The Matho and Stok Festivals
Matho Monastry is situated in village Mangtho, 26km from Leh town is perched on a hill crag, and belonging to the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism founded some 500 year ago by a great Lama called Drukpa Dorjey.The annual festival of Matho is held in every 1st month of the Tibetan calendar. The occasion is very popular among the local folks for its two powerful oracles. On this event people from many far-flung villages of Ladakh attend the festival in their traditional costumes and sought prophecy and seek blessing from these two legendary shamans.

Matho festival (5nights 6 days )
Day 01. Arrive Leh.
Day 02. Sightseeing : Thiksey and Shey Gonpa.
Day 03. Attend, first day of festival.
Day 04. Sightseeing: Spituk and Sanker, afternoon attend 2nd day festival.
Day 05. Sightseeing of Alchi and Likir.
Day 06. Fly Delhi.

About The Festival:The festival of Matho is dedicated to their two gods (oracle) called The Rongtsans. Two monks from the monastery are possessed by them and they are assigned to perform this duty, for five years as per the rule of monastery. Prior to the festival they have to be in a strict retreat for several months in a nearby cave.

First day of the festival:On the first day of festival, these two oracle appear in a calm state of possession, and perform mask dancing with the monks. On request they predict the future of Ladakh in the years to come. Many people from all over the region also seek a cure for their ailments through the ancient school of faith healing.

The second Day: The festival starts with various mask dances , dedicated to many Bodhisattvas. It also signifies the existence of heaven, hell, and the sub-human world. In the late afternoon the two oracles appear blindfolded with nine white scarves, performs mask dance with the monks in the court yard. They then scuttle around the edge of the monastery walls with the swords in their hands, meant to prove that they possess a third vision (An artificial eye drawn on their forehead and back) The legend says, once a queen of Ladakh hesitant to believe the bizarre power of these two oracles, summoned them to prove it and by doing so, the tradition followed.

The Stok Festival: Stok is located 14 km from Leh and was the summer capital of the Namgyal dynasty when they occupied the Leh Palace. Today standing at the foot of the majestic Stok Kangri mountain 6125 m it is a beautiful village with the Stok Palace, the residence of the Queen mother and the lovely Geluckpa monastery. The Stok festival is one of the highlights of a Ladakhi winter and a true picture of their unique lifestyle unknown to most summer tourists to Ladakh. The oracle which is central to the life of many locals emerges every winter to perform his miracles and provides solace, hope and faith healing to his believers. The Cham or mask dances continue for two days and sometimes in the stunning backdrop of winter snowfall.

itinerary at Glance
Stok Festival (5nights 6days)
Day 01 Arrive Leh.
Day 02 Sightseeing of Thiksey and Hemis Monastery.
Day 03 Attend festival.
Day 04 Sightseeing of Sanker and Spituk afternoon attend festival.
Day 05. Sightseeing of Alchi and Likir Monastery (Gonpa).
Day 06. Fly Delhi.

HOW IT COULD BE A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR YOU

Unlike many other monastic festivals of Ladakh,( which mostly takes place in summer), the festival of Matho and Stok has it unique charm for being held in the end of winter, and less frequented by tourists. Until recently we never thought of promoting this fascinating package, for lack of amenities in Ladakh.The opening of two centrally heated hotels in Leh town with all facilities, comfortable cabs for local sightseeing, and the frequent flights by Jet Airways has made it a once in a lifetime experience not just for those seeking true adventure.

How can we offer you the best: Footprints India , is run by team of young Ladakhi professionals. Who knows well about the nitty-gritty of the traveler needs, on such exotic journeys. Hence, we let you comprehend and explore the significance of such mystical event, and the rich culture of Ladakh. Beside that, the price we offer you to experience this exclusive holiday with all the basic comforts is beyond compare.

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