7-Day Itinerary for Manali, Sarchu, Leh, Nubra, Pangong Lake, Kargil, Leh, Manali

1. Day 1: Manali
   6 hours (253 km) from Chandigarh
   Morning: Visit Hadimba Devi Temple, a beautiful wooden temple surrounded by pine trees.
   Afternoon: Explore Solang Valley and try adventure activities like zorbing, paragliding, and horse riding.
   Evening: Stroll around Mall Road and enjoy local street food and shopping.
2. Day 2: Sarchu
   9 hours (230 km) from Manali
   Morning: Start the journey to Sarchu and take a break at Rohtang Pass to enjoy scenic views.
   Afternoon: Stop by Keylong for lunch and explore the town.
   Evening: Arrive at Sarchu and set up a campsite for overnight stay.
3. Day 3: Leh
   10 hours (250 km) from Sarchu
   Morning: Cross the famous Gata Loops and reach the highest motorable pass in the world, Khardung La.
   Afternoon: Have lunch in Leh and visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and Leh Market.
   Evening: Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.
4. Day 4: Nubra
   5 hours (120 km) from Leh
   Morning: Visit the Diskit Monastery and the 30-metre tall Maitreya Buddha statue.
   Afternoon: Ride a double-humped camel in the sand dunes of Hunder and visit the picturesque village of Turtuk.
   Evening: Stay in a campsite in Nubra and enjoy traditional Ladakhi food.
5. Day 5: Pangong Lake
   7 hours (155 km) from Nubra
   Morning: Visit the picturesque village of Shey and the 800-year-old Thiksey Monastery.
   Afternoon: Reach the stunning Pangong Lake and explore the area.
   Evening: Stay overnight in a campsite near the lake.
6. Day 6: Kargil
   6 hours (150 km) from Pangong Lake
   Morning: Cross the Chang La Pass and visit the Lamayuru Monastery and the Magnetic Hill.
   Afternoon: Stop for lunch in the town of Mulbekh and visit the Mulbekh Gompa.
   Evening: Reach Kargil and visit the Kargil War Memorial and Museum.
7. Day 7: Leh and Manali
   12 hours (430 km) from Kargil
   Morning: Start the journey back to Leh and visit the Alchi Monastery on the way.
   Afternoon: Reach Leh and have lunch before starting the journey back to Manali.
   Evening: Stop by Sarchu for an overnight stay before reaching Manali the next day.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the monasteries of Hemis, Phugtal, and Stakna on the way to Leh. A side trip to Zanskar Valley is also highly recommended. To maximize your fun, try river rafting in the Indus River or mountain biking in the rugged terrains. For a unique experience, attend the Ladakh Festival in September.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Hadimba Devi Temple (1 hour, free)
• Solang Valley (3 hours, 500 INR)
• Rohtang Pass (1 hour, 2,500 INR)
• Keylong (1 hour, 500 INR)
• Khardung La (1 hour, free)
• Leh Palace (1 hour, 250 INR)
• Shanti Stupa (1 hour, free)
• Leh Market (1 hour, free)
• Diskit Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Hunder (2 hours, 1,500 INR)
• Turtuk (2 hours, 2,000 INR)
• Shey (1 hour, 250 INR)
• Thiksey Monastery (1 hour, 30 INR)
• Pangong Lake (3 hours, free)
• Lamayuru Monastery (1 hour, 100 INR)
• Mulbekh Gompa (1 hour, free)
• Kargil War Memorial and Museum (2 hours, free)
• Alchi Monastery (1 hour, 50 INR)
• Sarchu (1 night, 1,500 INR)
• Total Estimated Costs: 9,130 INR