10-Day Budget-Friendly Ladakh Itinerary Starting May 21 Under ₹30,000

Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration

Leh, Ladakh on May 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Bon Appetit

Enjoy affordable and tasty breakfast with options like omelets and parathas at this popular café open from 8:00am to 11:00am.
INR150, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Leh Palace

Explore the historic Leh Palace built in the 17th century, offering panoramic views of the town. Entry fee applicable.
INR30, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gesmo Restaurant

Relish affordable Ladakhi and Tibetan dishes like thukpa and momos at this local eatery open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
INR200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shanti Stupa Visit

Visit the Shanti Stupa, a serene Buddhist white-domed stupa offering spectacular sunset views. Open all day with free entry.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Leh Market

Stroll through Leh's vibrant market to soak in local culture, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Shops typically open until 8:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chopsticks

Enjoy affordable Chinese and Tibetan cuisine like fried rice and noodles. Open until 10:00pm with moderate pricing.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 2: Nubra Valley Day Trip

Leh to Nubra Valley on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Simple local breakfast to energize for the day’s trip, typically included in budget accommodations or available at ₹100 nearby.
INR100, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass

Travel through one of the highest motorable passes in the world, Khardung La, enjoying breathtaking landscapes. Road trip cost through shared taxis or rental is budget-friendly.
INR800, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Nubra Local Dhaba

Taste traditional Ladakhi meals such as thukpa and butter tea from local eateries open till 3:00pm.
INR150, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Diskit Monastery and Maitreya Buddha

Explore this impressive monastery and see the giant Buddha statue overseeing Nubra Valley. Free entry, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Leh

Head back to Leh before dark, completing the scenic loop through the rugged mountains.
Included in travel cost, 6h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Eatery

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner in Leh after a long day at a local dhaba serving dal chawal or vegetable curry.
INR200, 1h0m
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Day 3: Pangong Lake Excursion

Leh to Pangong Lake on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast to prepare for day trip, included in most budget stays or available for under ₹100 at local cafes.
INR100, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Pangong Lake

Journey to the stunning Pangong Lake, famous for its changing shades of blue and high-altitude views. Shared taxis or budget jeeps available.
INR900, 6h0m

1:30pm

Packed Lunch by the Lake

Pre-packed simple meals such as sandwiches and fruits brought along due to limited food options at the lake itself.
INR150, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk and Photography at Pangong Lake

Spend time walking along the shore and capturing the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Return to Leh

Drive back to Leh in the evening, enjoying scenic sunset views en route.
Included in travel cost, 6h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Tibetan Kitchen

Taste affordable Thupkas and momos at this cozy local spot open until 10:00pm.
INR250, 1h0m
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Day 4: Monasteries and Culture

Leh, Ladakh on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bon Appetit

Start your day with delicious bakery items and coffee at one of Leh’s most popular cafés, open from 8:00am.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hemis Monastery

Explore the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh, known for its annual festival. Entry free, open till sunset.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hemis School Café

Support local community by dining at this school-run café near Hemis selling simple but tasty meals.
INR150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Thiksey Monastery

Visit this beautiful monastery known for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa and spectacular views over the Indus Valley.
INR30, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Leh and Market Visit

Stroll back in Leh, stopping at small shops for local handicrafts. Enjoy the peaceful late afternoon ambiance.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Wonderland Restaurant

Affordable local and continental fare in a pleasant atmosphere open till 10:00pm.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 5: Local Sightseeing and Relaxation

Leh, Ladakh on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Ladakh

Enjoy traditional Ladakhi breakfast items such as barley porridge and butter tea from 8:00am onwards.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hall of Fame Museum

Discover the history and culture of Ladakh including details about the Indian Army’s role in the region. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
INR40, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nimmu House Restaurant

Taste simple but hearty local cuisine in a relaxed environment open from 12:00pm onwards.
INR200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax and Explore Stok Village

Short visit to nearby Stok village for serene environment and traditional Ladakhi homes. Ideal for low-cost sightseeing.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Sunset at Spituk Monastery

View the sunset at this small monastery near Leh with amazing views over the valley. Entry free.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at German Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked bread, pastries, and budget-friendly dinner options open until 9:30pm.
INR250, 1h0m
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Day 6: Tso Moriri Lake Visit

Leh to Tso Moriri on May 26, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Grab a packed or quick breakfast before the long drive, available in Leh for under ₹100.
INR100, 0h30m

7:00am

Drive to Tso Moriri Lake

Travel to the serene high-altitude lake Tso Moriri, known for its pristine beauty and wildlife. Costs minimized by shared transport.
INR900, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Guesthouse

Simple homely meals offered by guesthouses near the lake, including dal and rice.
INR150, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Lake and Surroundings

Take walks by the lake, bird watch, and enjoy the tranquility of the Himalayan landscape.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return Journey to Leh

Head back to Leh in late afternoon, returning before nightfall.
Included in transport cost, 6h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Local Dhaba

Enjoy an inexpensive meal of rajma chawal or vegetable thali to end the day.
INR200, 1h0m
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Day 7: Leisure and Culture

Leh, Ladakh on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lamayuru Café

Have a relaxed breakfast with both local and continental options, open from 8:00am.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Lamayuru Monastery

Explore one of the oldest and most scenic monasteries in Ladakh, open until 5:00pm with a small entry fee.
INR30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Lamayuru

Simple local cuisine is available at small eateries near the monastery.
INR150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Leh and Visit Local Museum

Stop by the Ladakh Cultural Museum to learn about the history and traditions of the region. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm, entry fee applies.
INR20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Free Time for Shopping

Explore Leh’s shops for souvenirs like pashmina shawls and prayer flags within your budget.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bon Appetit

End the day with a satisfying dinner featuring local and continental dishes at affordable prices.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 8: Local Village Exploration

Leh and Nearby Villages on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Namaste

Light breakfast offering fresh coffee and pastries, open from 8:00am.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Basgo Castle and Village

Explore the ruins of Basgo Castle, an ancient structure overseeing the Indus River, free entry, open till evening.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Eatery in Basgo

Enjoy traditional meals made by locals at reasonable prices.
INR150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Stakna Monastery

Small but picturesque monastery located near the Indus River, perfect for quiet reflection and photography.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Leh

Drive back and relax in Leh.
Transport included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tibetan Kitchen

Affordable Tibetan food to wrap up the day with favorite dishes like momos and thukpa.
INR250, 1h0m
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Day 9: Final Day Leisure

Leh, Ladakh on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Relaxed breakfast included or at local café within budget.
INR100, 1h0m

10:00am

Free Time for Souvenirs or Short Walks

Explore any parts of Leh missed or revisit the market for last-minute purchases.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gesmo Restaurant

Affordable and tasty place to enjoy final meals in Leh with Tibetan dishes.
INR200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Sankar Gompa

Small monastery close to the town center, peaceful and historic, no entry fee, open till dusk.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Pack and Rest

Prepare for departure next day and enjoy downtime.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Dhaba

Simple and budget-friendly meal to complete your Ladakh experience.
INR200, 1h0m
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Day 10: Departure

Leh, Ladakh on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to start your departure day, included or budget-friendly options available.
INR100, 0h30m

8:00am

Check-Out and Transfer to Leh Airport

Head to the airport for your onward journey. Taxi arranged by hotel or shared transport keeps costs minimal.
INR500, 0h30m
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