Best 7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary – Leh Ladakh Trip

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During summertime, one generally tries to plan an escape to a cold mountainous holiday destination. And that’s precisely what I did as well. I thought I’d add new memories to my existing bank of wonderful European vacation experiences from years ago by planning a family trip to Denmark and Norway. But the Danish embassy in New Delhi acted like a vengeful jilted lover and sent our passports woefully late. As a result, all my preferred hotels/day trip experiences got sold out, and I had no option but to cancel the trip and look for an alternate mountain destination in India for a short one-week trip. Thus, the idea of a trip to Leh, Ladakh was born. And now, after having spent slightly more than a week in Leh Ladakh, I can safely say that it undoubtedly gives Europe a run for it’s money. Leh, Ladakh as a travel destination, is like that underrated teenager in high school who flies silently under the radar unlike the popular school heartthrob, but years later goes on to top his college and lands a six-figure salary job. So you can understand why I’m excited to share my best 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary with you in this blog article.

But before getting into the details of the comprehensive 7-Day Leh Ladakh itinerary, here’s an overview of Leh and what you need to know before planning your trip to Leh. Leh is the capital city of Ladakh, a Union Territory that lies in the beautiful Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. Leh is famous for it’s surreal arid mountain landscape, picturesque high-altitude passes, gorgeous Buddhist monasteries, legendary war memorials, thrilling adventure activities, and delicious authentic Ladakhi food.

Best Time To Visit Leh Ladakh- Leh Ladakh Weather

Leh Ladakh remains closed in the winter season ie. the period from the end of October to February. So March- mid-October is practically the time available to explore Leh.

The peak travel season in Leh, Ladakh is the summer season from April to June. So if the package of “pleasant cold days and chilly nights” sounds good to you, then April- June is the best time for you to visit Leh Ladakh. However, you’ll have to contend with a bit of a tourist crowd so be mentally prepared.

If you want to avoid the hordes of tourists, either early March or the period from mid-July to mid-October is an ideal time to visit Leh Ladakh. March can be very cold as it falls immediately post the winter season whereas July-September sees a considerably warmer climate.

July-September is also the monsoon season in Leh but since Leh is an arid desert for the most part and the rains aren’t that heavy and sustained, your 7-Day Leh Ladakh itinerary won’t be disturbed as such.

How To Get To Leh Ladakh

Depending on your budget and convenience, you can get to Leh by flight, car/bus, or train.

• Flight: There are direct flights to Leh from New Delhi, Mumbai, Jammu, Srinagar, and Chandigarh. So you can save time by flying directly to Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) from any of these cities.
• Car/Bus: If you’re in the mood to do a road trip, then you can make use of the extensive road network and reach Leh either by car/taxi or bus. There are several tourist buses (both govt. & private) operating from Manali/Delhi/Jammu/Srinagar to Leh.
• Train: The railway station nearest to Leh is Jammu Tawi railway station. So you can take a train to this station and then get to Leh either by taxi/bus. The station is located at a distance of 659 km (approx.) from Leh Ladakh. Personally speaking, I wouldn’t recommend you to travel to Leh by train as it’s exhausting and time-consuming.
  
  
  
  

Medicines To Carry On Your Leh Ladakh Trip

Since Leh is situated at a high altitude of 11,562 ft (3,524 m approx.), altitude sickness and low blood oxygen levels are things you need to be wary of. Many travellers face problems in adjusting to the elevation of the region.

So here are a few medicines that you need to pack to counter the altitude threat:

• Paracetamol or Dolo 650 to reduce fever and body pain.
• Diamox (Acetazolamide) to reduce/treat altitude sickness and it’s various symptoms like nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and headache.
• Ibuprofen for any inflammation.
• Strepsils for a sore throat.
• Zofer to counter vomiting sensation resulting from high altitude motion sickness.
• ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) packets that you can have with water to counter excessive vomiting or diarrhoea.

I’d personally recommend you carry an oximeter with you to keep track of your blood oxygen levels. And in case your blood oxygen drops to dangerously low levels, you can ask the property you’re staying at to arrange for oxygen concentrators to stabilize your condition.

Tip: I’d suggest you start taking your Diamox dosage 24 hours before your journey time. This will ensure smoother acclimatization to the weather conditions and altitude.

Note: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are going through a medicinal course at the time of travel, then kindly visit your doctor and follow his/her prescription guidelines.

