Exploring Buddhist Gompas: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Leh Arrival & Shanti Stupa

Leh, India

9:00AM

Arrive in Leh

Begin your spiritual journey by arriving in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and the starting point for exploring Buddhist Gompas.
You can reach Leh by flight from major Indian cities like Delhi. The flight takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
N/A, Full Day

3:00PM

Visit Shanti Stupa

Head to Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist monument with stunning views of Leh city. Take in the peaceful ambiance and panoramic views.
Shanti Stupa is a short drive from Leh city center, taking around 20 minutes by taxi.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 2: Thiksey Monastery & Hemis Monastery

Leh, India

9:00AM

Visit Thiksey Monastery

Explore Thiksey Monastery, a beautiful complex resembling Potala Palace in Lhasa. Admire the stunning architecture and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Thiksey Monastery is around 20 kilometers from Leh, reachable by a 45-minute drive.
Entrance fee applicable, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Ladakhi lunch at a local restaurant near Thiksey Monastery, savoring the flavors of the region.
Ask for restaurant recommendations from the monastery staff or your guide.
Approx. 500 INR, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Hemis Monastery

Visit Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. Delve into the history and spirituality of this significant place.
Hemis Monastery is around 45 kilometers from Leh, taking about 1.5 hours to reach by car.
Entrance fee applicable, 2 hours
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Day 3: Diskit Monastery & Hunder Sand Dunes

Nubra Valley, India

9:00AM

Travel to Nubra Valley

Embark on a scenic drive to Nubra Valley, passing through the famous Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
The journey from Leh to Nubra Valley takes around 4-5 hours by road.
N/A, Full Day

1:00PM

Visit Diskit Monastery

Explore Diskit Monastery, perched on a hilltop and offering panoramic views of the valley. Witness the giant statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Diskit Monastery is a short drive from Hunder, taking about 15 minutes by car.
Entrance fee applicable, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Experience Hunder Sand Dunes

Enjoy a unique experience of riding double-humped Bactrian camels amidst the vast sand dunes of Hunder. Witness the desert landscape of Ladakh.
Hunder Sand Dunes are a short distance from Diskit Monastery, easily accessible by car.
Camel ride fees apply, 1 hour
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Day 4: Alchi Monastery & Likir Monastery

Alchi, India

9:00AM

Visit Alchi Monastery

Explore Alchi Monastery, known for its unique Kashmiri-influenced artwork and ancient wall paintings dating back to the 12th century.
Alchi Monastery is around 70 kilometers from Leh, taking about 2-3 hours to reach by car.
Entrance fee applicable, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant near Alchi Monastery, tasting authentic Ladakhi cuisine.
Ask for recommendations from the monastery staff or locals.
Approx. 600 INR, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Likir Monastery

Visit Likir Monastery, set amidst picturesque surroundings and housing a statue of Maitreya Buddha. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this sacred place.
Likir Monastery is around 25 kilometers from Alchi, reachable by a 40-minute drive.
Entrance fee applicable, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Shey Palace & Spituk Monastery

Leh, India

9:00AM

Explore Shey Palace

Visit Shey Palace, the former summer retreat of the royal family of Ladakh. Admire the intricate murals and the giant golden statue of Buddha.
Shey Palace is located around 15 kilometers from Leh, taking about 30 minutes to reach by car.
Entrance fee applicable, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring the local flavors before continuing your exploration.
Choose a restaurant in the vicinity based on recommendations or reviews.
Approx. 700 INR, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Spituk Monastery

Explore Spituk Monastery, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the Indus River. Witness the ancient artifacts and religious relics housed here.
Spituk Monastery is located around 8 kilometers from Leh, taking about 20 minutes to reach by car.
Entrance fee applicable, 1.5 hours
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