8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Ladakh

1. Day 1: Leh Palace
   10 minutes (1.2 km) from The Grand Dragon Ladakh

   Explore the former royal palace of the Namgyal Dynasty with an audio guide and enjoy the panoramic views of Leh.

2. Day 2: Shey Monastery & Thiksey Monastery
   25 minutes (15 km) from Leh Palace

   Admire the 3-storey copper statue of Lord Buddha and visit the ancient Shey Palace at Shey Monastery. See the monastic complex with amazing architecture at Thiksey Monastery.

3. Day 3: Hemis National Park & Hemis Monastery
   2 hours (50 km) from Thiksey Monastery

   Take a wildlife safari at Hemis National Park to see the endangered snow leopard and visit the Hemis Monastery, the largest monastic institution in Ladakh.

4. Day 4: Magnetic Hill & Spituk Monastery
   1 hour (30 km) from Hemis National Park

   Experience the unique optical phenomenon on Magnetic Hill and witness the daily prayer rituals of the resident monks at Spituk Monastery.

5. Day 5: Pangong Tso Lake
   4 hours (160 km) from Spituk Monastery

   Visit the mesmerizing blue lake located at 4,350 meters above sea level and enjoy a nature walk around the lake.

6. Day 6: Nubra Valley
   5 hours (150 km) from Pangong Tso Lake

   Visit the cold desert of Nubra Valley featuring sand dunes, historical monasteries, and the unique Bactrian Camel Safari.

7. Day 7: Shanti Stupa & Leh Bazaar
   2 hours (90 km) from Nubra Valley

   Take a morning hike to the stunning white-domed Shanti Stupa and spend the afternoon exploring the bustling bazaar in Leh, buying traditional handicrafts.

8. Day 8: Alchi Monastery & Likir Monastery
   1 hour (70 km) from Leh Bazaar

   Visit two of Ladakh's oldest monasteries – Alchi and Likir – famous for their unique wall paintings, sculptures, and religious icons.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Leh Palace (2-3 hours, ₹250)
• Shey Monastery & Thiksey Monastery (4-5 hours, ₹150)
• Hemis National Park & Hemis Monastery (6-7 hours, ₹1500 for safari)
• Magnetic Hill & Spituk Monastery (3-4 hours, Free)
• Pangong Tso Lake (8-9 hours, ₹5000 per vehicle including permit)
• Nubra Valley (10-11 hours, ₹6000 per vehicle including permit)
• Shanti Stupa & Leh Bazaar (4-5 hours, Free)
• Alchi Monastery & Likir Monastery (5-6 hours, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: ₹7900

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Zanskar Valley or spending another day exploring Leh's monasteries and local markets. If you have less time, skip Nubra Valley and spend an additional day in Leh. Remember to apply for permits in advance and carry warm clothes and sunscreen as the weather can be unpredictable.