5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Ladakh

  • Day 1: Arrival in Leh
    30 minutes (3 miles) from Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

    Your vacation to Ladakh starts as you land at the airport in Leh. After checking into your hotel, head out to explore Leh's vibrant markets, filled with local handicrafts, and experience its unique culture. Visit Leh Palace, the former residence of the royal family of Ladakh, and Shanti Stupa, a popular viewpoint for picturesque views of the town and the surrounding landscape.

  • Day 2: Explore Nubra Valley
    4 hours 30 minutes (120 km) from Leh

    Drive to Nubra Valley, which is situated at a staggering altitude of 10,000 feet, characterized by cold desert and boulder-strewn landscapes. Visit Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest monastery of the Nubra Valley, famous for its 106 feet tall Maitreya Buddha statue, and the white sand dunes of Hunder. Take a double-humped camel ride on the dunes, and enjoy picturesque views of the valley.

  • Day 3: Visit Pangong Tso Lake
    4 hours 30 minutes (160 km) from Leh

    Pangong Tso Lake is a serene and tranquil destination, and a must-visit for any traveler to Ladakh. On the way, stop at the famous Shey Monastery and the beautiful Thiksey Monastery. On arrival, enjoy stunning views of the lake's blue waters and the surrounding mountain range. Take a walk along the lake's edge or enjoy a picnic while gazing at the breathtaking beauty of the place.

  • Day 4: Marvel at Magnetic Hill & Kargil War Memorial
    3 hours 30 minutes (100 km) from Leh

    Buckle up for a thrilling ride to Magnetic Hill, a natural wonder where vehicles move uphill without an engine or paddles. Then visit the Kargil War Memorial, built-in honor of the brave Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War. The memorial complex also includes a museum, a Wall of Heroes, and a beautiful garden of rocks.

  • Day 5: Departure from Leh
    30 minutes (3 miles) from Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

    After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight back home. The tour ends, and you return home with a treasure trove of memories.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Leh Palace (1 hour, Rs. 250)
  • Shanti Stupa (1 hour, free entry)
  • Nubra Valley (10 hours, including round-trip transportation - Rs. 3000)
  • Double-humped camel ride (1 hour, Rs. 500)
  • Pangong Tso Lake (9 hours, including round-trip transportation - Rs. 5000)
  • Magnetic Hill (1 hour, free entry)
  • Kargil War Memorial (2 hours, free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 9050

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Hemis National Park to spot the region's exotic wildlife like the elusive snow leopard. You can also add a trek to the beautiful Zanskar Valley to your itinerary. However, if you have less time, skip Nubra Valley and Magnetic Hill. Alternatively, you can opt for a cultural tour of Ladakh that includes visits to various monasteries and villages.

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