Timing your next adventure with a festival is a wonderful way to learn about the local customs and traditions of your chosen destination – and to interact with the locals as they celebrate the event.
Below are short descriptions of four of the best happening over the next few months:
Inti Raymi, Peru >>> The Festival of the Sun
South America’s second largest event dates back 500 years to the heyday of the Incan Empire, honouring one of its most venerated gods: Inti. Celebrated on the shortest day of the year, it involves a procession through the streets with music, prayers, dancing and scattered flowers. Women with brooms sweep away the evil spirits – plus you will see priests dressed as snakes, condors and pumas.
Inti Raymi Festival with World Expeditions departs 23 June, from $2,590 per person
Hemis Festival, India >>> The Birth of Guru Rinpoche (Lord Padmasambhava)
Celebrated at the Hemis Monastery, in the north-Indian province of Ladakh, this colourful event (said to originate back in the 8th century) has become famous for the masked dances that represent the good prevailing over evil, performed by gompas that follow tantric traditions. Joining is believed to bring spiritual strength and good health.
Hidden Valleys of Ladakh with World Expeditions departs 30 June, from $3,490 per person
Naadam Festival, Mongolia >>> The Three Games of Men
An ancient cultural spectacle that combines colourful costumes and performances with an exciting tournament of three traditional sports: archery, wrestling and bareback horse riding. It is the biggest event of the year in Mongolia, held throughout the country in mid-summer, and since 2010 it is part of UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Wild Mongolia Cycle and Naadam Festival with World Expeditions departs 28 June, from $4,290 per person
Bhutan Thimphu Festival >>> The Festival of Good Fortune
From the beautiful alpine valley of Paro, this Bhutan experience features day walks and a trek through old growth forest to the capital of Thimphu. The annual three day event is a spectacle of colourful celebration where onlookers are believed to be blessed with good fortune.
Bhutan Thimphu Festival and Trek with World Expeditions departs 23 September, from $4,290 per person