Ladakh the Land of High Passes in the Himalayas
The 4th International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh from 21 Aug – 01 Sep 2015 (12D/11N)
Day 4 (24.08.2015) – Hemis Monasteries (41.2km) Ladakh
This morning from 6am to 7.30am, some of us went to an open space in front of Ladakh Shanti Stupa for a special “Yoga Shivir” with world renowned Yoga Guru Pujya Swami Ramdev and Pujya Acharya Balkrishnaji.
Breakfast at 7.30am and at 9.30am we started our journey. Getting there was by driving 41.2km south-east (Leh Manali Highway) along the Indus River passing by Choglamsar, Shey, Thicksay and Karu. After crossing the river at Karu it was all the way up the mountain side to Hemis Monastery or Gompa. The Indus River flows down from Tibet and ends in Pakistan.
We were very fortunate to be able to witness the Monks Mask Dance. As reported by Datuk Wee: “We have good news for you because we will be witnessing a very special event! As you aware that our Ladakh tour will coincide with the International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh. (In fact the dates of our visit was used to set the timing for the International Festival. We thank MIMC for this honour.) For this year's celebration, the Festival will be organised in collaboration with Hemis Monastery, which will be putting up special presentation of the Sacred Mask (Cham) Dance on 24th August, 2015. This sacred dance performance, which is usually performed once a year in June, is already over, but for the purpose of the Festival it will be performed again for our benefit.“
After the dance we walked around and explored the monastery up to the rooftop and later visited the museum which was sponsored by two Malaysian Datuk Sri Norbu Wong Yeon Chai and his wife, Datin Sri Norzin Loo Chooi Ting in 2007. We also had lunch in the kitchen and we left the place at about 2pm to visit an old mosque on the way back.
At 4.30pm we were taken to town at the Grand Dragon Hotel for a talk on “Sustainable and responsible tourism” in which our Datuk Seri Wee was the Chairperson for the forum. After the talk we had an hour shopping in town and came back to MIMC for dinner followed by puja and a very good talk by Dr Tan Ho Soon founding member of Nalanda Buddhist Society Malaysia. Sleeping at Global Family Home.
Ching Neng Bin climbed up the MIMC roof top to take pictures of apple and apricot trees in the garden.
Ching Neng Bin climbed up the MIMC roof top to take pictures of the surrounding landscape.
After breakfast, we all sat at the MIMC Leh office for WiFi services.
Ching Neng Bin took pictures with the very polite and helpful MIMC Leh management staff.
The scenic view of the Leh Manali Highway, Ladakh.
Along the Leh Manali Highway to take pictures of the Indus River that ends in Pakistan. On top the hill is the Tiger's Nose Monastery.
Ching Neng Bin with his sister Ching Bee Geok on the scenic Indus River of the Leh Manali Highway.
After crossing the Indus River at Karu it was all the way up the mountain side to Hemis Monastery or Gompa.
After crossing the Indus River at Karu it was all the way up the mountain side to Hemis Monastery or Gompa.
Only wheat and barley are planted in this Hemis valley, Leh district of Ladakh, India.
Our car convoy driving slowly up the slope to Hemis Monastery, Ladakh, India.
Only wheat and barley are planted in this Hemis valley, Leh district of Ladakh, India.
Hemis Monastery situated 45 km from Leh, it was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. The annual Hemis festival honouring Padmasambhava is held there in early June.
Ladakhi women in traditional costumes shouting “jullay Julay" welcoming us to Hemis Monastery Festival.
Ladakhi children in traditional costumes shouting “jullay Julay" welcoming us to Hemis Monastery Festival.
Ching Bee Geok handed out sweets to the Ladakhi novice monks at Ladakh Hemis Monastery Festival.
A long line of Ladakhi novice monks at Ladakh Hemis Monastery to welcome us.
On the left is Mr Sonam our Ladakh guide also with us at Hemis Monastery Ladakh.
Ladakh Hemis Monastery existed before the 11th century and also a very well preserved monastery where the Mask Dance is performed annually.
Ladakh Hemis Monastery festival is one of the most famous monastic festivals in June to commemorate birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet.
Ladakh Hemis Monastery festival has become a major attraction for the tourists coming to Leh.
