Thiksey Gustor
Oct–Nov, 17th–19th days of the 9th Tibetan month (lunar calendar)
Gustor festivals are held at several Gelugpa monasteries in Ladakh, including Thiksey and Spituk. At Thiksey, the Gustor falls in the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar, usually in October or November. Monks perform masked cham dances in the upper courtyard, representing protector deities and the triumph of the teachings over evil. Your guide explains the symbolism. The courtyard and roofs fill with spectators from villages along the Indus. The mood is lively.
On the final day, a dough effigy representing evil, called a storma, is ritually destroyed, scattering misfortune. Villagers from across the Indus valley come in their best clothes, and the monastery courtyard and roofs fill with spectators. Stalls outside sell food and offerings. The atmosphere is joyful and local. Monks prepare for weeks beforehand, making offerings and rehearsing the dances. Arrive early to find a place on the roof terraces.
Autumn in Ladakh is clear and cold, with golden poplars and few visitors. By November most hotels outside Leh are closing, and nights fall below freezing. Thiksey Gustor is a fine reason to visit late in the season, combined with Leh and the monasteries of the Indus. Dates change each year, so check current status before you travel. Pack warm layers. Book Leh hotels early. Pack gloves and a hat.
How to do it well
- Arrive early to find a place on the courtyard roofs.
- Dress warmly; autumn mornings at Thiksey are cold.
- Combine with autumn colours in the Sham valley and Nubra.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is Thiksey Gustor?
Thiksey Gustor falls on the 17th to 19th days of the ninth Tibetan month, usually in October or November. Dates change every year with the lunar calendar. Check current status before you travel. Many seasonal hotels close by then. We confirm dates each year.
How far is Thiksey from Leh?
Thiksey monastery is about 19 km south of Leh, around 30 minutes by road. It is an easy morning outing during the festival. Chamba Camp Thiksey is usually closed by late October. We base guests at The Grand Dragon. Leave early on festival days.
Is Thiksey Gustor worth a special trip?
For travellers who love autumn light and quieter roads, yes. Combined with Leh, the Indus monasteries and perhaps Nubra, it makes a good late-season journey. Expect cold nights and limited hotel choices. The autumn light is superb for photography. Pack warm layers.
What is a Gustor festival?
Gustor is a monastery festival held at several Gelugpa monasteries in Ladakh, including Thiksey and Spituk. It features masked cham dances and ends with the ritual destruction of a dough effigy, symbolising the defeat of evil. Each monastery's version differs slightly.
Festival journeys
Routes built around the calendar
