7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Ladakh

1. Day 1: Leh Palace
   10 minutes (3.5 kms) from Leh City Centre

   Explore the historical palace of Ladakh's former royal family with stunning views of the mountain range.

2. Day 2: Diskit Monastery
   5 hours (120 kms) from Leh City Centre

   A beautiful Buddhist monastery with a 32-metre statue of Maitreya Buddha, and scenic desert landscapes.

3. Day 3: Turtuk Village
   4 hours (143 kms) from Diskit Monastery

   An offbeat location that was recently open to tourists, this charming village offers a dose of life in Baltistan with apricot and apple orchards, and friendly locals.

4. Day 4: Pangong Tso Lake
   7 hours (215 kms) from Turtuk Village

   A stunning blue lake surrounded by mountains and home to migratory birds, this is a popular location for photography and a relaxing spot to spend the day at.

5. Day 5: Shey Monastery
   8 hours (270 kms) from Pangong Tso Lake

   A Buddhist monastery and palace located on a hill, with beautiful murals and a giant gilded copper statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.

6. Day 6: Magnetic Hill
   30 minutes (30 kms) from Shey Monastery

   A unique experience where your car appears to defy gravity and rolls uphill seemingly on its own.

7. Day 7: Shanti Stupa
   20 minutes (5 kms) from Magnetic Hill

   A white-domed Buddhist stupa with a peaceful atmosphere, and panoramic view of the valley and mountain range.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Leh Palace (2 hours, Rs.100)
• Diskit Monastery (3 hours, Rs.100 for entry fee)
• Turtuk Village (4 hours, Rs.500 for a guide)
• Pangong Tso Lake (5 hours, Rs.200 for entry fee)
• Shey Monastery (2 hours, Rs.100 for entry fee)
• Magnetic Hill (1 hour, no entry fee)
• Shanti Stupa (1 hour, Rs.200 for entry fee)
Total Estimated Costs: Rs.1200

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Nubra Valley to experience sand dunes, hot springs, and double-humped camels. If you have less time, skip Turtuk Village or Magnetic Hill. Be sure to carry warm clothes and sunscreen for the trip.