Learn more

Plan Your Trip
Back to Experiences
Experiences

Excursion to Thiksey and Hemis Monastery

Leh, India
Unforgettable adventure showcasing local culture and breathtaking landscapes
India
Experiences
Excursion to Thiksey and Hemis Monastery
At Thiksey, central Ladakh's largest monastery, the 12-storey complex rises like a smaller Potala Palace, housing 120 monks among temples and assembly halls.
The 40-foot Maitreya Buddha presides over this Gelugpa stronghold. Continue with your guide to Hemis, Ladakh's wealthiest monastery, hidden in a side valley where prayer flags flutter against barren hills. Within its walls, centuries of Tibetan learning reside in libraries holding sacred texts, thangkas painted with ground precious stones, and stupas embedded with jewels.

What our travellers say

We went to Sri Lanka as a three-generation family of three. The superb trip was organised by Samanthie and the team and it's difficult to see how it could have been bettered.
Roy Wood (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
Red Dot organised the most wonderful 3-week holiday for us. Samanthie built a trip around the amazing sights we had requested visiting, together with her own suggestions and a wide mix of hotels, which gave us the flavours of both traditional Sri Lanka and the sleek, stylish contemporary version of the country. Our Driver made the whole experience incredibly special for us.
Alie C (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor
I can’t thank Cherylle and the Red Dot team enough for their meticulous planning of our family holiday to India travelling through Rajasthan over Christmas. As a family of all adults, every suggestion from daily activities to hotel choices was simply perfect. We travelled through Delhi, Ranthambore (an unforgettable tiger safari!), Jaipur and Agra and I truly feel we experienced the very best of each destination while moving at a relaxed, well thought out pace
Daisy Stanton (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
My partner arranged a holiday trip at fairly short notice to Sri Lanka with Red Dot on a recommendation, Samanthie was so patient & helpful with her suggested itinerary which we followed with some minor amendments. On arrival at Colombo we met Manjula our chauffeur/guide who was absolutely brilliant!
Andrew S (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor
Dulmini and the Red Dot Team arranged a fantastic trip for us around Assam and North East India. Faultless service. I cannot recommend them more highly.
Martin Thomas (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
Wonderful company. Our holiday in Sri Lanka was perfect. Local knowledge made all the difference
Sandra Nicholson  (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
We looked up, and communicated with umpteen tour operators. Though Red Dot seemed to have offices in Sri Lanka and the UK, they seemed to have the best reviews. We were fortunate enough to correspond with Cherylle, who not only assured us of the safety of our friend, but created a personalised, and flexible, itinerary which we could not have done ourselves.
Jayant Banerji (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
A 14-day tour with Red Dot Tours was the perfect antidote to the bleak UK winter. After a glowing recommendation from a friend, we contacted Red Dot Tours and were not disappointed. Our consultant, Lahiru, curated a seamless itinerary. Throughout the planning phase, Lahiru was incredibly responsive; the final itinerary—delivered via a user-friendly 'Guest Portal'—was impressively detailed, covering every hotel stay and excursion.
Phil Blair ( February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
Red Dot Testimonial