Where To Stay In Leh Ladakh – Leh Ladakh Hotels

Our 7-Day Leh Ladakh itinerary is spread across three regions – Leh, Nubra Valley, and Pangong Lake. Therefore, I’ll be giving you the best hotel recommendations for all three places depending on the budget you’re looking for.

My 7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary Leh Hotel Recommendation

DOLKHAR RESORT

Dolkhar is a luxury boutique resort that symbolizes Leh Ladakh in the truest sense.

Located in the peaceful Tukcha area at the heart of Leh, the property reflects the vibrant culture, tradition, and lifestyle of Leh Ladakh.

What makes the place special is it’s sustainable module which focusses on creating a zero-waste ecosystem.

The resort has seven beautiful stone-walled duplex villas made from locally sourced materials. Each villa has a lovely patio on the ground floor and a private balcony on the first floor.

The villa decor is subtle and traditional, yet creative and classy.

The ambiance inside the villa is warm and feels like an intimate hug from a loved one.

The attention to detail in designing the interiors of the villa can be clearly seen in how specific sustainable brands have been used.

From furniture, lighting decor, upholstery, and rugs, to laundry bags, toiletries, and notepads, every element inside the villa has an innovative, eco-friendly touch.

The resort also has an in-house restaurant called “Tsas by Dolkhar”.

Tsas by Dolkhar serves the tastiest vegetarian food in Leh Ladakh.

It offers authentic Ladakhi food options fused with modern cooking methods and exquisite presentation.

If you have the good fortune of staying in the resort for multiple days, you will experience the Tsas by Dolkhar menu in its entirety.

And boy oh boy, it’s a culinary delight of the highest order!

The resort also has a spa and an independent space for early morning yoga sessions. To summarize, all I can say is that if you want to experience luxury with tranquility, then the Dolkhar Resort in Leh has to be a part of your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary.

You can book your stay at the Dolkhar Resort by clicking here.

Leh Mid-Range Hotels:

1. Gomang Boutique Hotel: Check out this boutique hotel near Leh airport and book your stay by clicking here.

2. The Saraha: Book your stay at this mid-range luxury hotel near Leh airport by clicking here.

3. Yarab Tso: Check out this property and book your stay by clicking here.

4. Hotel Amanthi Ladakh: Book your stay at the hotel by clicking here.

Leh Luxury Hotels:

1. Dolkhar Resort: Check out this fabulous one-of-a-kind property and book your stay by clicking here.

2. The Indus River Camp: Book your stay at this lovely property by clicking here.

3. Ladakh Sarai Resort: Check out this luxury resort and book your stay by clicking here.

4. Chospa Hotel: Book your stay at this exclusive property by clicking here.

5. The Grand Dragon Ladakh: Check out this luxurious property and book your stay by clicking here.

Leh Budget Hotels – Leh Homestays and Hostels

1. Rock Castle Residency: Book your stay at this Leh accommodation by clicking here.

2. Raybo Hostel: Check out the hostel and book your stay by clicking here.

3. The Willow House: Book your stay at this budget accommodation by clicking here.

4. Leh Stumpa: Check out this Leh property and book your room at the homestay by clicking here.

BEST 7-DAY LEH LADAKH ITINERARY

Post your arrival in Leh, spend the rest of the day resting and acclimatizing your body to the local conditions. Don’t let the excitement of exploring Leh Ladakh get the better of you.

Give enough time to your body to adjust to the high altitude. Keep checking your blood oxygen levels with the help of an oximeter from time to time and rest it out.

Come the next day, you can begin your Leh Ladakh exploration with my best 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary.

7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary DAY 1:

Tip -> Start around 10 am-10:15 am.

On the first day of your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary, you’ll cover the following:

• Visit Guphuk’s Viewpoint in Leh
• Spend time at the Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib
• Enjoy an ATV dirt bike ride at the Magnetic Hill
• Soak in the views at Sangam Viewpoint
• Experience river rafting in the Zanskar River
• Take a tour of the legendary Hall of Fame
  
  
  

1. Visit Guphuk’s Viewpoint in Leh

Start your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary by visiting a popular viewpoint, located 13 km (20 minutes) away from Leh, called the Guphuk’s Viewpoint.

The viewpoint lies on the side of the Leh-Kargil highway road, providing a beautiful view to people passing by.

