators is the best way to travel here during the festival.
Karsha Gustor: July 14-15
An annual sacred dance festival is organised at Karsha (also known as Karcha Chamspaling), the biggest monastery in Ladakh’s Zanskar region. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. The monastery is about 14km from Padum village, where you will find homestays and guest houses.
Phyang Tserup (Tsedup): July 14-15
Located only 20km west of Leh, Phyang monastery was established in the 16th century. It has several shrines and a 900-year old museum. As usual, the highlight of the annual festival is the masked dancing. You can stay in Leh.
Korzok Gustor: July 19-20
Located on the bank of the famous lake, Tso Moriri, Korzok is said to be the highest permanent settlement in India. The 300-year old monastery observes its annual Gustor festival through much fanfare, which is attended in large numbers by the local Chang-pa tribe. Masked dancing, and dispersal of the sacrificial cake are an important part of the two-day festival. You can camp at Tso Moriri.
Dakthok Tsechu: July 26-27
Located about 50km east of Leh, the Dakthok (also called Takthog or ‘stone roof’) Gompa consists of a pair of cave-shrines where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated in the 8th century. The lamas, dressed in elaborate and colourful attire, enact scenes from the religious texts and tales, to the accompaniment of many traditional instruments. The programme is held at the courtyard of a shrine called Dud-dul-ling (built in 1979). You can stay at Leh.
Sani Naro Nasjal: July 30-31
Located about 6km away from Padum in the Zanskar region, the Sani (also known as Sanee) monastery holds a unique festival called Sani Naro Nasjal. It belongs to the Drukpa Kargyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and is the order’s only monastery in Zanskar where nuns are allowed to stay. The festival is held in honour of the unveiling of the statue of Naropa every year. The monastery is associated with the Kushan ruler, Kanishka (sometimes called Kanika too). There is an old chorten with an unusual shape, which is called the Kanika stupa. You can stay at Padum.