7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Leh, August 2023

1. Day 1: Explore Leh Town
   10 minutes (2.5 km) from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

   Begin your day in the bustling Leh Town by visiting the ancient Leh Palace. After lunch, head to the renowned Shanti Stupa to admire the stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the evening, explore the colorful bazaars and enjoy local street food.

2. Day 2: Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and Hall of Fame
   1 hour (30 km) from Leh Town

   Start your day early by driving to the Magnetic Hill and witness the optical illusion of your vehicle moving uphill. Then, visit the holy Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and pay your respects. Learn about the Indo-Pak war at the Hall of Fame Museum in the afternoon.

3. Day 3: Hemis Monastery and Thiksey Monastery
   1 hour 30 minutes (50 km) from Leh Town

   Visit the largest and richest Hemis Monastery in the morning, where you can see the beautiful architecture and colorful frescoes. After lunch, explore the Thiksey Monastery, which houses a 49-feet tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, the largest statue in Ladakh region.

4. Day 4: Pangong Lake
   4 hours (160 km) from Leh Town

   Rent a taxi and take a day trip to the breathtaking Pangong Lake, the world's highest saltwater lake. Enjoy the scenic journey and spend your day admiring the crystal-clear blue waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

5. Day 5: Nubra Valley
   4 hours 30 minutes (120 km) from Leh Town

   Take a day trip to the stunning Nubra Valley, known for its vast sand dunes, Bactrian camels, and monasteries. Visit the Diskit Monastery and the 32-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha. Enjoy a ride on the Bactrian camels and explore the Hunder sand dunes.

6. Day 6: Alchi Monastery and Likir Monastery
   1 hour 30 minutes (70 km) from Leh Town

   Visit the 1000-year old Alchi Monastery, known for its unique and well-preserved wall paintings. After lunch, visit the Likir Monastery and see the 75-feet tall statue of Maitreya Buddha.

7. Day 7: Tso Moriri Lake
   7 hours (220 km) from Leh Town

   Take a long but rewarding trip to the Tso Moriri Lake, a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to many migratory birds. Enjoy the scenic beauty and take in the fresh air before heading back to Leh.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the ancient monasteries of Lamayuru and Phyang. Take a trek to Markha Valley or Stok Kangri, or enjoy river rafting in the Zanskar River. To maximize your fun, interact with the locals, try the local cuisine, and experience the unique Ladakhi culture.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Leh Palace (2 hours, free)
• Shanti Stupa (1 hour, free)
• Magnetic Hill (1 hour, free)
• Gurudwara Pathar Sahib (1 hour, free)
• Hall of Fame Museum (2 hours, INR 50)
• Hemis Monastery (2 hours, INR 100)
• Thiksey Monastery (2 hours, INR 30)
• Pangong Lake (10 hours, taxi rental INR 5000)
• Nubra Valley (10 hours, taxi rental INR 5000)
• Alchi Monastery (2 hours, INR 50)
• Likir Monastery (2 hours, INR 30)
• Tso Moriri Lake (14 hours, taxi rental INR 7000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 7460 (excluding taxi rental)

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