7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary in August 2023

1. Day 1: Shanti Stupa
   12 minutes (3.4 km) from Leh city center

   Watch the sunrise at the iconic Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist stupa that offers a breathtaking view of Leh and surrounding mountains. Spend the afternoon exploring the local bazaar and tasting delicious momos and thukpa at local eateries. End the day with a visit to Leh Palace.

2. Day 2: Magnetic Hill and Pathar Sahib Gurudwara
   40 minutes (27 km) from Leh city center

   Experience the optical illusion of Magnetic Hill where vehicles appear to move uphill without any power. Visit the holy Pathar Sahib Gurudwara and learn about its legend. Enjoy lunch at a roadside dhaba and then visit the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers. End the day with a visit to the Spituk Monastery.

3. Day 3: Nubra Valley
   5-6 hours (125 km) from Leh city center

   Embark on a scenic road trip to Nubra Valley over the Khardung La, the world's highest motorable pass. Visit the Diskit Monastery with its gigantic Maitreya Buddha statue and enjoy a camel ride on the sand dunes. Stay overnight in a traditional Ladakhi homestay or camp in Hunder.

4. Day 4: Turtuk Village
   3-4 hours (90 km) from Nubra Valley

   Explore the remote and picturesque Turtuk village, the last Indian village before the Line of Control with Pakistan. Visit the Turtuk Waterfall and enjoy the scenic views of the Karakoram range. Return to Nubra Valley for the night.

5. Day 5: Pangong Lake
   4-5 hours (160 km) from Nubra Valley

   Drive to the stunning Pangong Lake, known for its ever-changing hues of blue and green. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake and take a walk along its shores. Stay overnight in a cozy campsite.

6. Day 6: Hemis National Park
   2-3 hours (70 km) from Pangong Lake

   Embark on a wildlife safari in the Hemis National Park, home to the elusive snow leopard and other rare Himalayan wildlife. Visit the Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh. Return to Leh for the night.

7. Day 7: Khardung La and Stok Palace
   2-3 hours (40 km) from Leh city center

   Drive to the Khardung La, the world's highest motorable pass, and enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas. Visit the Stok Palace and Museum, the former residence of Ladakhi royalty. End the day with souvenir shopping at the Leh bazaar.

Recommendations

Don't miss the traditional Ladakhi dance performance at the Leh Palace, held every evening at 6 PM. For a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the Nubra Valley and enjoy the bird's eye view of its stunning landscapes. You can also consider a day trip to the Alchi Monastery or a trek to the Markha Valley.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shanti Stupa (2 hours, free)
• Leh Palace (1 hour, ₹250)
• Magnetic Hill (1 hour, free)
• Pathar Sahib Gurudwara (1 hour, free)
• Confluence of Zanskar and Indus Rivers (1 hour, free)
• Spituk Monastery (1 hour, ₹30)
• Nubra Valley (2 days, ₹5,000 including transport, food and accommodation)
• Turtuk Village (1 day, ₹2,500 including transport and food)
• Pangong Lake (1 day, ₹4,000 including transport, food and accommodation)
• Hemis National Park (1 day, ₹3,500 including transport, safari and entry fee)
• Khardung La (1 hour, free)
• Stok Palace (1 hour, ₹40)
• Souvenir shopping (2 hours, variable cost)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹15,320