In the morning, visit the Buddhist white-domed Shanti Stupa, offering panoramic views of Leh, the Zanskar range and the Indus valley. In the afternoon, explore the Leh Palace, a nine-storey royal palace overlooking the town, and walk through the bustling Leh Bazaar. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ladakhi dinner at the Lamayuru Restaurant.
Drive over Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, to reach the picturesque Nubra Valley. In the morning, visit the Diskit monastery and its 32-metre Maitreya Buddha statue. In the afternoon, ride a double-humped camel at the Hunder Sand Dunes and witness the sunset over the valley. Spend the night in a traditional Ladakhi homestay.
Drive along the Shyok River to reach the serene Pangong Tso Lake, spanning over 100 km and shared by India and China. In the morning, take a stroll along the turquoise waters and admire the changing colours of the lake. In the afternoon, have a picnic lunch by the lakeshore and visit the nearby Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. Spend the night in a lakeside campsite.
Drive back to Leh and visit the Alchi Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient frescoes and wood carvings. In the morning, take a guided tour of the monastery complex and its three temples. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Basgo Fort, a 15th-century palace complex perched atop a hill. In the evening, enjoy a vegetarian dinner at the Summer Harvest restaurant.
Drive to the mysterious Magnetic Hill, where vehicles appear to defy gravity and roll uphill. In the morning, experience the optical illusion firsthand and take quirky photographs. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, a Sikh temple built to commemorate Guru Nanak's visit to Ladakh. In the evening, relax at the Chamba Camp Thiksey and enjoy the amenities.
Depart from Leh and bid farewell to Ladakh. In the morning, grab some breakfast and buy souvenirs at the Leh Bazaar. In the afternoon, visit the Hall of Fame, a museum dedicated to the Indian Army's role in Ladakh. The museum exhibits weapons, uniforms, and stories of valour.
Consider visiting the Thiksey Monastery, the Shey Palace, and the Stakna Monastery if you have extra time in Leh. You may also want to take a rafting trip down the Zanskar River or do a trek in the Markha Valley. To maximise your fun, try local Ladakhi food such as momos, thukpa, and apricot jam. Don't forget to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and warm clothing as the weather can be unpredictable.