Many tour companies plan trips to Leh that match the dates of the Hemis Monastery Festival in Ladakh.
Many tour companies plan trips to Leh that match the dates of the Hemis Monastery Festival in Ladakh.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery Festival takes place in the rectangular courtyard in front of the main door of the monastery. The space is wide and open with two raised square platforms, three feet high with a sacred pole in the center.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery Festival ceremony begins with the thumping sounds of traditional Ladakhi musical instruments like cymbals, large-pan drums, trumpets, large wind instruments, wind pipes etc.
Many treasures of Lamas are housed in this Ladakh Hemis Monastery such as Buddha Shakyamuni studded with precious gems and the Thangka - the lavish cloth having Buddhist Icon painted and embroidered with semi-precious stones.
Mural painting on the inner wall of Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
Mural painting on the outer wall of Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery sacred dance drama of the life and mission is performed wearing facial masks and colorful brocades robes.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lamas performed their signature mask dance call ‘Cham’- wearing some really frightful masks, red-robes, tall hats and lavish clothing made of brocade, silk and other royal fabrics.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lamas performed their signature mask dance call ‘Cham’.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lamas performed their signature mask dance call ‘Cham’.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lamas performed their signature mask dance call ‘Cham’.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lama dancers divided themselves into demons and gods.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lama dancers also represents the victory of good over evil.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lama dancers also represents the victory of good over evil.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lama dancers also represents the victory of good over evil.
In addition to the masquerade, many sacred performances are held at the Ladakh Hemis Festival celebrations.
In addition to the masquerade, many sacred performances are held at the Ladakh Hemis Festival celebrations.
In addition to the masquerade, many sacred performances are held at the Ladakh Hemis Festival celebrations.
Ladakh Hemis Festival celebrations.
The 4th International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh from 21 Aug – 01 Sep 2015 (12D/11N)
Day 4 (24.08.2015) – Hemis Monasteries (41.2km) Ladakh
This morning from 6am to 7.30am, some of us went to an open space in front of Ladakh Shanti Stupa for a special “Yoga Shivir” with world renowned Yoga Guru Pujya Swami Ramdev and Pujya Acharya Balkrishnaji.
Breakfast at 7.30am and at 9.30am we started our journey. Getting there was by driving 41.2km south-east (Leh Manali Highway) along the Indus River passing by Choglamsar, Shey, Thicksay and Karu. After crossing the river at Karu it was all the way up the mountain side to Hemis Monastery or Gompa. The Indus River flows down from Tibet and ends in Pakistan.
We were very fortunate to be able to witness the Monks Mask Dance. As reported by Datuk Wee: “We have good news for you because we will be witnessing a very special event! As you aware that our Ladakh tour will coincide with the International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh. (In fact the dates of our visit was used to set the timing for the International Festival. We thank MIMC for this honour.) For this year's celebration, the Festival will be organised in collaboration with Hemis Monastery, which will be putting up special presentation of the Sacred Mask (Cham) Dance on 24th August, 2015. This sacred dance performance, which is usually performed once a year in June, is already over, but for the purpose of the Festival it will be performed again for our benefit.“
After the dance we walked around and explored the monastery up to the rooftop and later visited the museum which was sponsored by two Malaysian Datuk Sri Norbu Wong Yeon Chai and his wife, Datin Sri Norzin Loo Chooi Ting in 2007. We also had lunch in the kitchen and we left the place at about 2pm to visit an old mosque on the way back.
At 4.30pm we were taken to town at the Grand Dragon Hotel for a talk on “Sustainable and responsible tourism” in which our Datuk Seri Wee was the Chairperson for the forum. After the talk we had an hour shopping in town and came back to MIMC for dinner followed by puja and a very good talk by Dr Tan Ho Soon founding member of Nalanda Buddhist Society Malaysia. Sleeping at Global Family Home.
Ching Neng Bin climbed up the MIMC roof top to take pictures of apple and apricot trees in the garden.
Ching Neng Bin climbed up the MIMC roof top to take pictures of the surrounding landscape.
After breakfast, we all sat at the MIMC Leh office for WiFi services.
Ching Neng Bin took pictures with the very polite and helpful MIMC Leh management staff.
The scenic view of the Leh Manali Highway, Ladakh.
