5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Leh, India

  1. Day 1: Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa
    3.9km from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, approximately 15 minutes by car

    Start your Leh journey by visiting the Leh Palace, a 17th-century royal palace, which gives you an insight into the rich history of the Ladakh region. Then, visit the Shanti Stupa, a white-domed structure located at a steep height. It provides breathtaking views of the city and a feeling of inner peace.

  2. Day 2: Nubra Valley and Diskit Monastery
    126km from Leh, approximately 4 hours by car

    Explore the beautiful Nubra Valley, often called the "valley of flowers." Experience the cold desert climate and double-humped camels. Don't miss the Diskit Monastery, located in the Nubra Valley. It's one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.

  3. Day 3: Pangong Tso Lake and Hemis National Park
    223km from Leh, approximately 6-7 hours by car

    Visit the gorgeous Pangong Tso Lake, famous for its vivid blue water and beautiful scenery. It's also home to several migratory birds during the summer months. Then, head to Hemis National Park, home to several endangered species such as the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, and red fox.

  4. Day 4: Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Patthar Sahib
    30km from Leh, approximately 1 hour by car

    Start your day by experiencing the incredible phenomenon of Magnetic Hill, a place where the magnetic field is so strong that vehicles appear to roll uphill even with the engine turned off. Then, visit the Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, a beautiful Sikh temple famous for its history and scenic surroundings.

  5. Day 5: Leh Market and Tsemo Fort
    4km from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, approximately 15 minutes by car

    End your trip by shopping in the vibrant Leh Market, known for its traditional clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts. Then, visit the Tsemo Fort, a 16th-century citadel situated on a rocky hill. It offers a panoramic view of Leh city and surrounding countryside.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Leh Palace (1-2 hours, entry fee: INR 100)
  • Shanti Stupa (1 hour, entry fee: none)
  • Nubra Valley (1 day, entry fee: none)
  • Diskit Monastery (1-2 hours, entry fee: INR 30)
  • Pangong Tso Lake (1 day, entry fee: INR 20)
  • Hemis National Park (1 day, entry fee: INR 100)
  • Magnetic Hill (30 minutes, entry fee: none)
  • Gurudwara Patthar Sahib (1-2 hours, entry fee: none)
  • Leh Market (2-3 hours, cost: depends on personal shopping)
  • Tsemo Fort (1-2 hours, entry fee: INR 50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 300-350 excluding personal shopping expenses.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you could venture out to other nearby attractions such as the Zanskar Valley, Lamayuru Monastery, and Alchi Monastery. If you have less time, you could skip one or two places from the itinerary and spend more time exploring the other locations.

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