7-Day Nature Itinerary for Leh in July 2023

1. Day 1: Spituk Monastery
   25 minutes (8.5km) from Leh

   Visit the tranquil and picturesque Spituk Monastery in the morning for a glimpse of the Buddhist way of life in Ladakh. Take a guided tour to see the ancient stupas, murals, and thangkas. Take a short hike to the nearby Spituk Gompa hill for a panoramic view of the Indus Valley.

2. Day 2: Hemis National Park
   2 hours (39km) from Leh

   Go for a wildlife safari in the morning at Hemis National Park, home to the elusive Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, and Tibetan Wolf, among others. Take a guided trek to the nearby Gotsang Gompa in the afternoon. End the day with a visit to the Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh.

3. Day 3: Pangong Tso Lake
   4 hours and 30 minutes (155km) from Leh

   Head to the mesmerizing Pangong Tso Lake in the morning, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world. Take a dip in the crystal clear water or go for a camel ride on the shore. Enjoy a picnic lunch and watch the sunset before returning to Leh.

4. Day 4: Nubra Valley
   4 hours and 30 minutes (120km) from Leh

   Visit the stunning Nubra Valley in the morning. Stop by the Diskit Monastery, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh. Take a camel ride in the sand dunes of Hunder in the afternoon. End the day with a visit to the hot springs of Panamik.

5. Day 5: Zanskar Valley
   9 hours (240km) from Leh

   Experience the stark beauty of the Zanskar Valley in the morning. Visit the Phuktal Monastery, a remote cliff-side monastery accessible only on foot or on a donkey. Go white-water rafting after lunch on the Zanskar River. Witness the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers in the evening.

6. Day 6: Alchi Monastery
   1 hour and 30 minutes (70km) from Leh

   Explore the 11th-century Alchi Monastery in the morning. Admire the beautiful murals, frescoes, and wood carvings. Take a short walk to the nearby Alchi village for a glimpse of local life. Drive back to Leh and visit the Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist stupa with a panoramic view of the Leh city and surrounding mountains.

7. Day 7: Tso Moriri Lake
   8 hours (215km) from Leh

   Take a scenic drive to the stunning Tso Moriri Lake in the morning. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake and watch the migratory birds. Visit the Korzok Monastery, the only permanent settlement in the lake area. Return to Leh in the evening.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, visit the Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery. Attend the Hemis Festival, a two-day festival celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, in early July. Take a day trip to the Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. To maximize your fun, stay hydrated, pack sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Spituk Monastery (2 hours, free)
• Hemis National Park (6 hours, INR 1000 per person)
• Pangong Tso Lake (10 hours, INR 3000 for a taxi)
• Nubra Valley (10 hours, INR 2500 for a taxi)
• Zanskar Valley (12 hours, INR 3500 for a taxi)
• Alchi Monastery (6 hours, INR 2000 for a taxi)
• Tso Moriri Lake (16 hours, INR 5000 for a taxi)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 17,000 per person