Related experiences

Rajasthan & the North, India
A Day for Kids in Jaipur
With your private guide taking you around and introducing you to your local hosts, enjoy a day in Jaipur designed to keep both children and adults engaged.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Rickshaw Ride & Block Printing Fun for Kids
Hop into a bright Pink City Rickshaw with our local guide and zip through Jaipur’s busy streets, spotting colourful markets, painted gates, and small temples tucked into side lanes.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Rickshaw Ride & Henna Designs for Kids
Take a fun ride in a Pink City Rickshaw with our local guide, exploring the old city and spotting decorated shop fronts, street animals, and the lively rhythm of daily life.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Rickshaw Ride & Puppet-Making for Kids
Ride through Jaipur’s winding streets in a rickshaw with our local guide, spotting market stalls, painted havelis, and small temples along the way.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Rickshaw Ride & Kite Flying for Kids
Take a rickshaw ride through Jaipur with our local guide, passing painted havelis, temple courtyards, and vendors selling sweets or small toys.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Rickshaw Ride & Creative Crafts for Kids
Combine a rickshaw ride with a hands-on craft workshop, guided by our local guide, passing colourful markets, painted gates, and small temples.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Amber Fort and Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing
With your guide, discover the splendour of Amber Fort, one of Jaipur’s most iconic landmarks, perched majestically atop a hill with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Dera Mandawa - Kites and Cooking
Bring your Jaipur evening to life at Dera Mandawa
Rajasthan & the North, India
Morning Flower Market
Early this morning visit Jaipur’s flower market that comes alive in a burst of colour and fragrance, as vendors weave marigolds and roses into garlands for temples, weddings, and festivals.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Cycling Tour With Lunch
Your guide and driver will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel for a scenic half-day cycling expedition through the picturesque countryside of Kalarohi.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Taj Mahal At Sunset
The Taj Mahal is especially striking at sunrise and sunset, when the soft light highlights the marble and its reflection shimmers in the still water.
Calcutta & the Northeast, India
Street food of Varanasi
Explore the vibrant and winding streets of Varanasi, renowned for their hidden historical treasures, where you'll also discover some of the most exquisite desserts and street foods, perfected over centuries.
Calcutta & the Northeast, India
Blessing By A Hindu Priest
Led by a revered Hindu priest who will perform a sacred puja to invoke the divine blessings of the gods.
Calcutta & the Northeast, India
Experience a blessing at a Monastery
Sarnath is a place where time slows down, and the soul finds peace. Known for its enchanting frescoes and serene walking paths, it’s a spiritual haven where history and tranquility meet.
Central India & Tigers, India
Tour of Fort and Jas Vilas Museum
Ascend to one of India's most formidable fortresses, where sandstone walls stretch two miles and rise 35 feet above carved Jain statues embedded in living rock.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Visit a tribal settlement in remote India
Today you will visit a Dhani, a remote tribal settlement nestled in the heart of the vast Indian desert, home to the Bhil Tribe.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Meherangarh Fort - Evening Champagne Tour
This evening, embark on a private tour of the Mehrangarh Museum, offering a rare opportunity to explore the royal collection in the enchanting glow of sunset.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Explore Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada
Of all the forts in Rajasthan, few can compare to the grandeur of Mehrangarh Fort.
Kerala & the South, India
Madurai - Early Morning Walking Tour
Immerse with your local guide in Madurai's awakening rhythms through expert-guided walks from 6am to 8am.
Kerala & the South, India
Top Station Trek
Trek to Top Station, 32km from Munnar at 1700m above sea level, the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal road offering panoramic views of neighbouring Tamil Nadu state.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Artisan Walk in Deogargh
Enter Deogarh's creative community just beyond Dev Shree's gates, where pottery and miniature painting traditions continue through skilled practitioners.
Calcutta & the Northeast, India
Walking tour of the Old City
Today you'll embark on a captivating private walking tour through the ancient lanes of Varanasi, where every corner pulses with history and spirituality.
Kerala & the South, India
Kayaking In The Backwaters
Today's journey takes you through Alleppey's famous backwaters, a network of canals and lagoons lined with coconut palms and village settlements.
Central India & Tigers, India
Satpura - Morning Jeep Safari in National Park
Discover Madhya Pradesh's hidden sanctuary, where tranquil forests offer respite from busier parks whilst maintaining populations of sloth bears, leopards, and diverse ungulates.
Central India & Tigers, India
Pench - Morning Jeep Safari In National Park
Explore the forests that inspired Kipling's Jungle Book, where tiger calls still echo through terrain that brought Shere Khan to life and leopard populations ensure Bagheera remains more than fiction.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Ranthambore - Morning Jeep Safari
This morning you will experience a jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park, where you’ll have a fairly good chance of spotting the elusive tiger, if you're very lucky.
Ladakh, India
Excursion to Thiksey and Hemis Monastery
At Thiksey, central Ladakh's largest monastery, the 12-storey complex rises like a smaller Potala Palace, housing 120 monks among temples and assembly halls.
Kerala & the South, India
Women's Kathakali Interaction
Meet remarkable women from India's first and only all-women Kathakali troupe who broke gender barriers in this traditionally male art form.
Calcutta & the Northeast, India
Heritage Experience
Embark on a captivating journey with your private guide today, through North Kolkata, beginning in historic Black Town where crumbling yet majestic mansions stand as silent witnesses to the area's colonial past and bustling trade heritage.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Boat ride on Lake Pichola
An evening boat ride on Lake Pichola offers a truly mesmerizing experience.
Rajasthan & the North, India
An Evening Heritage Walk in Jaipur, The Blue City
Jodhpur, famously known as the "Blue City," is a captivating destination, brimming with stunning buildings and historic temples, perfect for exploring on foot.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Experience Mharo Khet farm with Lunch
Step away from the bustle of the city and into the quiet rhythm of the land at Mharo Khet, a 40-acre oasis just 45 minutes from Jodhpur, where more than 100 varieties of crops flourish from indigenous and native to rare and exotic, including tender Brussels sprouts, ancient moringa, fragrant chamomile, sweet strawberries, oyster mushrooms and figs.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Dinner and Drinks at Bar Palladio
Bar Palladio in Jaipur is a mesmerising spot for dinner and drinks, set within the charming grounds of the Narain Niwas Palace Hotel.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Tour of Private Ceremonial Quarters of City Palace
Explore sprawling City Palace representing superb Rajput and Mughal architectural synthesis.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Pink City Rickshaw Ride Morning 'Wake up with Jaipur'
Begin your day with an early morning rickshaw journey through Jaipur's tranquil Pink City streets.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Cooking Lesson And Meal With A Local Family
Experience an authentic Indian meal, joining a local family to enjoy a traditional cooking lesson.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Street Food Tour
Today you will explore Jaipur's street food culture guided by our culinary enthusiast, visiting traditional stalls and markets.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Salaam Balak Trust Tour
Experience a unique city walk through Delhi's inner districts guided by young people rescued by the Salaam Balak Trust, an organisation providing street children with secure environments, health services, and education.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Delhi By Night
With your private guide, experience Delhi, which has a transformed evening character, through a walk around Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi when the capital assumes its most animated personality.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Explore Delhi with Teenagers
Perfect for adventurous teenagers, this private guided journey begins with a Delhi Metro ride to Old Delhi, where vibrant streets come alive with the aromas of fresh parathas, cardamom spiced chai, and sandalwood perfumes.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Explore New Delhi And Old Delhi
Begin at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where the eighth Sikh Guru's legacy lives on through the selfless service embodied in the community kitchen.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Lodhi Street Art Walk
Explore India's first open-air art district between Khanna Market and Meharchand Market in Lodhi Colony, where 25 artists from India and worldwide collaborated to create building wall masterpieces.
Rajasthan & the North, India
Artisanal Journey
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Agra’s rich cultural heritage with a curated tour that immerses you in the world of its world-renowned arts and crafts.
View all experiences

Choose your adventure

Speak to one of our team to get started. After all, your travel journal won’t write itself.

Let's get planning