7-Day Itinerary for Ladhak in June 2023

1. Day 1: Leh Palace
   10 minutes (1.2 miles) from Leh

   In the morning, explore the ancient Leh Palace and learn about its rich historical significance. In the afternoon, visit the Central Asian Museum. In the evening, enjoy a cup of tea at the nearby Sankar Monastery.

2. Day 2: Shanti Stupa
   20 minutes (3.9 miles) from Leh Palace

   Start your day with a visit to the iconic white-domed Shanti Stupa, offering stunning views of the city. In the afternoon, head to the Thiksey Monastery, a 16th-century gompa known for its stunning architecture. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ladakhi meal at the nearby Booklover's Cafe.

3. Day 3: Magnetic Hill
   50 minutes (26.2 miles) from Shanti Stupa

   Visit the famous Magnetic Hill, a gravity hill where cars seem to defy gravity and roll uphill. In the afternoon, head to the confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers, the Sangam Valley. In the evening, visit the Hall of Fame Museum, showcasing the bravery of the Indian Army.

4. Day 4: Nubra Valley
   4 hours (74.2 miles) from Magnetic Hill

   Start early and head to the beautiful Nubra Valley, known for its sand dunes and double humped camels. Explore the Diskit Monastery and enjoy a ride on the Bactrian camels. In the evening, relax at the nearby Mystic Meadows Camp.

5. Day 5: Turtuk Village
   2 hours 30 minutes (68.4 miles) from Nubra Valley

   Visit the picturesque Turtuk Village, known for its unspoiled natural beauty and apricot orchards. Interact with the locals and learn about their unique Balti culture. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire and barbecue at the nearby Balti Heritage Home.

6. Day 6: Hemis National Park
   4 hours 30 minutes (112.4 miles) from Turtuk Village

   Explore the Hemis National Park, home to the elusive snow leopard, Asiatic ibex and Himalayan blue sheep. In the afternoon, experience the thrill of river rafting in the Indus river. In the evening, visit the Stakna Monastery, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

7. Day 7: Khardung La Pass
   2 hours 10 minutes (39.7 miles) from Hemis National Park

   Visit the world's highest motorable pass, Khardung La, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, head back to Leh and visit the Leh Mosque, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture. In the evening, enjoy some shopping at the Leh market.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the Leh-Kargil road trip, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. Take a side trip to the beautiful Pangong Tso Lake, known for its crystal clear waters. To maximize your fun, try some authentic Ladakhi cuisine at the Penguin Garden Restaurant. Also, don't forget to carry warm clothes and sunscreen for protection from the sun.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Leh Palace (2-3 hours, free)
• Shanti Stupa (1-2 hours, free)
• Thiksey Monastery (1-2 hours, INR 30)
• Magnetic Hill (1-2 hours, free)
• Confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers (1-2 hours, free)
• Nubra Valley (1 day, INR 4000)
• Turtuk Village (1 day, INR 3000)
• Hemis National Park (1 day, INR 2000)
• Khardung La Pass (2-3 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs (excluding accommodation and transportation): INR 9,030