Epic 10-Day Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary by Car: Scenic Routes and Cultural Marvels

Day 1: Leh Arrival

Leh, India on May 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Tibetan Kitchen

Enjoy authentic Ladakhi and Tibetan breakfast at this popular Leh eatery. Open from 8am to 10:30pm, it's perfect for a relaxed start.
INR500, 1h

10:30am

Leh Palace Visit

Explore the historic Leh Palace, a majestic 17th-century structure offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains. Open 9am-5pm.
INR100, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chopsticks Restaurant

Savor delicious momos and thukpa, Ladakhi Tibetan dishes, at this top-rated restaurant open until 11pm.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Shanti Stupa Visit

Visit Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist monument offering breathtaking sunset views over Leh. Open 6am to 8pm.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude at your hotel in Leh.
Varies, Rest of day

8:00pm

Dinner at Bon Appetit

End the day with a hearty Ladakhi dinner including apricot jam and local dishes. Open 7pm to 11pm.
INR600, 1.5h
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Day 2: Leh to Nubra Valley

Leh to Nubra Valley, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for the long drive over Khardung La, the highest motorable pass in the world.
Included, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

Embark on a scenic drive ascending to Khardung La Pass (altitude 5,359m) then down to Nubra Valley, known for its sand dunes and double-humped camels. The drive takes about 5-6 hours with stops.
Fuel and tolls approximately INR2000, 6h

1:30pm

Lunch at Diskit Guesthouse

Enjoy lunch at a local guesthouse in Diskit with traditional meals and stunning views of the valley.
INR500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Diskit Monastery

Explore the ancient Diskit Monastery famous for its giant Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Open until 6pm.
INR50, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Hunder Sand Dunes

Experience the unique cold desert landscape and ride the double-humped Bactrian camel across the dunes.
Camel ride INR300, 1.5h

6:00pm

Check-in and dinner at a Nubra Valley camp

Stay overnight in a comfortable camp near Hunder and enjoy a traditional Ladakhi dinner.
INR1200, Overnight
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Explore Nubra

Nubra Valley, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at camp

Start your day with breakfast at the camp enjoying Ladakhi bread and butter tea.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Sumur Village and Monastery

Explore the quaint village of Sumur and its serene monastery housing ancient murals. Open 9am-5pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Drive to Turtuk village

Visit Turtuk, a culturally rich border village famous for apricot orchards and Balti culture. The drive takes about 1 hour.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Turtuk homestay

Enjoy traditional Balti cuisine in a homely environment with freshly prepared dishes.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Turtuk Village

Wander through the streets, interact with locals, and visit the local mosque and churches blending cultures. Open until sunset.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Return drive to Nubra Valley camp

Drive back to your camp to rest after a culturally immersive day.
Fuel included, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at camp

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the camp with views of the valley stars.
Included, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Nubra to Pangong

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake, India on May 8, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at camp

Have a quick breakfast to start your day early for the long drive to Pangong Lake.
Included, 0.5h

7:00am

Drive Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake via Shyok Road

Drive about 190 km taking approximately 6-7 hours through scenic and rugged terrain to the enchanting blue waters of Pangong Tso.
Fuel approx INR2200, 7h

2:00pm

Lunch en route (packed or at roadside dhaba)

Stop for refreshments or packed lunch along the way as eateries are limited. Preferably carry food from Nubra.
INR300, 0.5h

4:30pm

Arrival and exploration of Pangong Lake

Explore the stunning lake famous for its ever-changing hues and the backdrop of Himalayan peaks. Open all day, no entry fee currently.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Check-in to camp near Pangong Lake

Stay overnight in comfortable tents to experience the lake’s serene beauty and starry night sky.
INR1500, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at the camp

Enjoy local Ladakhi cuisine prepared fresh at the camp, relaxing by the campfire.
Included, 1h
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Day 5: Pangong to Tso Moriri

Pangong Lake to Tso Moriri Lake, India on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at camp

