Winter Wonderland: A 7-Day Itinerary in Ladakh in December 2023

1. Day 1: Leh Palace
   10 minutes (3.5 km) from Leh Airport

   Marvel at the view of Leh from the majestic palace built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century.

2. Day 2: Pangong Tso
   4 hours (155 km) from Leh Palace

   Witness the beauty of the crystal clear blue lake surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas.

3. Day 3: Hemis National Park
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   1 hour (40 km) from Pangong Tso

   Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the largest national park in South Asia, home to the endangered snow leopard.

4. Day 4: Zanskar Valley
   3 hours (135 km) from Hemis National Park

   Explore the dramatic landscapes of the valley, including the frozen Zanskar river and the picturesque villages of Padum and Karsha.

5. Day 5: Magnetic Hill
   2 hours (60 km) from Zanskar Valley

   Witness the mysterious phenomenon of a vehicle moving uphill with the engine turned off at this magnetic hill.

6. Day 6: Spituk Monastery
   40 minutes (8 km) from Magnetic Hill

   Take in the stunning views of the Indus valley while exploring the ancient Buddhist monastery dating back to the 11th century.

7. Day 7: Shanti Stupa
   20 minutes (5 km) from Spituk Monastery

   Enjoy the panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding mountains from the white-domed Buddhist stupa built to promote world peace.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Leh Palace (1 hour, ₹ 250)
• Pangong Tso (8-10 hours, ₹ 3000-4000 for taxi)
• Hemis National Park (4-5 hours, ₹ 1000 for permit and taxi)
• Zanskar Valley (8-10 hours, ₹ 3500-4000 for taxi)
• Magnetic Hill (1-2 hours, ₹ 1500 for taxi)
• Spituk Monastery (1-2 hours, ₹ 100-200)
• Shanti Stupa (1 hour, ₹ 100-200 for taxi)

Total Estimated Costs: ₹ 9,200-11,350