Along the Leh Manali Highway to take pictures of the Indus River that ends in Pakistan. On top the hill is the Tiger's Nose Monastery.
Ching Neng Bin with his sister Ching Bee Geok on the scenic Indus River of the Leh Manali Highway.
After crossing the Indus River at Karu it was all the way up the mountain side to Hemis Monastery or Gompa.
After crossing the Indus River at Karu it was all the way up the mountain side to Hemis Monastery or Gompa.
Only wheat and barley are planted in this Hemis valley, Leh district of Ladakh, India.
Our car convoy driving slowly up the slope to Hemis Monastery, Ladakh, India.
Only wheat and barley are planted in this Hemis valley, Leh district of Ladakh, India.
Hemis Monastery situated 45 km from Leh, it was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. The annual Hemis festival honouring Padmasambhava is held there in early June.
Ladakhi women in traditional costumes shouting “jullay Julay" welcoming us to Hemis Monastery Festival.
Ladakhi children in traditional costumes shouting “jullay Julay" welcoming us to Hemis Monastery Festival.
Ching Bee Geok handed out sweets to the Ladakhi novice monks at Ladakh Hemis Monastery Festival.
A long line of Ladakhi novice monks at Ladakh Hemis Monastery to welcome us.
On the left is Mr Sonam our Ladakh guide also with us at Hemis Monastery Ladakh.
Ladakh Hemis Monastery existed before the 11th century and also a very well preserved monastery where the Mask Dance is performed annually.
Ladakh Hemis Monastery festival is one of the most famous monastic festivals in June to commemorate birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet.
Ladakh Hemis Monastery festival has become a major attraction for the tourists coming to Leh.
Many tour companies plan trips to Leh that match the dates of the Hemis Monastery Festival in Ladakh.
Many tour companies plan trips to Leh that match the dates of the Hemis Monastery Festival in Ladakh.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery Festival takes place in the rectangular courtyard in front of the main door of the monastery. The space is wide and open with two raised square platforms, three feet high with a sacred pole in the center.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery Festival ceremony begins with the thumping sounds of traditional Ladakhi musical instruments like cymbals, large-pan drums, trumpets, large wind instruments, wind pipes etc.
Many treasures of Lamas are housed in this Ladakh Hemis Monastery such as Buddha Shakyamuni studded with precious gems and the Thangka - the lavish cloth having Buddhist Icon painted and embroidered with semi-precious stones.
Mural painting on the inner wall of Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
Mural painting on the outer wall of Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery sacred dance drama of the life and mission is performed wearing facial masks and colorful brocades robes.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lamas performed their signature mask dance call ‘Cham’- wearing some really frightful masks, red-robes, tall hats and lavish clothing made of brocade, silk and other royal fabrics.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lamas performed their signature mask dance call ‘Cham’.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lamas performed their signature mask dance call ‘Cham’.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lamas performed their signature mask dance call ‘Cham’.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lama dancers divided themselves into demons and gods.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lama dancers also represents the victory of good over evil.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lama dancers also represents the victory of good over evil.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lama dancers also represents the victory of good over evil.
In addition to the masquerade, many sacred performances are held at the Ladakh Hemis Festival celebrations.
In addition to the masquerade, many sacred performances are held at the Ladakh Hemis Festival celebrations.
In addition to the masquerade, many sacred performances are held at the Ladakh Hemis Festival celebrations.
Ladakh Hemis Festival celebrations.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery lama dancers also represents the victory of good over evil.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, President of MIMC, Leh giving a speech at Ladakh Hemis Festival celebrations.
H.H.Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji of Parmarth Niketan, giving a speech at Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
Monks at Ladakh Hemis Festival celebrations.
We all had our lunch here in the kitchen at Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
We all had our lunch here in the kitchen at Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
No chairs and tables, so we sat on the floor in the kitchen at Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
Security personnel eating lunch together with us in the kitchen at Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
The Ladakh Hemis Museum, displaying old statues and painting, known to be kept secret for centuries.
The Ladakh Hemis Museum was sponsored by two Malaysian Datuk Sri Norbu Wong Yeon Chai and his wife, Datin Sri Norzin Loo Chooi Ting in 2007.
