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Likir — host of Likir Dosmochey (Stromochey) Festival

Festival · LADAKH

Likir Dosmochey (Stromochey) Festival.

27th-29th day of 12th Tibetan month (mid-February) · Likir

One of the most important monastic festivals in Ladakh held at Likir Monastery. Features vibrant masked dances (Cham) performed by monks in elaborate costumes depicting the triumph of good over evil. Sacred rituals and votive offerings (Dosmochey) are performed to ward off evil spirits.

Why it mattersMarks the end of the harsh winter season and Tibetan New Year celebrations. Celebrates the Gelugpa Buddhist tradition at Likir, one of the major gompa festivals in Ladakh. Named the Festival of the Scapegoat.

Going for this? Likir in February

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February at Likir is nearly identical to January—bitter cold, empty, and profoundly peaceful. The Maitreya Buddha wears a crown of frost some mornings. Losar (Tibetan New Year) preparations may begin in late February, adding rare energy to the monastery. Temperatures: -15°C to -3°C. The monastery's rooftop offers views of frozen white valleys.

See the Likir February guide →

Getting there

Elevation
3700 m
Nearest airport
Leh (52km)
Nearest railway
None

Live in Likir

Where to stay in Likir

  • Likir Pottery Homestay

    Rs 1500-2500/night
    homestay · Likir Village, Sham Valley

    Unique pottery-themed homestay with vegetarian breakfast and local specialities in Sham Valley

  • Old Likir Traditional Farm Stay

    Rs 2250-3600/night
    homestay · Below Likir Monastery, 3650m altitude

    Traditional Ladakhi farmstay run by trek guide Stanzin and wife Tsomo, 4 rooms, organic food, walking distance to Likir Monastery

  • Norboo Spon Guesthouse

    Rs 1000-2000/night
    guesthouse · Likir Village, Sham Valley

    Nearly two-decade-old traditional guesthouse with stunning views of Himalayan massifs and glacial streams

All stays in Likir →

Where to eat

  • Old Likir Traditional Farm Stay Kitchen

    Likir Village · ₹

    Signaturetsomo's traditional ladakhi thali

    Lunch is on request only and the kitchen is small — call when you arrive in the village rather than dropping in. Order whatever Tsomo is cooking that day; the eggs-with-tomato-and-herbs breakfast is the dish reviewers keep coming back to.

  • Norboo Spon Guesthouse Restaurant

    Likir Village · ₹

    Signaturevegetarian organic buffet

    Walk-in lunch isn't guaranteed — call ahead the same morning so they cook for an extra plate. Sits just outside the main village near where the road branches to Hemis Shukpachan; ten minutes' walk from the monastery.

  • Hidden North Tea House

    Likir village near monastery turn · ₹

    SignatureYak-butter tea with khambir bread

    Order seabuckthorn juice cold (not hot) — it's sharper, more refreshing, and tastes the way Ladakhi farmers actually drink it after a day in the fields. Pair with the apricot tart for the perfect mid-morning Likir stop.

  • Lharitse Guest House Restaurant

    Likir village · ₹

    SignatureChutagi (Ladakhi bowtie pasta in spicy vegetable broth)

    Arrive between 12:30 and 1:30 PM and call ahead (numbers via the Ladakh Himalayan Homestays Network) if you're a group of 4+. The household runs on a single stove; large unannounced groups can wait 45 minutes for chutagi.

All eateries in Likir →

What else to see in Likir

  • Likir Monastery

    11th-century monastery with a 25-meter gold-covered Maitreya Buddha statue visible for miles.

    monastery
    1-2 hours

Other festivals in February, elsewhere

See every festival in February →

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