Laid-Back Ladakh: A Relaxing 4-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Hemis National Park
   1 hour 20 minutes (40.8 km) from Leh

   Start your first day in Ladakh with a visit to Hemis National Park, the largest national park in India. Known for its exceptional wildlife, Hemis is home to snow leopards, Eurasian brown bears, and many more. Take a stroll through the park and explore its many trails while enjoying the breathtaking views. Don't forget to visit Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh.

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

   Spend your second day in Ladakh exploring Nubra Valley, a remote and stunningly beautiful valley famous for its sand dunes and sweeping vistas. Visit the Diskit Monastery, which dates back to the 14th century and houses the impressive 32m statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha. Take a quick sand dune ride before visiting the beautiful Hunder village, known for its hospitality and natural beauty before retiring for the night in a local guesthouse for a comfortable stay.

3. Day 3: Pangong Lake
   5 hours 45 minutes (220 km) from Leh

   Start Day 3 with an early breakfast before heading out to visit Pangong Lake. The journey to this lake will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Ladakh, so be sure to take in the surroundings. Pangong Lake is also famous for its deep blue water and picturesque surroundings. Take in the beauty of this high-altitude lake, and enjoy the tranquility of the area. Stay overnight in a local eco campsite and enjoy a bonfire at night.

4. Day 4: Shanti Stupa
   15 minutes (5 km) from Leh

   Wrap up your Ladakh adventure with a visit to Shanti Stupa, a stunning white-domed Buddhist stupa that was built to promote world peace. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding mountains. Take some time to relax and soak in the peace and tranquility of this beautiful destination before heading home.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• National Park Entry Fee (Hemis): ₹50 per person (1-2 hours).
• Camel Riding Fee (Nubra Valley): ₹400-600 for 30 minutes (2-3 hours).
• Eco-camp accommodation (Pangong Lake): ₹3,000 per night (12-14 hours).
• Auto Rickshaw Fee (Shanti Stupa): ₹100-200 round trip (1-2 hours).
Total Estimated Costs: ₹4,150-4,350 per person

Useful Tips:

You can extend your stay at each location to enjoy more leisure time and explore the surroundings, or even add more places to the itinerary if you have more time. However, this schedule is the most relaxed itinerary for travellers who want to take in the essence of Ladakh without feeling too rushed. That said, remember to pack warm clothes and good walking shoes for your visit, as Ladakh can be chilly, especially during the evenings.