7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Ladakh in July 2023

1. Day 1: Leh Palace
   10 minutes (3.4 km) from Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport

   In the morning, visit the Leh Palace, a beautiful nine-story palace with stunning views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist stupa that provides a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, stroll through the local markets and indulge in some shopping.

2. Day 2: Alchi Monastery
   3 hours (67.6 km) from Leh Palace

   Spend the morning at the Alchi Monastery, a 1000-year-old complex of temples and Buddhist art. In the afternoon, visit the Magnetic Hill, a gravity hill located near Leh. Finally, enjoy a beautiful sunset at the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers.

3. Day 3: Hemis National Park
   2 hours 20 minutes (44 km) from Alchi Monastery

   Discover the Hemis National Park in the morning, which is home to rare species such as the snow leopard and the Eurasian brown bear. In the afternoon, visit the Thiksey Monastery, a beautiful complex of temples and meditation rooms. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around the Leh city and enjoy some local cuisine.

4. Day 4: Nubra Valley
   5 hours (126.3 km) from Hemis National Park

   Take a scenic drive to Nubra Valley in the morning and visit the Diskit Monastery, which has a 32-meter-high statue of Maitreya Buddha. In the afternoon, walk on the Hunder Sand Dunes and also take a joyride on the double-humped Bactrian camels. Finally, spend the evening stargazing in the clear skies of Nubra Valley.

5. Day 5: Pangong Lake
   5 hours 30 minutes (160.1 km) from Nubra Valley

   Get an early start to visit the breathtaking Pangong Lake, known for its shimmering blue waters. Spend the whole day at the lake, take a walk along the shore, and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the evening, head back to Leh.

6. Day 6: Hall of Fame
   20 minutes (5.6 km) from Leh Palace

   In the morning, visit the Hall of Fame, a museum dedicated to the Indian Army and their brave soldiers. In the afternoon, explore the Leh city and visit the Stok Palace, a beautiful museum showcasing the history and culture of Ladakh. Finally, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

7. Day 7: Leh Old Town
   10 minutes (2.2 km) from Hall of Fame

   Spend the morning exploring the narrow streets of the Leh Old Town, which offer a glimpse into the local way of life. Visit the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, a hilltop monastery offering stunning views of the city. In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic lunch at the Shey Palace, the summer palace of the royal family. Finally, head back to the Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Zanskar Valley, Tso Moriri Lake, and Lamayuru Monastery. You can also take part in outdoor activities such as trekking, rafting, and mountain biking. Don't forget to acclimatize to the high altitude before starting any activity, and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Leh Palace (2 hours, INR 550)
• Shanti Stupa (1.5 hours, Free)
• Alchi Monastery (3 hours, INR 30)
• Magnetic Hill (1 hour, Free)
• Zanskar and Indus Confluence (1 hour, Free)
• Hemis National Park (4 hours, INR 100)
• Thiksey Monastery (2 hours, INR 30)
• Nubra Valley (8 hours, INR 2000)
• Diskit Monastery (1.5 hours, INR 30)
• Hunder Sand Dunes (1 hour, INR 400)
• Pangong Lake (10 hours, INR 5000)
• Hall of Fame (1.5 hours, INR 50)
• Stok Palace (2 hours, INR 30)
• Namgyal Tsemo Gompa (1 hour, Free)
• Shey Palace (2 hours, INR 30)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 8090 (excluding flights and accommodation)

Check here for hotel and flight prices.