Begin your journey with the most iconic landmark of Leh, the Shanti Stupa. It offers a stunning aerial view of Leh. The white domed structure is illuminated beautifully at night, making it a serene place for a family walk. Next on the itinerary is the Leh Palace, an ancient nine-storied palace built by King Sengge Namgyal. The palace is a perfect blend of Tibetan and Indian architectural styles and provides a glimpse of the local history and culture.
Take your kids to the enigmatic Magnetic Hill, a small stretch where vehicles defy the principles of gravity and move uphill with the engine turned off. After that, visit the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a sacred Sikh shrine built to honor Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s visit to Ladakh. Our last stop for the day is the Sangam Valley, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet. Enjoy a peaceful evening watching the confluence of two different colored rivers.
Set out to the mesmerizing beauty of the Lamayuru Monastery today. The monastery is one of the oldest and largest in Ladakh and has striking views of the surrounding rocky formations. Next on the list is the Alchi Monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site with some brilliant wall paintings and statues dating back to the 11th century. It is a great spot for photography and learning about the Buddhist religion.
Explore the vast and scenic lake, Tso Moriri, located in the Changthang plateau. The lake is exceptional and has breathtaking vies of the surrounding mountains. Take a walk along the lake before we head back to Leh Market to end our journey exploring local shops and try some delicious ladakhi food with your family, such as momos, thukpa, and chang.
For more family time, you can add Hemis and Thiksey monasteries, Leh Bird Sanctuary, and rafting in Zanskar River. If you have a shorter timeframe, omit Tso Moriri Lake and explore the nearby monasteries. In contrast, you can gain an extra day to arrange a day trip to Nubra Valley, which has sand dunes and endemic double-humped camels. For longer stays, you can explore other villages like Likir and Nimmu and incorporate trekking for the adventure of your lifetime.