The administration of the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Culture and LAHDC Leh, is set to host the much-awaited Ladakh Festival 2025 from September 21 to 24.
The four-day cultural extravaganza promises to bring together the rich traditions, art, music, sports, and heritage of Ladakh, offering both residents and visitors an immersive experience of the region’s unique identity.
The festival will commence on September 21 with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) exhibition “From Ruins to Revival” at Leh Palace, showcasing conservation and archival treasures. Simultaneously, Eco Park Leh will come alive with exhibitions of handicrafts, handlooms, and cuisines, with live skill demonstrations in pottery, basketry, shoe-making, and other traditional crafts.
A grand Ladakh Cultural Parade featuring dignitaries, monks, artists, troupes, riders on horses and camels will move from Karzoo Pond to Leh Main Market, setting the tone for the celebration. The inaugural ceremony will follow at Main Market Leh, accompanied by tourism documentaries, folk cultural performances, and a vibrant live concert by “Era of Echoes.”
The day will culminate in a grand “Celestial Journey”, an astronomy discovery programme under Leh’s dark skies at Shanti Stupa, with free shuttle services arranged from the Old Bus Stand. This is a unique event that will take the participants well into late evening, rather night.
On September 22, the focus will expand with exhibitions on biodiversity by the Bird Club and WWF, alongside the Leh Book Worm’s literary expo. Students will showcase their talent through dance performances at Main Market Leh, while Eco Park will continue to highlight Ladakhi handicrafts and cuisines. Traditional archery demonstrations under DAFANGS will take place at Shenam Gongma Community Hall, providing visitors with an interactive cultural experience.
The day’s excitement will reach new heights with a paraglider landing at Polo Ground, followed by the opening of the Horse Polo Competition featuring women’s exhibition matches and men’s contests. Cultural performances by local artists and a special concert by the renowned “Ladakh Scouts Band” will further energise the celebrations before the night once again closes with the stargazing programme at Shanti Stupa.
Day three, September 23, will highlight Ladakh’s natural heritage through exhibitions on birds, mammals, and biodiversity at Main Market and Eco Park. School students will continue their cultural performances, while Chams (mask dance) and Thangka exhibitions will be held at the Dharma Centre, Choglamsar. Traditional archery demonstrations, horse polo matches, and expert talks on the Traditional Architecture of Ladakh will add depth to the day’s events. Visitors can also enjoy tourism documentaries, a Light and Sound Show at Leh Palace, and a special theatrical performance “Youthok Lamo” by the Ladakh Theatre Organisation at Main Market. The astronomy programme will remain a nightly highlight at Shanti Stupa.
The final day, September 24, will bring together the finest elements of Ladakh’s cultural fabric. Eco Park will host an expansive exhibition of handicrafts, handlooms, cuisines, and traditional skills, while Leh Palace will continue its archival showcase. Biodiversity and literary exhibitions will remain ongoing in the Main Market. Traditional archery demonstrations will continue at Shenam Gongma Community Hall, while the final horse polo match will take place at Polo Ground Leh.
Tourism documentaries will once again be screened, leading up to the Grand Closing Ceremony of Ladakh Festival 2025 at Main Market Leh. The closing will also include the felicitation of the best volunteers under “Har Ghar Tiranga”, marking the conclusion of four days of cultural celebration, unity, and pride.
The landscape of Ladakh is dotted with several Buddhist monasteries like Lamayuru, Spituk, Thiksey, Diksit and Hemis, etc. Of these, Hemis monastery is one where the annual festival is held in summer, usually in the month of June. This then becomes a prime attraction for locals and visitors alike, attracting a very large gathering during celebrations. The location of Thiksey monastery, close to Leh town, makes it a favourite of the visitors.
For the past several decades, Sindhu Darshan Yatra during summers has been another major tourist attraction, drawing people from all over India.
