Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary for Leh

1. Day 1: Leh Palace
   15 mins (1.2 km) from Leh Airport

   Explore the Leh Palace and enjoy the 360-degree view of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Constructed in the 17th century, it houses a museum exhibiting royal collections.

2. Day 2: Hemis Monastery
   2 hrs (40 km) from Leh Palace

   Visit the richest and largest Gompa in Ladakh, Hemis Monastery is popular for its extravagant Tibetan Buddhist festivals, ornate architecture including prayer wheels, murals, and paintings.

3. Day 3: Magnetic Hill
   1 hr 20 mins (30 km) from Hemis Monastery

   Experience the mysterious Magnetic Hill that defies gravity and pulls cars uphill. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and visit the nearby Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a Sikh temple.

4. Day 4: Shanti Stupa
   40 mins (4 km) from Magnetic Hill

   Take a 15-minute steep climb to the awe-inspiring Shanti Stupa that stands tall on a hilltop. It was built by the Japanese monks to promote world peace and offers a panoramic view of Leh.

5. Day 5: Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary
   3 hrs 30 mins (130 km) from Shanti Stupa

   Explore the breathtaking Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, situated at an altitude of 4530 m above sea level and exhibiting rich flora and fauna including snow leopards, Tibetan antelopes, and yaks.

Time and Cost Estimates:

• Leh Palace (1-2 hours, INR 250 per person)
• Hemis Monastery (2-3 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Magnetic Hill (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Shanti Stupa (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary (5-6 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs (excluding transportation and accommodation): INR 400 per person

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider visiting Zanskar Valley or Pangong Tso Lake. If you have less time, you could skip Magnetic Hill or shorter your visit to Hemis Monastery. Make sure to carry warm clothes, water bottles, and sunscreen.