10-Day Scenic Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary: Exploring Majestic Mountains and Culture

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Leh, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tibetan Kitchen

Enjoy traditional Ladakhi and Tibetan breakfast fare to energise for the day ahead.
INR 300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Leh Palace

Explore this 17th-century royal palace offering panoramic views of Leh town and the surrounding mountains.
INR 120, 1h30m

11:30am

Shanti Stupa Visit

Visit the iconic white-domed Shanti Stupa with views over Leh, great for peace and photography.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gesmo Restaurant

Savour local Ladakhi and Indian dishes served in a cozy atmosphere.
INR 400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax and acclimatize in Leh

Spend afternoon taking it easy to adjust to altitude, optionally visit local markets for handicrafts.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bon Appetit

Enjoy multi-cuisine dishes including Tibetan momos and Indian curries in a friendly setting.
INR 500, 1h30m

Day 2: Nubra Valley Drive

Nubra Valley, India on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading out on the mountain roads to Nubra Valley.
INR 300, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

Take the highest motorable road in the world, Khardung La pass (5359m), en route to Nubra Valley.
Free, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nubra Valley camp

Fresh nutritious meal served with local specialties to recharge after the drive.
INR 350, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Diskit Monastery and Giant Buddha

Explore the main monastery in Nubra with an impressive Buddha statue overlooking the valley.
INR 100, 1h30m

3:00pm

Camel Ride on Sand Dunes

Experience the unique double-humped Bactrian camel ride across colorful sand dunes in Hunder village.
INR 600, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening relaxation at camp

Relax at your camp with views of the valley, ideal for stargazing night.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at camp

Enjoy warm Ladakhi-style dinner by the campfire.
INR 400, 1h0m

Day 3: Turtuk Village Visit

Turtuk Village, India on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at camp

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast before the scenic drive to Turtuk.
INR 300, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Turtuk Village

Travel through beautiful mountainous terrain to this peaceful border village famed for its Balti culture.
Free, 3h0m

11:30am

Explore Turtuk Village

Stroll through the quaint village, visit the local museum and interact with villagers to learn about their unique Muslim Balti culture.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at local homestay

Try authentic Balti cuisine prepared by locals offering a delicious cultural dining experience.
INR 400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return drive to Nubra Valley

Head back to your camp in Nubra Valley, enjoying the changing landscape.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Evening free for rest

Relax at your camp or take short walks to enjoy the natural beauty around.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at camp

Have a restful dinner with local flavors and prepare for next day’s journey.
INR 400, 1h0m

Day 4: Pangong Lake Adventure

Pangong Lake, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at camp

Eat a quick, hearty breakfast before setting out to Pangong Lake, a 4-hour scenic drive away.
INR 300, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Pangong Lake

Travel through Chang La pass to reach the stunning blue waters of Pangong Lake, still frozen in early May but breathtaking.
Free, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pangong Lake campsite

Enjoy simple yet refreshing meals close to nature with spectacular lake views.
INR 400, 1h0m

1:00pm

Walk and Photography

Walk along the shoreline, witness the unique high-altitude lake ecosystem and capture stunning photos.
Free, 3h0m

4:00pm

Relax at campsite

Rest in your tent or enjoy peaceful views as the sun sets over the Himalayas.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at camp

Warm up with hot meals served at the campsite, a great way to end a memorable day.
INR 400, 1h0m

Day 5: Marismaid and Return

Route to Leh via Marismaid, India on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at camp

Begin with a nutritious breakfast before heading back towards Leh via Marismaid.
INR 300, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Marismaid Village

Visit this tranquil village known for its untouched natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Free, 3h0m

11:30am

Explore Marismaid Local Heritage

Visit local temples and interact with residents to learn about their traditional lifestyle.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Marismaid village eatery

Enjoy freshly prepared simple meals made from local ingredients.
INR 350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive back to Leh

Travel back to Leh for overnight stay, enjoying stunning mountain views en route.
Free, 4h0m

6:00pm

Rest and refresh at hotel

Relax and freshen up after the day’s journey.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen

Taste authentic Tibetan cuisine with a variety of momos and thukpa.
INR 450, 1h0m

Day 6: Lamayuru Monastery Visit

Lamayuru, India on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast to prepare for day venturing to Lamayuru.
INR 300, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Lamayuru

Travel westwards 125 km from Leh to visit the famous ancient Lamayuru Monastery, known as the ‘Moonland’.
Free, 4h0m

12:00pm

Visit Lamayuru Monastery

Explore the breathtakingly beautiful monastery and surrounding lunar landscape unique to this region.
INR 50, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at local guesthouse

Enjoy authentic Ladakhi meal featuring local produce.
INR 350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Moonland Landscape

Walk in the unique rock formations and moonscape terrain around the monastery.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Drive back to Leh

Return to Leh for evening rest.
Free, 4h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Bon Appetit

Relax and enjoy international and local cuisine in Leh.
INR 500, 1h0m

Day 7: Alchi Monastery Visit

Alchi, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before heading to Alchi.
INR 300, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Alchi Monastery

A 65 km drive from Leh to visit the famous Alchi Monastery, celebrated for its ancient wall paintings.
Free, 2h0m

10:30am

Explore Alchi Monastery

View striking murals dating back to 11th century and learn about Buddhism art and culture.
INR 100, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at local café

Sample local Ladakhi and Indian dishes nearby the monastery.
INR 350, 1h0m

1:00pm

Return to Leh

Drive back and relax at the hotel or explore Leh market.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Visit Leh Market

Shop for souvenirs, traditional crafts, and experience vibrant local culture.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gesmo Restaurant

Delight in authentic Ladakhi and Tibetan dishes to round off the day.
INR 450, 1h0m

Day 8: Hemis Monastery

Hemis, India on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a filling breakfast before heading out to Hemis Monastery.
INR 300, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Hemis Monastery

A 45 km drive southeast of Leh to the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh.
Free, 1h30m

9:30am

Visit Hemis Monastery

Explore the monastery famous for its annual Hemis festival and remarkable murals.
INR 50, 1h30m

11:00am

Return to Leh

Drive back to Leh and relax for the afternoon or explore additional local sites.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tibetan Kitchen

Enjoy savory Tibetan and Ladakhi dishes in cozy settings.
INR 400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Optional: Visit Sangam Point

Visit the confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers, a peaceful nature spot great for photography.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bon Appetit

End the day with a variety of international and local dishes.
INR 500, 1h0m

Day 9: Shey Palace and Relax

Leh, India on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Leisurely breakfast before a day of light sightseeing and relaxation.
INR 300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Shey Palace

Explore early 17th-century summer palace of Ladakhi kings, with a giant seated Buddha statue.
INR 100, 1h30m

11:30am

Return to Leh town

Spend afternoon at leisure shopping or visiting local cafés.
Free, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Gesmo Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed meal with regional cuisine specialties after sightseeing.
INR 400, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or optional spa

Rest or indulge in a spa session to unwind after an active trip.
INR 1500, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tibetan Kitchen

Conclude the day with comforting Tibetan dishes and warm atmosphere.
INR 450, 1h0m

Day 10: Departure Day

Leh, India on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a wholesome breakfast preparing for departure.
INR 300, 1h0m

9:00am

Last minute shopping or stroll in Leh market

Pick souvenirs or take a last walk around Leh town before leaving.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Checkout and transfer to airport

Drive to Leh airport for onward flight or continue your journey.
Free, 0h30m