5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Leh in July 2023

1. Day 1: Shanti Stupa
   15 minutes (3.1 km) from Leh

   In the morning, visit Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed stupa on a hilltop with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Tsemo Fort, a historic hilltop fortress that offers panoramic views of Leh. In the evening, stroll through the bustling Leh Bazaar, a vibrant market selling everything from handicrafts to souvenirs.

2. Day 2: Leh Palace
   10 minutes (2.2 km) from Shanti Stupa

   In the morning, visit the Leh Palace, a nine-storey palace that was once the home of the royal family of Ladakh. In the afternoon, explore the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, a 15th-century Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for its three-storey high Buddha statue. In the evening, unwind at the serene banks of the Indus River.

3. Day 3: Hemis National Park
   1 hour 15 minutes (40 km) from Leh

   In the morning, take a scenic drive to Hemis National Park, one of the largest national parks in South Asia, known for its snow leopards, bharals, and Himalayan griffon vultures. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Hemis Monastery, the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh. In the evening, drive back to Leh and explore the local cuisine at any of the city's charming restaurants.

4. Day 4: Magnetic Hill
   1 hour (28 km) from Leh

   In the morning, visit Magnetic Hill, a mysterious hill where vehicles appear to move uphill against gravity. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, where the two rivers merge to form a dramatic landscape. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ladakhi cultural show at any of the local cultural centres in Leh.

5. Day 5: Pangong Tso Lake
   4 hours 30 minutes (160 km) from Leh

   In the morning, take a scenic drive to Pangong Tso Lake, a high-altitude lake known for its crystal-clear blue waters and stunning landscape. Spend the day picnicking, relaxing, and soaking in the beauty of this natural wonder. Drive back to Leh in the evening.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Spituk Monastery, the Likir Monastery, or the Alchi Monastery, all within an hour's drive from Leh. For day trips, consider visiting the Nubra Valley, the Zanskar Valley, or the Khardung La Pass. To maximise your fun, try rafting in the Indus or Zanskar rivers, or go trekking in the nearby mountains.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shanti Stupa (2 hours, free)
• Tsemo Fort (1 hour, free)
• Leh Bazaar (2 hours, cost varies)
• Leh Palace (2 hours, INR 250 per person)
• Namgyal Tsemo Gompa (1 hour, free)
• Hemis National Park (6 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Hemis Monastery (2 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Magnetic Hill (2 hours, free)
• Indus-Zanskar Confluence (2 hours, free)
• Pangong Tso Lake (10 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 850 per person

Check https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo for hotel and flight prices.