Apricot Blossom Festival

April 6, 2023

Ladakh’s Apricots are the sweetest in the world. In April, they blossom with an ostentatious explosion of soft baby pink flowers, as if inviting us to taste their sweetness, subtle flavors and magically nourishing powers. This year, you should check out this amazing festival Ladakh for a one-of-a-kind experience.

The festival is also called Apricot Fest by some and Chuli Mentok in the local language. This is because Apricot fruit is called Chuli in the local lingo but the full name of this unique variety of Apricots is Raktsey Karpo. Now, they are becoming world famous and helping put Ladakh on the international tourist map.

These Apricots are eaten raw in Ladakh or sundried. They are also made into jams and jellies that keep for several weeks. A number of native Ladakhi dishes use this magical ingredient to give it the extra kick and flavor that is absent in artificial sweeteners and sugar.

Historically, Apricots have been indispensible part of the Ladakhi experience. In the barren and high altitude landscape of Ladakh, cultivable land has always been extremely scarce and precious. Apricots were the only food in the fruit and vegetable category that grew here and thus became instrumental to Ladakhi diets and essential to survival.

About the Apricot Blossom Festival

The Apricot Blossom Festival is organized by the UT Ladakh Tourism Department. It is aimed at popularizing this local tradition by inviting outsiders to partake in the celebrations with music, shopping, games and dances. Given the success of this festival last year, this year is expected to be even bigger.

The festival will be held in Leh and Ladakh from April 7, 2023 to April 17, 2023. It will involve a series of daylong celebrations in different parts of the valley where people can congregate, trade products and also enjoy a cultural show that showcases the best of Ladakh. The dates are as follows:

Udmaroo on April 7, 2023

Pinchimik on April 8, 2023

Takmachik on April 13, 2023

Lardo on April 16, 2023

Saspol on April 17, 2023

How to visit the Apricot Blossom Festival

Visiting Ladakh is easier than you think. You can take a flight to Leh, and from there, you can travel by car to Nubra Valley, also known as the Valley of Flowers. In the summer, this trip is easy to make and a lot of fun too. The roads are good and views are mesmerizing.

Much has been made of the cold climate, the high elevation and the requirement to carry permits or PAPs. The cold and high elevation can be managed easily by carrying some warm clothes and acclimatizing yourself in Leh for a day or two. The PAP permits are easy to get and be obtained in Leh itself. Thus, if you want to go, the road is wide open.

Where to stay in Ladakh

When visiting Ladakh, the best place to stay is the Lchang Nang Retreat – The House of Trees. Located in the Valley of Flowers near the village of Teggar, this is an eco-friendly resort in Nubra Valley with incredible views and an assortment of carefully curated experiences for guests.

The Lchang Nang Retreat is made of completely sustainable and locally procured materials. It uses solar energy and traditional ways of recycling to ensure a minimal carbon footprint for a truly sustainable resort that is a global leader in Green Tourism. Guests at the property also learn about traditional Ladakhi values and eco-sustainability.

This property is located only 4 Kms away from Pinchimik, Nubra Valley where the Apricot Blossom Festival will be held on April 8, 2023. One of the best ways to experience the festival is to stay at the Lchang Nang Retreat so you can participate in the after-parties as well as the main event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the Apricot Blossom Festival?

Ans. The Apricot Blossom Festival 2023 is a festival organized by UT Ladakh in April to celebrate the onset of Spring and the annual blossoming of the Apricot Plants in Ladakh. The Apricot Plants blossom with a burst of baby pink color and are said to be the sweetest Apricots in the world.

Q2.Where is the Apricot Blossom Festival Held?

Ans. The Apricot Blossom Festival is held in many locations all over Leh and Ladakh. It will be held from April 7^th to April 17ths in Leh at the following places: