Located on a hill, Spituk Monastery is one of the oldest and the most famous monasteries in Leh. You can enjoy the scenic views of Leh and the Indus Valley from the top of the hill. The monastery has beautiful statues, stupas, thangkas, and ancient wall paintings that depict various stages in the life of Lord Buddha.
Nestled between the Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges, Nubra Valley is a high altitude cold desert known for its stunning natural beauty. You can visit the Hunder Sand Dunes and enjoy a camel ride. The Diskit Monastery is another must-visit place in the valley. You can also explore local villages and try some traditional Ladakhi cuisine.
The breathtakingly beautiful Pangong Tso Lake stretches for over 134 km, with two-thirds of it in China. Surrounded by rugged mountains, the lake changes its color from shades of blue to green and turquoise. You can also spot some rare migratory birds here. Spend some time at the lake and take in the serene surroundings.
Spread over an area of 4400 sq km, Hemis National Park is home to some of the rarest and most elusive wildlife species in India, such as snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, Eurasian brown bears, and red foxes. You can go on a wildlife safari and experience the natural beauty of the region. Don't forget to visit the Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh.
If you have more time, you can add a visit to the Magnetic Hill, the Shanti Stupa, or the Leh Palace. If you have less time, you can skip one of the destinations and spend more time at the others. Be prepared for long and bumpy car rides, as the roads in the region are not very smooth. Carry warm clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good camera to capture the stunning beauty of the region. And most importantly, respect the local culture and traditions.