Start your day in Leh by heading to the market which magically comes alive with authentic Ladakhi food. Try some freshly made chapati and sabzi with a side of salty butter tea to kickstart your day. Next, visit the Shanti Stupa which offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding mountains. After taking in the sights, head over to Tibetan Kitchen, where you can indulge in hearty portions of thukpa, momo, and noodle soup with your choice of meat or veggies.
After filling up on delicious food, visit the Leh Palace, an iconic heritage site in the heart of the city. The palace offers a glimpse of the royal heritage of Ladakh. Next, head to Tsemo Fort for a stunning view of the sunset over the Indus Valley. End your day with dinner at The Tibetan Table, a cozy restaurant known for its momos (steamed dumplings), thentuk (hand-pulled noodle soup), and thukpa (broth noodles).
Start day two with breakfast at Snow Lion Restaurant. The local apricot jam and pancake are a must-try. Next, head to Hall of Fame, a museum built by the Indian Army in honor of the soldiers who served in Ladakh. End your visit with a light and flavorful lunch at Bon Appetit, known for their salads, sandwiches, and coffee.
Start the second half of the day with a visit to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, one of the most revered Sikh shrines in Ladakh. Next, head to Magnetic Hill, where you can witness a fascinating optical illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill! End your day by heading to Lamayuru Restaurant for a feast of Ladakhi dishes such as sheep kebab, liver fry, and apricot chicken.
If you have more time, you can add visiting the monasteries of Shey and Hemis. On day two, you can also visit the Pangong Tso lake and witness the beautiful sunrise. If you have less time, you can skip the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Magnetic Hill visits and head straight to Lamayuru Restaurant for dinner. Don't forget to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and warm clothes as the temperature in Ladakh varies greatly throughout the day.