7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Ladakh

1. Day 1: Leh Palace
   10 minutes (1.2 km) from Leh city center

   A former royal palace, Leh Palace is a nine-storey structure which provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole city.

2. Day 2: Shanti Stupa
   10 minutes (3.5 km) from Leh city center

   The largest stupa in Ladakh, Shanti Stupa is a white-domed Buddhist monument which is illuminated at night.

3. Day 3: Pangong Lake
   4 hours 30 minutes (225 km) from Leh city center

   A saline water lake known for its crystal-clear blue water and beautiful surrounding mountains.

4. Day 4: Diskit Monastery
   4 hours 30 minutes (120 km) from Pangong Lake

   One of Ladakh's largest and oldest monasteries, Diskit Monastery houses a 106-feet high statue of Maitreya Buddha.

5. Day 5: Hunder Sand Dunes
   15 minutes (7.6 km) from Diskit Monastery

   Scenic sand dunes located right next to the Nubra River, perfect for a camel ride and stunning photo opportunities.

6. Day 6: Magnetic Hill
   1 hour 30 minutes (46 km) from Hunder Sand Dunes

   A famous hill which appears to defy the laws of gravity. Vehicles parked here are seen to move uphill on their own.

7. Day 7: Tso Moriri Lake
   7 hours (220 km) from Magnetic Hill

   A high-altitude saltwater lake with beautiful surroundings, offering a peaceful and remote setting ideal for stargazing.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Leh Palace (1 hour, free entry)
• Shanti Stupa (2 hours, free entry)
• Pangong Lake (full day, entry fee INR 20)
• Diskit Monastery (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Hunder Sand Dunes (2 hours, camel ride fee INR 400)
• Magnetic Hill (1 hour, free entry)
• Tso Moriri Lake (full day, entry fee INR 200)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 620

Useful Tips

If having more days, visit Thiksey Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Zanskar Valley, and Nubra Valley. If having fewer days, skip Tso Moriri Lake.