Ladakh Festival - Leh, Jammu and Kashmir

Ladakh is the name given to the eastern two-thirds of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, a vast highland desert region lying between the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain range. Held at the start of September, the Ladakh Festival is one of the main cultural events in the region.

During Ladakh Festival the people of the mountains flock to the cities wearing their finest gold and silver ornaments and exotic turquoise headgear. Probably one of the main cultural events in the region during the year, the Ladakh festival is the region’s cultural showcase, with processions, dances, concerts, archery, polo and performances from various local cultural troupes throughout the 15 day festival. Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is a great place to see the best of the festival as this is where the procession passes before ending at the polo ground. It’s a pretty surreal experience to watch and to be a part of. Take a look at video of the Ladakh Festival here.