Here, you can witness a gorgeous panoramic view of the Indus river, snow-clad peaks, Spituk monastery, Stok village & Pharka village.

Note: There is no entry fee for the viewpoint.

2. Spend time at the Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib

The next stop on our journey is the beautiful Gurudwara Shri Pathar Sahib, built in 1517 in the fond memory of Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder Guru of the Sikh faith.

The Gurudwara (meaning “The Guru’s abode or door”), located about 50 minutes away from Leh and about 30 minutes away from the Guphuk’s viewpoint, sits at an altitude of 12,000 feet above sea level on the Srinagar-Leh national highway.

It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev ji visited this particular region in Leh Ladakh and therefore, this site was built to commemorate his visit. The Indian Army maintains the Gurudwara.

A striking feature of the Gurudwara is a holy boulder inside the complex. The boulder has an interesting story attached to it- one that involves the Guru himself and a demon. You can read the story on a metal board placed at the entrance itself.

Inside the Gurudwara, you can sit and participate in the prayer session, soaking in the meditative energy. It truly is a calming, spiritual experience and one that you definitely shouldn’t miss!

Since the place is a holy site for the Sikhs, it’s advisable to be respectful and dress accordingly. Avoid skimpy clothing. There are separate washrooms built by the Army for men and women, right next to the Gurudwara.

Note: The Gurudwara is open all week from 6 am-7 pm for visitors. Entry to the site is free of charge.

3. Enjoy an ATV dirt bike ride at the Magnetic Hill

Just 5-10 minutes away from the Gurudwara, is our next spot- the Magnetic Hill of Ladakh. It’s also known as the Gravity Hill or the Gravity Road.

It’s basically a particular area on the highway road that’s called so, as the surrounding land layout creates an optical illusion-making a downhill slope appear to be an uphill slope.

So if you leave your car out of gear, it will appear to go uphill – defying gravity, when in reality it is rolling downhill. Just next to the Magnetic Hill spot, you’ll find open mountainous terrain where you can enjoy an ATV dirt bike ride.

There’s an ATV ticket booth on the left side of the Gravity Road. Here you can buy tickets for the ATV ride. A single round ticket will cost you Rs. 1,200. And if you can convince the rider (who rents you the vehicle) for another round, then you might get a complimentary round as well.

Tracing the curvy path along the mountain at an altitude of 14,000 feet on an ATV dirt bike is quite an adventure.

I thoroughly enjoyed the views during the ride and therefore, recommend you to include this exhilarating experience in your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary.

4. Soak in the views at Sangam Viewpoint

After experiencing the gravity-defying Magnetic Hill, it’s time to relish a picturesque view from the Sangam viewpoint. Located at an altitude of 10,657 feet in the Nimmu village, the Sangam viewpoint lies on the Leh-Srinagar highway.

From this vantage point, you’ll see a breathtakingly beautiful confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. You will see a clear contrast between the two rivers- with the Indus river appearing radiant blue (almost turquoise-like) and the Zanskar river appearing muddy green.

Add to that, a lovely backdrop of the mountains and you get the perfect resting point to soak in the splendour of nature.

5. Experience river rafting in the Zanskar River

After some sightseeing at the Sangam viewpoint, it’s time to get into the action-adventure mode. Yes, I’m talking about experiencing the high of river rafting in the Zanskar river.

From the Sangam viewpoint, you can take your car to the Zanskar rafting center where you’ll find a ticketing office and a canteen. At the ticketing counter, there are three rafting options given to you – 8 km (1 hour), 18 km (2 hours), and 28 km (3 hours).

My parents & I opted for the 8 km river rafting package as we felt it could get monotonous after an hour. It cost us Rs. 900 per person.

We also got the GoPro footage of our rafting experience included in the price of the package. However, the rates can vary depending on the season and the number of people in the raft.

The route takes 1 hour to complete with rapids of grade 1 &/or 2. It’s essentially a mixture of river rafting and boating.

You can opt for a river rafting package of your choice depending on the amount of time you have and the intensity of rapids you’d prefer during your journey.

You will be provided necessary safety gear at the rafting point, with a briefing given by your rafting expert and guide for the journey. We had a great time rafting in the Zanskar river, with occasional exciting moments of strong water currents.

It is an adventurous group activity that has to be a part of your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary. You can check the prices for river rafting in Zanskar river by clicking here.

