7-Day Leh Itinerary for Nature Lovers

1. Day 1: Shanti Stupa
   15 minutes (3.5 km) from Leh city center

   In the morning, enjoy a peaceful sunrise from the top of Shanti Stupa. Take a guided tour to understand the history and significance of this beautiful Buddhist monument. Afternoon and evening, explore the Leh Palace and the local market.

2. Day 2: Nubra Valley
   4 hours (120 km) from Leh

   Start your journey early in the morning and drive through Khardungla Pass, the highest motorable road in the world. Reach Nubra Valley by noon and enjoy the mesmerizing landscapes of the valley. Visit Diskit Monastery, take a camel ride and camp overnight in a luxury tent.

3. Day 3: Pangong Tso Lake
   4.5 hours (160 km) from Nubra Valley

   Drive to Pangong Tso Lake, a beautiful natural wonder situated at an altitude of 4,350 m. Take a stroll along the lake, appreciate the clear blue water and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Spend the night in a lakeside camp.

4. Day 4: Hemis National Park
   2 hours (50 km) from Pangong Tso Lake

   Get up early in the morning and drive to Hemis National Park, home to the elusive snow leopard. Take a guided trek to the Rumbak Valley for wildlife spotting and birdwatching. Spend the night in a homestay in Rumbak village.

5. Day 5: Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
   1 hour (30 km) from Leh city center

   Visit Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib in the morning. Experience the magnetic phenomenon at Magnetic Hill and learn about the Sikh history and mythology at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Drive back to Leh and visit the Leh Mosque and the Ladakh Hall of Fame in the evening.

6. Day 6: Alchi Monastery and Lamayuru Monastery
   4.5 hours (125 km) from Leh city center

   Drive to Alchi Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its 11th-century frescoes and wood carvings. Then, drive to Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh. Spend the night in a homestay in Lamayuru village.

7. Day 7: Tso Moriri Lake
   6 hours (220 km) from Lamayuru village

   Start early in the morning and drive to Tso Moriri Lake, one of the most stunning lakes in Ladakh. Take a walk along the lake, appreciate the natural beauty and watch birds and wildlife. Drive back to Leh in the evening and enjoy your last night in Ladakh.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to try local cuisine, such as momos, thukpa, and chang. Consider taking a side trip to Zanskar Valley, a remote and beautiful region in Ladakh. To maximize your fun, hire a bike or a scooter and explore the surroundings at your own pace. Lastly, respect the local culture and environment, and practice responsible tourism.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shanti Stupa (1-2 hours, free)
• Nubra Valley tour (full day, INR 7,000 for two people)
• Pangong Tso Lake tour (full day, INR 8,000 for two people)
• Hemis National Park trek (full day, INR 4,000 for two people)
• Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib (2-3 hours, free)
• Alchi Monastery and Lamayuru Monastery tour (full day, INR 6,000 for two people)
• Tso Moriri Lake tour (full day, INR 9,000 for two people)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 34,000 for two people