7-Day Itinerary for Ladakh

1. Day 1: Leh Palace
   15 minutes (4.5 km) from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

   Visit the Leh Palace, built-in 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal, to see the panoramic views of the town and surrounding areas. Stop by the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, a few minutes walk away, to see the three-story statue of Maitreya Buddha.

2. Day 2: Hemis National Park
   2 hours (45 km) from Leh Palace

   Start early morning to see Snow Leopards, Asiatic Ibex, and Himalayan Tahr. Continue to Thiksey Monastery, a stunning 12-story building with a large Buddha statue. In the evening, visit Shanti Stupa, a white-domed stupa on a hilltop, to see a beautiful sunset view.

3. Day 3: Nubra Valley
   5 hours (120 km) from Hemis National Park

   Drive over Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, to reach Nubra Valley. Visit Diskit Monastery, famous for its 32-metre high Buddha statue, and then take a camel ride in the beautiful sand dunes of Hunder.

4. Day 4: Pangong Tso
   6 hours (150 km) from Nubra Valley

   Head to the serene blue waters of Pangong Tso, where parts of the movie '3 Idiots' was filmed. Hike along the lake, take pictures of the beautiful scenery, and enjoy a quiet picnic lunch. Return to Leh in the afternoon and explore the local bazaars in the evening.

5. Day 5: Tso Moriri Lake
   7 hours (220 km) from Pangong Tso

   Drive to Tso Moriri Lake, a high altitude lake, and a paradise for birdwatchers. Spend the day fishing, boating, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake. Stay overnight in a tent camp and enjoy stargazing at night.

6. Day 6: Alchi Monastery
   5 hours (70 km) from Tso Moriri Lake

   Visit Alchi Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, known for its unique paintings and carvings. Stop at Basgo Monastery, en route, to see the ruins of a 15th-century fortress and temple complex. Drive back to Leh for the night.

7. Day 7: Indus River Rafting
   1 hour (30 km) from Alchi Monastery

   Spend the day rafting in the Indus River, surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys. Afternoon, visit the Hall of Fame Museum to learn about the valor of Indian soldiers. End the day with a visit to the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a beautiful Sikh shrine built-in 1517.

Recommendations

Other local attractions to consider are Stok Palace, Zanskar Valley, and Lamayuru Monastery. For a side trip, consider visiting the beautiful hill station of Manali. To maximize your fun, try local food like momos and thukpa, and shop for souvenirs at Leh Bazaar. Plan your stay in advance usinghttps://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.