We were lucky to have taken a photo with HRH Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk the royal princess of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan at Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
Angie Ho Siew Eng was lucky to have taken a photo with HRH Ashi Kesang Wangmo Wangchuk the royal princess of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan at Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
The smiling faces of Ladakhi girls speak a thousand words at the Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
A Buddhist devotee at Ladakh Hemis Monastery.
After the Hemis Lama dance we walked around and explored the monastery up to the rooftop for a view.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery rooftop view.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery rooftop view.
The Ladakh Hemis Monastery rooftop view.
The breath taking view of the snow-cap mountain and the valley below from Ladakh Hemis monastery.
The breath taking view of the snow-cap mountain and the valley below from Ladakh Hemis monastery.
We were standing beside Jerry Ong's school bus at Ladakh Hemis monastery.
The scenic landscape view on the road journey back to MIMC from Ladakh Hemis monastery.
We stopped at this bridge for a view of the Indus River on the road back to MIMC from Hemis Monastery.
Originating in the Tibetan Plateau in the vicinity of Lake Mansarovar, the river runs through the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, towards Gilgit-Baltistan and then flows in a southerly direction along the entire length of Pakistan to merge into the Arabian Sea with a total length of 3,180km.
Below the bridge we saw the dogs eating on the sheep carcass.
On the return journey from Hemis Monastery, we visited the Ladakh Historical Shah-E-Hamdan Masjid in Shey.
On the return journey from Hemis Monastery, we visited the Ladakh Historical Shah-E-Hamdan Masjid in Shey.
Ladakh Masjid-e-Shah-e-Hamdan is in Shey village, 15 km from Leh. It is a small mosque of great historical value built by one of the greatest preachers of Islam in Kashmir, Mir Syad Ali Hamdani, popularly known as Shah-e-Hamdan.
A tea reception and some speeches on the Ladakh Masjid-e-Shah-e-Hamdan mosque grounds.
A tea reception and some speeches on the Ladakh Masjid-e-Shah-e-Hamdan mosque grounds.
Ching Bee Geok and Seow Key Me with head scarf were seen eating biscuits and drinking tea at Ladakh Masjid-e-Shah-e-Hamdan mosque grounds.
Dr. Maria Reis Habito, Museum of World Religions, Taiwan (Dallas Office) gave a speech on interfaith themes at Ladakh Masjid-e-Shah-e-Hamdan mosque grounds.
A christian priest gave a speech on interfaith themes at Ladakh Masjid-e-Shah-e-Hamdan mosque grounds.
A tea reception and some speeches on the Ladakh Masjid-e-Shah-e-Hamdan mosque grounds.
A tea reception and some speeches on the Ladakh Masjid-e-Shah-e-Hamdan mosque grounds.
H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, the president of Parmarth Niketan, Uttarakhand, India, giving a speech at Ladakh Masjid-e-Shah-e-Hamdan mosque grounds. Noticed his footwear below.
H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, the president of Parmarth Niketan, footwear.
At 4.30pm we were taken to town at the Grand Dragon Hotel Ladakh for a talk on “Sustainable and responsible tourism” in which our Datuk Seri Wee was the Chairperson for the forum.
At 4.30pm we were taken to town at the Grand Dragon Hotel Ladakh for a talk on “Sustainable and responsible tourism” in which our Datuk Seri Wee was the Chairperson for the forum.
The Grand Dragon Hotel Ladakh for a talk on “Sustainable and responsible tourism” in which our Datuk Seri Wee was the Chairperson for the forum.
The Grand Dragon Hotel Ladakh for a talk on “Sustainable and responsible tourism” in which our Datuk Seri Wee was the Chairperson for the forum.
The Grand Dragon Hotel Ladakh for a talk on “Sustainable and responsible tourism” in which our Datuk Seri Wee was the Chairperson for the forum.
The Grand Dragon Hotel Ladakh for a talk on “Sustainable and responsible tourism” in which our Datuk Seri Wee was the Chairperson for the forum.
The Grand Dragon Hotel Ladakh for a talk on “Sustainable and responsible tourism” in which our Datuk Seri Wee was the Chairperson for the forum.
After the talk we had an hour walking around the town of Leh in Ladakh.
Ladies selling vegetables in Leh town, Ladakh.
Leh is the joint capital and largest city of the region administered by India as a union territory of Ladakh.
Leh is the joint capital and largest city of the region administered by India as a union territory of Ladakh.
The Leh grand mosque on the left and the palace behind on the hill in Ladakh.
Leh town sunset view in Ladakh.
Evening was puja and a talk by Dr Tan Ho Soon the founding member of Nalanda Buddhist Society Malaysia at MIMC prayer hall.
Click below to view:
Introduction to Ladakh India Adventure
Day 01 (21.08.2015) – Kuala Lumpur flight to Delhi, India
Day 02 (22.08.2015) – Delhi domestic flight to Leh, Ladakh (3,524m / 11,562ft)
Day 03 (23.08.2015) – Thicksay and Shey Monastery, Leh, Ladakh
Day 04 (24.08.2015) – Leh to Hemis Monastery (41.2km) Ladakh
Day 05 (25.08.2015) – Leh to Nubra Valley (136km) via KhardungLa Pass
Day 06 (26.08.2015) – Nubra Valley to visit Disket Monastery (14.5km)
Day 07 (27.08.2015) – Nubra Valley returned to Leh, Ladakh (136km)
Day 08 (28.08.2015) – Visit Devachan Campus, Leh, Ladakh
Day 09 (29.08.2015) – Leh to Tingmosgang (90km) Ladakh
Day 10 (30.08.2015) – Bodhkharbu on the way to Lamayuru Monastery
Day 11 (31.08.2015) – Basgo Monastery, Tekchen Chosling and Alchi Temple
Day 12 (01.09.2015) - Leh fly to Delhi to catch the night flight back to KL
Day 13 (02.09.2015) - Arrived KLIA at 6.55am
Day 01 (21.08.2015) – Kuala Lumpur flight to Delhi, India
Day 02 (22.08.2015) – Delhi domestic flight to Leh, Ladakh (3,524m / 11,562ft)
Day 03 (23.08.2015) – Thicksay and Shey Monastery, Leh, Ladakh
Day 04 (24.08.2015) – Leh to Hemis Monastery (41.2km) Ladakh
Day 05 (25.08.2015) – Leh to Nubra Valley (136km) via KhardungLa Pass
Day 06 (26.08.2015) – Nubra Valley to visit Disket Monastery (14.5km)
Day 07 (27.08.2015) – Nubra Valley returned to Leh, Ladakh (136km)
Day 08 (28.08.2015) – Visit Devachan Campus, Leh, Ladakh
Day 09 (29.08.2015) – Leh to Tingmosgang (90km) Ladakh
Day 10 (30.08.2015) – Bodhkharbu on the way to Lamayuru Monastery
Day 11 (31.08.2015) – Basgo Monastery, Tekchen Chosling and Alchi Temple
Day 12 (01.09.2015) - Leh fly to Delhi to catch the night flight back to KL
Day 13 (02.09.2015) - Arrived KLIA at 6.55am
Videos:
4th International festival of buddhist Heritage of Ladakh | 24 Aug 2015 (Part 1) 4th International festival of buddhist Heritage of Ladakh | 24 Aug 2015 (Part 2)
For further reading:
- Touching lives by Lee Keat Hin
- Angel of mercy by the late Tan Guat Gnoh
- Prayers for four Malaysians who died in Ladakh
- Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Ladakh
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Dear Mr Ching, an excellent write up.. brings memories to me when we motored from Srinagar to Leh and Tsangpo Lake, Ladakh.
ReplyDeleteHi! Rotarian Ching,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your adventurous emails. I really enjoyed reading it. I would like to learn how you do your blog, so well linked from your own Rotary club to travels and also linking with Rotary International. It's really very good!
This year I am President of the Rotary Club of Bukit Kiara Sunrise and this is one area which our Club would like to improve on. Is there any contact vendor which you can recommend to us?
When you are in KL, do be my guest. Our club meets on Saturday mornings at 7.30am at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club.
Thank you!
Best Regards,
Susan Lim
President 2015-2016
Rotary Club of Bukit Kiara Sunrise
Hi Bro Ching, I enjoyed reading about your Ladakh trip. Keep on writing / blogging. So where will be your next trip? Regards, Julie Tan
ReplyDeleteHi Julie, nice to hear from you. Next month I be traveling a month along the Mekong River from north Thailand to south Cambodia.
ReplyDelete