7-Day Adventure Itinerary in Ladakh, September 2023

1. Day 1: Visit Leh Palace
   10 minutes (2.2 km) from Leh city

   In the morning, visit the Leh Palace to get an incredible glimpse of Ladakhi architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Namgyal Tsemo Gompa and enjoy panoramic views of Leh. In the evening, take a stroll through the bustling Leh bazaar.

2. Day 2: Visit Magnetic Hill
   34 minutes (30.3 km) from Leh city

   Visit Magnetic Hill early in the morning and witness a car moving uphill even with the engine off due to the magnetic force. After lunch, drive to the Indus River for a thrilling rafting experience. In the evening, visit the Thiksey Monastery which is a 600-year-old Gompa.

3. Day 3: Visit Khardung La Pass
   1 hour 28 minutes (40.1 km) from Leh city

   Start your day early and drive to the famous Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. After lunch, visit the Nubra Valley, famous for its sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels. In the evening, relax at your homestay.

4. Day 4: Visit Pangong Tso Lake
   5 hours 30 minutes (224 km) from Leh city

   Start early in the morning and drive to the famous Pangong Tso Lake, known for its stunning colours and serene surroundings. After lunch, visit the Hemis Monastery, one of the richest monasteries in India. In the evening, drive back to Leh.

5. Day 5: Trek to Stok Kangri Base Camp
   1 hour 20 minutes (20.6 km) from Leh city

   Start your day early and drive to the Stok Village to begin your trek to the Stok Kangri Base Camp. The trek will take around 6-7 hours. After reaching the campsite, relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Stok range. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire and spend the night camping.

6. Day 6: Trek to Stok Kangri Summit
   4-5 hours trek from the base camp

   Start your trek to the Stok Kangri Summit early in the morning and reach the summit in 4-5 hours. Enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas from the top and take a few pictures. Descend back to the base camp and rest for the night.

7. Day 7: Visit Zanskar River
   2 hours 20 minutes (134 km) from Leh city

   Start your day early and drive to the Zanskar River for a thrilling white water rafting experience. After lunch, visit the Alchi Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ladakhi dinner.

Recommendations

Some other attractions to consider are Tso Moriri Lake, Tso Kar Lake, and the Leh-Khardungla cycling route. You can also plan a side trip to the neighbouring Spiti Valley. To maximize your fun, try to acclimatize yourself to the high altitude a few days before your trip, and pack appropriate clothing for the cold weather.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Leh Palace (2 hours, free)
• Magnetic Hill (2 hours, free)
• Indus River Rafting (3-4 hours, ₹1500 per person)
• Khardung La Pass (full day, ₹4000 per cab)
• Pangong Tso Lake (full day, ₹10,000 per cab)
• Stok Kangri Base Camp Trek (2 days, ₹20,000 per person)
• White Water Rafting at Zanskar River (3-4 hours, ₹3500 per person)
• Alchi Monastery (2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹38,500 per person