Start with a wholesome breakfast at your camp near Pangong Lake.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Tso Moriri Lake

Travel 230 km through breathtaking landscapes to the pristine Tso Moriri Lake, a high-altitude lake favored by nature lovers. Approx 7 hours drive.
Fuel approx INR2500, 7h

1:00pm

Lunch en route

Stop at a local dhaba for simple Ladakhi meals such as thupka or dal chawal.
INR400, 1h

3:30pm

Arrival and check-in near Tso Moriri Lake

Settle into a guesthouse or camp close to the lake and unwind in the serene environment.
INR1800, Rest of day

5:00pm

Explore surroundings and birdwatching

Walk along the lake to spot migratory birds and enjoy the tranquil surroundings before sunset.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Relish fresh local dishes prepared at your accommodation.
Included, 1h
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Day 6: Tso Moriri to Leh

Tso Moriri to Leh, India on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast

Early breakfast at your accommodation to start the drive back to Leh.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Chumathang Hot Springs and Leh

Stop at Chumathang to relax in natural hot springs known for therapeutic benefits before continuing to Leh. Total approx 6-7 hours drive.
Entry free, hot spring INR50, 7h

1:00pm

Lunch in Chumathang at local dhaba

Enjoy traditional Ladakhi lunch at a roadside eatery near the hot springs.
INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Leh, check-in hotel

Return to Leh town for overnight stay and rest.
Varies, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gesmo Restaurant

Dine on modern Ladakhi and Indian dishes in a welcoming ambiance. Open till 10:30pm.
INR700, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Leh Local Tour

Leh, India on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bon Appetit

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with freshly brewed coffee and baked goods.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hemis Monastery

Explore Hemis, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, featuring vibrant murals and annual festival. Open 9am-6pm.
INR50, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Himalayan Brothers

Try Ladakhi specialties and thukpa at this cozy family-run restaurant in Leh.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Thiksey Monastery

Discover this beautiful monastery shaped like a Tibetan fortress with stunning views. Open 9am-6pm.
INR30, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Leh Market

Browse local handicrafts such as pashmina, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen

Relish authentic Tibetan cuisine with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
INR600, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Monastery Circuit

Leh Surroundings, India on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a healthy breakfast before heading out to more monasteries.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Alchi Monastery

Travel 65 km west to Alchi Monastery known for its ancient wall paintings and intricate woodwork. Open 9am-5pm.
INR50, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at local eatery in Alchi

Sample local Ladakhi dishes in a simple, homely eatery.
INR350, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Lamayuru Monastery

Proceed another 40 km to Lamayuru, famous for its moon-like landscape and 11th-century monastery. Open till 5pm.
INR50, 2h

4:00pm

Return drive to Leh

Drive back to Leh city for overnight stay.
Fuel INR500, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gesmo Restaurant

Enjoy a warm dinner with a variety of Ladakhi and Indian dishes.
INR700, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Leh Leisure Day

Leh, India on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Relax and shopping in Leh

Stroll the Leh market for souvenirs, pashmina shawls, and local handicrafts. Visit small cafes and soak in town life.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chopsticks Restaurant

Enjoy your final Ladakhi lunch with familiar Tibetan dishes.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Stok Palace Museum

Tour the museum showcasing Ladakhi royal artifacts, traditional dresses, and ancient scripts. Open 10am-5pm.
INR100, 2h

5:00pm

Café break at Bon Appetit

Relax with tea and cakes in this popular café.
INR300, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen

Celebrate your final night with a special feast of Ladakhi and Tibetan delicacies.
INR700, 2h
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Day 10: Departure

Leh, India on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Leh, savoring the mountainous views one last time.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Pack and Check-out

Prepare for your departure and check out from the hotel.
Varies, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Leh Airport

Head to Leh airport for your onward journey, allowing sufficient time for security and check-in.
Fuel and taxi approx INR500, 30m
View Hotel Availability