7-Day Winter Itinerary for Ladakh in January 2024

1. Day 1: Arrive in Leh
   Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
   6.1 km (15 minutes) from Leh

   Arrive in Leh. Take it easy for the rest of the day to acclimatize to the high altitude and cold weather. Savor local cuisine and explore the local market in the evening.

2. Day 2: Monasteries of Ladakh
   Thiksey Monastery
   19.3 km (33 minutes) from Leh

   Visit Thiksey Monastery in the morning to see the morning prayer ceremony. In the afternoon, visit Hemis Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Ladakh. End the day with a visit to Shey Monastery which houses a 7.5-meter tall gold-plated copper statue of Lord Buddha.

3. Day 3: Frozen Pangong Lake
   Pangong Tso Lake
   153 km (5 hours) from Leh

   Travel to the world-famous frozen Pangong Lake for a day trip. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the turquoise blue lake amidst the rugged mountain range.

4. Day 4: Ice Stupa and Magnetic Hill
   Ice Stupa, Phyang Monastery, and Magnetic Hill
   34.2 km (57 minutes) from Leh

   Visit the innovative Ice Stupa in the morning, an artificial glacier that provides water to the winter desert of Ladakh. In the afternoon, visit the 900-year old Phyang Monastery and experience the magnetic force at Magnetic Hill.

5. Day 5: Frozen Waterfall and Hot Springs
   Chadar Trek, Zanskar River, and Hot Springs
   92.1 km (3 hours) from Leh

   Embark upon the famous Chadar trek, a frozen river trek, to witness the magnificent frozen waterfall. After lunch, soak in the natural hot springs of Chumathang and unwind.

6. Day 6: Ladakhi Culture and Cuisine
   Ladakh Traditional House, Ladakhi Kitchen, and Shanti Stupa
   21.6 km (43 minutes) from Leh

   Explore the Ladakhi culture at the Traditional House and taste the authentic Ladakhi cuisine at Ladakhi Kitchen. Visit the iconic Shanti Stupa in the evening to witness the beautiful sunset view of the city.

7. Day 7: Departure from Leh
   Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
   6.1 km (15 minutes) from Leh

   Depart from Leh with beautiful memories of the snow-capped mountains and the warm hospitality of the Ladakhi people.

Recommendations

Don't miss the chance to witness the Ladakh Winter Festival if it is held during your visit. Plan a day trip to the Nubra Valley for a unique desert experience. Hire a local guide for offbeat trekking trails in the region.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Thiksey Monastery (1 hour, INR 30)
• Hemis Monastery (2 hours, INR 100)
• Shey Monastery (1 hour, INR 30)
• Pangong Lake Day Trip (10 hours, INR 6,000-10,000)
• Ice Stupa (2 hours, Free)
• Phyang Monastery (1 hour, INR 50)
• Chadar Trek (6 hours, INR 15,000-20,000)
• Hot Springs (2 hours, INR 400)
• Ladakhi Traditional House (1 hour, INR 100)
• Ladakhi Kitchen (1 hour, INR 500-700)
• Shanti Stupa (1 hour, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 22,210-26,210