6. Take a tour of the legendary Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame is one of the best places to visit in Leh. It is a museum built by the Indian Army as a tribute to the brave-hearted Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.

It houses historical exhibits from Indo-Pak wars, war weapons, army gear, a war memorial, and a souvenir shop. The energy of the place feels like something else. Right at the entrance, you are greeted by war tanks.

An Indian Army personnel takes you on a tour of the museum explaining how India won the famous Indo-Pak wars of the past.

With the help of a miniature Indian terrain model, he explains in great detail – the various operations executed by the Indian Army to thwart attempts by the Pakistani army and terrorist groups to occupy Indian territory.

Letters from army men, war-time pictures and posters, weapons seized post the war, army gear used by the personnel during the war – everything is displayed systematically & beautifully.

There is also a war memorial inside the Hall of Fame premises where you can see the legendary “Light & Sound” show.

This audio-visual show is the highlight of the venue and one of the must-do things in your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary. The documentary video showcases and celebrates the undying spirit, bravery, and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers.

The story narration and visuals combined with an impressive laser show send shivers down your spine. The show gives you goosebumps, makes you emotional, and arouses the feeling of nationalistic pride in you.

Note: The Hall of Fame museum is open from 9 am-1 pm and 2 pm-7 pm. It is closed on Mondays. Entry is free of charge for children below 12. The entrance fee per adult is Rs. 250. It includes the price of the “Light & Sound” show ticket that remains valid for a week post-purchase.

7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary DAY 2:

Tip -> Start around 9:45 am-10 am.

On the second day of your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary, you’ll cover the following:

• Spend time at the SECMOL Campus
• Admire the view from Basgo Castle & Monastery
• Explore the Likir Monastery
• Visit the Indus River Bridge viewpoint
• Enjoy a hearty meal at Alchi’s Kitchen
• Take a tour of the Alchi Monastery
• Explore the Leh Palace
  
  
  

1. Spend time at the Secmol Campus

Start your day by visiting one of the most interesting and offbeat places in Ladakh, the SECMOL Campus. SECMOL (Students’ Educational & Cultural Movement Of Ladakh) was founded in 1988 by a group of college students from Ladakh, to reform the backward educational system of Ladakh.

Located in Shey village (25-30 minutes from Leh), it is a school cum eco-village which focusses on providing students with practical life skills and values.

SECMOL lets go of conventional teaching methods by preparing students in such a way that they are ready for the outside world in a realistic sense. They are taught Ladakh’s cultural history so that they remain connected to their roots.

Not only are students taught particular subject matter, but also environmental, social, sporting, agricultural, and entrepreneurial skills.

The students, staff, and volunteers live and learn together at SECMOL. The school’s functioning incorporates the 3 “R” formula, ie. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. You’ll be surprised to know that the successful Indian women’s ice hockey team has players from this very school.

On arriving at the campus you are taken on a tour, with the guide explaining to you:

• the smart, eco-friendly ways in which the campus building is designed.
• the usage of a renewable source of energy like solar energy for cooking, heating, pumping borewell water, and generating electricity.
• their self-sustained food and dairy system, thanks to an adjoining farm and a separate enclosure for cattle.
• their nature-friendly refrigeration system (vegetable cellar), and an efficient compost toilet arrangement where the manure is used for fertilizing the field.

You’ll thoroughly enjoy your time at SECMOL and feel inspired and motivated at the end of the campus tour. So make sure you include the SECMOL campus tour as a must-do activity in your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary.

Note: Entry is free of charge between 9:00-10:30 am, after which Rs. 200 per person is charged as the entry fee.

2. Admire the view from Basgo Castle & Monastery

Our next stop for the day is the Basgo Castle & Monastery, located 5 km west of Nimmu village and about 40 km east of Leh along the Indus river bank. On your way to the monastery, you’ll pass the Nimmu market and military area.

As soon as you enter the Basgo village, you’ll see an interesting change in geographical terrain- strikingly beautiful green hills sprinkled with cotton trees. The Basgo Castle and Monastery is an important site in the village.

It is a mud-brick fortress that stands tall, overlooking a spectacular 180-degree view: well-curated patches of green grasslands with the backdrop of distinct green hills and snow-clad mountains. You’ll have to climb a flight of stairs to get to the top.

