Galdan Namchot is a special festival celebrated with great joy in Ladakh and other Himalayan regions. In 2025, it will be celebrated on 14th December. This festival marks the birth and the enlightenment of Je Tsongkhapa, a great Tibetan Buddhist saint and scholar who founded the Gelug school of Buddhism. People remember him for his teachings on peace, wisdom, and compassion.
On this day, homes, monasteries, and public places are decorated with butter lamps and lights. These glowing lamps are meant to remove darkness and bring in light, symbolizing knowledge and hope. The streets look bright and beautiful, and the air is filled with a peaceful, festive feeling.
Families come together to pray, share meals, and offer butter lamps at monasteries. Traditional Ladakhi food like thukpa, momos, and butter tea is enjoyed during the celebrations. People also exchange khatak, a traditional white scarf, as a sign of goodwill and blessings.
Galdan Namchot also marks the beginning of New Year celebrations in Ladakh. It leads up to Losar, the Tibetan New Year, which comes a few days later. This makes the festival even more meaningful, as it brings a sense of new beginnings and togetherness.
Galdan Namchot is not just about lights and prayers. It is about spreading kindness, remembering wisdom, and celebrating the warmth of community. Whether in a quiet prayer or in the glow of a butter lamp, the spirit of this day touches everyone’s heart.
History of Galdan Namchot
It is said that Je Tsongkhapa was born in Amdo, Tibet sometime in 1357. Owing to his wisdom, he was considered one of the most revered men of his time. He also taught Tibetan Buddhism to people and also was responsible for the formation of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Galdan Namchot celebrates the birthday as well as the death anniversary of Je Tsongkhapa.
Major Attractions of Galdan Namchot 2025
1. Lighting of Butter Lamps
One of the most striking parts of the festival is the lighting of butter lamps across homes, monasteries, and public spaces. These lamps are a symbol of wisdom and are lit to drive away darkness and negativity.
2. Monastery Rituals and Prayers
Special ceremonies are held in monasteries to honor the life and teachings of Je Tsongkhapa. Monks chant sacred texts and offer prayers for peace and prosperity.
3. Offering of Khatak (White Scarves)
It is a tradition to exchange or offer white silk scarves called khatak. This gesture shows respect, goodwill, and blessings among family members and visitors.
4. Traditional Food and Family Gatherings
Families prepare and enjoy traditional Ladakhi dishes like thukpa (noodle soup), momos (dumplings), and butter tea. Food plays an important role in bringing people together during the celebrations.
5. Smoke Ritual with Local Herbs
Many households and monasteries burn local herbs like pine, juniper, and mulberry. The aromatic smoke is believed to purify the environment and attract positive energies.
6. Cultural Dance and Music (in select areas)
In some regions, traditional dances and music performances are held, especially in larger monasteries. These performances reflect Ladakhi culture and add color to the celebrations.
7. Decorated Streets and Monasteries
During the festival, streets, homes, and monasteries are beautifully decorated with lights, religious flags, and symbols. The entire region glows with a warm, festive vibe.
8. Beginning of Ladakhi New Year Season
Galdan Namchot also signals the beginning of the New Year season in Ladakh, which continues with the Losar festival. This makes it a time of both spiritual reflection and new beginnings.
How to Reach Ladakh
Ladakh is one of the most amazing travel getaways to explore around and breathe in. It is located at an approximate distance of around 1,098 km, 2,511 km, 3,280 km, 2,632 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Let’s discuss how you can reach Ladakh via the following routes.
By Air
The nearest airport is the Kashuk Bakula Rimpochee Airport IXL which is located in Leh. This airport is considered the 22nd highest commercial airport globally located at an immense height of 3,256 m above sea level. This airport was named after the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche who was also an Indian statesman and a monk.
Another important point to note here is the fact that due to the presence of the mountain winds during the afternoon, all the flights take off and land during the morning hours only. And due to its scenic location between the Himalayas, the tourists get to witness quite a scenic landing.
Various airlines like GoAir, Air India, and SpiceJet operate to and fro Leh connecting cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh. After deboarding your flight, you will have to hire a cab to reach your respective destination.
By Train
It is important to note that Leh Ladakh doesn’t have direct railway connectivity. Some good options to reach Leh Ladakh via train routes are Jammu Tawi railway station, Pathankot, Kalka railway station, and Chandigarh railway station. However, after deboarding at these stations, you will need to cover a considerable amount of distance, thus it is recommended to travel by train only if your destination is nearby the train stations.
Generally, out of these, the best option to reach via train is considered the Jammu Tawi Railway station. From Delhi, you can board the Jammu Rajdhani or SVDK VANDEBHARAT from New Delhi Railway Station. From Amritsar, you can board BTI JAT EXP from Amritsar Junction. From Kanpur, you can take TATA JAT Exp from Kanpur Central.
By Road
Being one of the three highest mountain passes in the world, Leh, Ladakh is already a very popular travel destination, especially among bikers. There are mainly two popular routes to visit Leh. One is Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil – Mulbek – Lamayaru – Saspol – Leh.
And the second one is Manali – Rohtang – Gramphu – Kokhsar – Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Zingzingbar – Baralacha La – Bharatpur – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang – Tanglang La – Gya – Upshi – Karu – Leh.
Both of these routes are famous among tourists who have an inclination towards seeking adventure. The Leh-Manali route is managed by the Border Roads Organization of the Indian Army. While taking this particular route you can consider halting at Sarchu which is a very beautiful place having some good staying options as well.
Another important fact to note here is that all non-HP vehicles will need to obtain a permit from the Manali SDM office for traveling beyond Rohtang pass. This decision was brought into effect owing to the increasing number of traffic jams on this route.
Frequently Asked Questions about Galdan Namchot Festival 2025
Q1. What is the Ladakh festival in June 2025?
A1. The Ladakh festival in June 2025 is the Hemis Festival, celebrated on 11th and 12th June 2025 at the Hemis Monastery. It honors Guru Padmasambhava and is known for colorful mask dances, traditional music, and vibrant local attire.
Q2. Why is Galdan Namchot celebrated?
A2. Galdan Namchot is celebrated to mark the birth and enlightenment of Je Tsongkhapa, a great Tibetan Buddhist scholar and founder of the Gelugpa school. The festival spreads the message of wisdom, compassion, and light over darkness.
Q3. What is the biggest festival in Ladakh?
A3. The Hemis Festival is considered the biggest and most grandly celebrated festival in Ladakh. It draws locals and tourists alike with its spiritual significance and lively cultural displays at Hemis Monastery.
Q4. Where is the Apricot Blossom Festival in Ladakh 2025?
A4. The Apricot Blossom Festival in Ladakh 2025 takes place in the Sham region (including villages like Saspol, Skurbuchan, and Turtuk) during early to mid-April, when the apricot trees bloom in shades of white and pink.
Q5. What is the famous food of Ladakh?
A5. Ladakh is known for its unique and hearty foods like thukpa (noodle soup), momos (dumplings), butter tea, and skyu (wheat flour pasta stew). These dishes are warm, nourishing, and suited to the cold mountain climate.
