7-Day Family-Friendly Leh Ladakh Itinerary (November 2023)

  1. Day 1: Leh
    10 minutes (2.3 km) from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

    Visit the Leh Palace, one of the tallest structures in Leh, for panoramic views of the city and the Himalayas. Explore the Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed stupa that offers stunning mountain views and peace. End the day at the bustling Leh Bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs and traditional Ladakhi items.

  2. Day 2: Nubra Valley
    5 hours (125 km) from Leh

    Drive to the Nubra Valley, known for its sand dunes, double-humped Bactrian camels, and hot springs. Explore the Sumur Monastery, a 19th-century Buddhist monastery with beautiful wall paintings and murals. Take a camel ride in the Hunder Desert, then relax in a hot spring in Panamik.

  3. Day 3: Pangong Tso
    5 hours (150 km) from Nubra Valley

    Visit the stunning Pangong Tso Lake, a high-altitude lake that stretches across India and China. The blue color of the lake and the surrounding snow-capped mountains create a breathtaking view. Enjoy a picnic by the lake and take a stroll on the shore.

  4. Day 4: Magnetic Hill and Alchi Monastery
    5 hours (130 km) from Pangong Tso

    Experience the Magnetic Hill, an optical illusion where a downward slope appears to be an uphill slope. Drive to the Alchi Monastery, a 10th-century Buddhist monastery with beautiful frescoes and wood carvings. Take a village walk and interact with the locals to learn about their culture and lifestyle.

  5. Day 5: Thiksey Monastery and Hemis National Park
    2 hours (50 km) from Alchi Monastery

    Visit the Thiksey Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh, with beautiful murals, statues, and thangkas. Drive to the Hemis National Park, home to the elusive snow leopard, Asiatic ibex, and Tibetan wolf. Take a nature walk and spot some wildlife.

  6. Day 6: Khardungla Pass and Shey Palace
    4 hours (100 km) from Hemis National Park

    Drive to the Khardungla Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Visit the Shey Palace, a former summer palace of the Ladakh kings, with beautiful murals and a three-story Buddha statue. Enjoy a traditional Ladakhi meal at a local restaurant.

  7. Day 7: Tso Moriri Lake
    6 hours (220 km) from Shey Palace

    Drive to the Tso Moriri Lake, a high-altitude lake with crystal-clear water and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake is home to a variety of bird species, including the bar-headed goose and the black-necked crane. Enjoy the scenic drive and the tranquility of the lake before heading back to Leh.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Leh Palace (1-2 hours, INR 250)
  • Shanti Stupa (1-2 hours, free)
  • Leh Bazaar (2-3 hours, varies)
  • Sumur Monastery (1-2 hours, INR 50)
  • Camel Ride in Hunder Desert (1-2 hours, INR 400)
  • Hot Spring in Panamik (1-2 hours, INR 100)
  • Pangong Tso Lake (2-3 hours, free)
  • Magnetic Hill (1-2 hours, free)
  • Alchi Monastery (1-2 hours, INR 50)
  • Thiksey Monastery (1-2 hours, INR 30)
  • Hemis National Park (2-3 hours, INR 400)
  • Khardungla Pass (1-2 hours, free)
  • Shey Palace (1-2 hours, INR 30)
  • Tso Moriri Lake (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,660
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