There is also a small Buddhist temple inside the complex, which was closed for renovation when we visited. However, we made sure we enjoyed the cool breeze while admiring the fantastic view of the Basgo village and the surrounding landscape.

Note: Entry is free of charge.

3. Explore the Likir Monastery

Our next spot is an off-the-beaten-path monastery perched on top of a small hill in the village of Likir, called the Likir Monastery. After climbing up the stairs to the central courtyard, you’ll get to the main complex.

The monastery complex has an assembly hall, the main Gonkhang temple, a monastery museum, a Maitreya Buddha statue, and monk’s quarters.

The Assembly Hall has multiple rows of seats for monks, with the statues of Avalokitesvara and Amitabha adding to it’s charm.

The monastery museum houses articles, Buddhist artifacts, literature pieces, and ancient religious paintings on scrolls called thanks.

Speaking of the Gonkhang temple, the walls are painted with Buddhist deities and symbols.

You’ll also find several Bodhisattva statues on display in a mirror case with several food and money offerings made by the visitors.

At the temple’s entrance, you’ll enjoy a vantage view of the stunning snow-capped mountains.

What stands out (quite literally) in the Likir monastery is a huge 75 feet gold-gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha. It is the main attraction in the monastery and rightfully so!

Walking down the stairs of the monastery, you’ll see a Likir monastery school that houses young monk kids. I had the fortune of watching them play football and just the sheer joy of childhood was visible on their faces.

Since the school runs on charity, if you wish to donate towards the cause of their education then you can get in touch with Mr. Lobsang ji.

He will offer you complimentary tea/coffee and a friendly conversation irrespective of whether you wish to donate or not though. Spending time at the Likir monastery was one of my most joyous experiences in the 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary.

Note: The entrance fee is Rs.50 per person.

4. Visit the Indus River Bridge viewpoint

When returning from the monastery and while on your way to Alchi village, you’ll pass a cute little village called Saspol. If you wish to have a brief snack break in the village, then you can try exploring Cafe de Saspol.

After traversing the village, you’ll come across a colourful steel bridge decorated with Tibetan prayer flags, over the Indus river.

You can stop here to enjoy a picturesque and soothing view of the Indus river (on either side of the bridge) amidst a strong chilly breeze.

And since there’s hardly any traffic at the bridge, you can hijack it with your friends and family and get some lovely photographs clicked too!

5. Enjoy a hearty meal at Alchi’s Kitchen

Before we visit the Alchi monastery, it’s time to have a hearty meal at Alchi’s Kitchen. Alchi’s Kitchen is a cute small restaurant that serves authentic Ladakhi cuisine.

It goes by the tagline “local food with a local ambience” and it does serve some delicious local cuisine. Because their seating is intimate with a live kitchen attached to it, the aroma of the food has you drooling.

My food recommendations are Veg Chuttagi, Veg Momos, stuffed Veg Khambir, Veg Thukpa, Veg Yarkendi Pulao, Chocolate Mokmok, and Apricot Juice. A special mention to the Walnut Chutney (puree) that tasted lip-smackingly good!

6. Take a tour of the Alchi Monastery

After a delectable Ladakhi lunch at Alchi’s Kitchen, head to the Alchi Monastery to immerse yourself in the glory of Buddhist culture.

The Alchi Monastery, located 66 km away from Leh, is also known as Choskhor (monastic complex). You’ll see a series of cute small shops on your way to the monastery.

Created in the 10th century by the famous scholar and translator Rinchen Zangpo, the Alchi Monastery is renowned for it’s exquisite & intricate architecture. However, the inscriptions preserved in the monuments of the complex credit the monastery’s creation to a Tibetan noble called Kal-dan Shes-rab in the 11th century.

The monastery complex consists of five main structures- an Assembly Hall or Dukhang, the main temple called Sumtsek Lhakhang, Manjushri temple or Jamyang Lhakhang, Lotsava Lhakhang, and Lhakhang Soma.

Rinchen Zangpo was trained in Kashmir and he brought with him around 32 Kashmiri artisans to build the Alchi monastery. Hence, the influence of Kashmiri architecture and excellent Kashmiri craftsmanship is visible on the walls of the monastery.

The two striking features of these structures are- the ancient but vibrant frescoes (wall paintings) of Buddhist deities and multiple shrines having huge statues of different avatars of Lord Buddha.

