On a high note

Experience the majestic Hemis festival in Leh, one of the highest airports in the world, with Taran and his family.

Taran’s eyes widened as the plane prepared to land. He peered out of his window. “Look, Amma! What a beautiful view.”

Amma craned her neck for a sweeping view of stark grey-brown mountains with white tops. The sky was a clear blue with a few cottony clouds. “There is something majestic about mountains,” she sighed.

“We are about 10,600 feet above sea level, which makes Kushok Bakula Rimpoche airport in Leh one of the highest airports in the world!” said Appa excitedly.

Taran and his family were in Leh for the Hemis festival, which was celebrated on the 10th day of the Lunar month according to the Tibetan calendar. It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. But, before heading out, they had to rest for two days to get used to the reduced level of oxygen in the high altitude.

“How far is the Hemis monastery?” asked Taran.

“About about 40 km from Leh. Let’s get a taxi,” answered Appa.  

In the taxi, the driver rattled on, “Sengge Namgyal was an illustrious ruler of Ladakh. He built the beautiful Hemis monastery in 1630. You will love it! It has been decorated for the two-day festival.”