Some wall paintings have been damaged due to the humid conditions and water seepage on walls. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that the Alchi monastery is a glorious reflection of the rich Buddhist history and cultural heritage.

If you exit the monastery and keep walking further down the pathway, you’ll find an Indus river viewpoint behind the monastery.

Note: Phones are not allowed inside the monastery and you’ll have to deposit them in a locker outside the complex. The entrance fee is Rs.100 per person.

7. Explore the Leh Palace

Our last stop for the day is the glowing jewel in the history of the kingdom of Ladakh- The Leh Palace. Also known as the Lachen Palkar Palace, it’s foundation was laid in the year 1553 by Tsewang Namgyal, the creator of the royal Namgyal dynasty.

The construction work was then resumed and completed in the 17th century by then then ruler, King Sengge Namgyal. It is the most prominent building of the Ladakh kingdom that exhibits an impressive Tibetan style of architecture.

There are nine floors in the Leh Palace and exploring the grandeur of this palace takes a minimum of two hours. Do not miss watching the documentary film on Leh Palace’s history in the audio-visual hall.

My favourite part of the Leh Palace is the top floor which overlooks a breathtakingly surreal panoramic view of Leh. It’s the best vantage point to see Leh in it’s entirety: a 360-degree view of Leh and the surrounding villages and mountains.

I’d recommend you visit the Leh Palace an hour or two before sunset. Include exploring Leh Palace in your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary as the sunset views from the top of the palace are to die for.

Note: Parking is available outside the entrance of the Leh Palace. The entrance fee is Rs. 25 per person. Check the Palace visitation timings before planning a visit as they differ from day to day.

7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary DAY 3:

Tip -> Start at 10:00 am.

On the third day of your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary, you’ll cover the following:

• Take a tour of the Hemis Monastery
• Explore the Thiksey Monastery
• Visit the famous Rancho’s School
• Have lunch at the Bollywood Cafe & Sweets
• Visit the Shey Palace & Monastery
• Enjoy the sunset at Shanti Stupa
  
  
  

1. Take a tour of the Hemis Monastery

The Hemis Monastery is situated about 45 km away from Leh, on the bank of the Indus river in the village of Hemis. It was founded in the year 1630 by a Drukpa lineage yogi and the first Taktsang Repa– Ngawang Gyatso.

He built it under the patronage of King Sengge Namgyal. The monastery holds the distinction of being the largest and the wealthiest Buddhist monastic institution in Ladakh– housing more than a thousand monks and having 200+ branches in the Himalayan region.

The Hemis monastery complex has a main assembly hall, a second assembly hall, a museum, an old temple on the 1st floor, a butter lamp offering room, a main courtyard, two temples on the 2nd floor: Guru Lhakhang & Tsom Lakhang, and Ka Chupa on the 3rd floor.

With colourful and beautifully maintained frescoes on the walls, large copper Buddha statues, Stupas made of gold & silver, sacred religious scroll paintings called Thankas, and impressive murals, the Himalayan Buddhist monastery has a charming ambiance.

It houses an impressive collection of ancient religious and historical artifacts in the Hemis Museum. You experience a spiritual calm throughout your tour of the monastery.

And if you’re lucky, you might even witness the monks performing a lovely traditional dance.

Note: The entrance fee is Rs. 50 per person.

2. Explore the Thiksey Monastery

Our next stop for the day is the largest Buddhist monastery affiliated with the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism– The Thiksey Monastery.

It’s situated about 22 km away from Leh and bears similarities with the Potala Palace in Tibet. At the entrance, you’ll see a restaurant & a gift shop to your left. Washrooms are built there as well.

You’ll have to climb a flight of steps to get to the monastery. The best thing about the monastery? You get scenic mountain views from every spot in the monastery.

The Thiksey monastery complex comprises Maitreya Buddha Temple, Tara Temple, Lamokhang Temple, a library, a nunnery, an Assembly Hall, and a rooftop.

The main highlight of the monastery is a 15-metre statue of Maitreya Buddha in the Maitreya Temple, built to honour the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama to the Thiksey Monastery in 1970. The statue, painted in gold, covers two storeys of the building and is made from copper & clay.

The monastery houses well-crafted scroll paintings, frescoes, stupas, images, and precious ancient artifacts.

On the rooftop, you’ll see a mesmerising view of the cold desert topography of Ladakh.

Note: The entrance fee is Rs. 50 per person. Parking is available just outside the monastery entrance.

3. Visit the famous Rancho’s School

If you’re a fan of Bollywood films, then this place is a must-visit in Leh. Located in the Shey village at a distance of 16 km from Leh, “Rancho’s School” is essentially a Buddhist cultural institution famous for it’s distinctive study curriculum.

The institution trains and educates local kids from the Himalayan region and those from nomadic tribes. It promotes Buddhist principles and philosophy.

Originally called the Druk Padma Karpo School, this educational institution in Ladakh became famous after it featured in the climax scenes of the famous Bollywood blockbuster movie “3 Idiots” as a school of the character “Rancho”.

Besides clicking pictures at the photo spots designed for you to recreate some iconic moments in the movie, you can also explore a souvenir shop and a ‘3 Idiots-themed cafe’ called Rancho’s Cafe.

You can exclude this place from your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary if you aren’t a movie buff. However, since I’m an actor and a Bollywood film lover, I couldn’t help but make my parents a part of some goofiness!

Note: The school is open from 8 am-6 pm. Entry is free of charge. Parking is available just outside the school.

4. Have Lunch at the Bollywood Cafe & Sweets

After living your Bollywood fantasies at Rancho’s school, it’s time to make Bollywood a part of your meal too! Head to Bollywood Cafe & Sweets, a Bollywood-themed food joint, for a hearty lunch.

The cafe is located 12 minutes away from Rancho’s school (7.5 km approx.). It serves delicious Indian and local cuisine dishes. And if you have a sweet tooth, the cafe offers some mouth-watering mithai (desserts) on the menu too.

As for the cafe’s ambience, you’ll see walls decorated with paintings of iconic characters from famous Bollywood films. As a result, the entire vibe of the cafe is pretty cool and filmy. Their service is swift and their food is appetizing.

My food recommendations to you would be their chole bhature, fried rice, rasmalai, panipuri, butter naan, and dal makhani. Thanks to the creative ambience and the lovely culinary experience, the cafe is totally worth a visit.

Note: Parking can be a problem so you may have to scout for an available spot.

5. Visit the Shey Palace & Monastery

Our next stop in the itinerary is the Shey Palace and Monastery. It is perched on a hilltop in Shey village, the former summer capital of the Ladakh Kingdom. With an elevation of about 11,200 feet, it is also the highest point in Shey village.

The Shey Palace & Monastery is located on the Leh-Manali highway, 15 km away from Leh and 6 km away from Bollywood Cafe & Sweets. The original Palace, currently in ruins, was built in the 10th century by the King of Maryul (then Ladakh)- Lhachen Palgyigon.

The current Shey Palace and monastery were constructed in the year 1655 by Deldan Namgyal, in memory of his father- King Sengge Namgyal. Shey Palace holds the distinction of having the largest Chorten stupa (Changchup) in Ladakh.

You’ll have to climb a flight of stairs to get to the palace & monastery. A striking feature of the complex is the 40-feet statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha in the Shey Monastery.

The statue is made of copper with gilded gold and is supposedly the second-largest Buddha statue in the whole of Ladakh. It occupies 3-storeys in the building and is a structure to marvel at!

Don’t miss visiting a vantage point in the palace complex from where you get a terrific view of the Ladakh landscape. Seeing the lush green vegetation followed by the cold desert terrain, with snowy mountain peaks in the background is an enthralling experience!

Note: The entry fee is Rs. 30 per person.

6. Enjoy the sunset at Shanti Stupa

Located on a hilltop in Changspa village at an incredible height of 11,841 feet, the Shanti Stupa is a holy Buddhist shrine. A Japanese Buddhist Bhikshu named Gyomyo Nakamura built the structure in 1991.

No matter where you stay in Leh, the Shanti Stupa is about 10-15 minutes away. You can visit this beautiful white-domed Buddhist stupa either by a private car or a bike.

I wouldn’t recommend taking the stairs to get to the Stupa as it can feel overwhelming. The best time to visit Shanti Stupa is during sunset.

The Shanti Stupa offers you a magnificent panoramic view of the Changspa village, Leh, and the surrounding mountains and villages. So go ahead and enjoy a magical sunset view from the Stupa!

Note: It’s open from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm for tourists and the entry fee is Rs. 30 per person.

7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary DAY 4:

Tip -> Start around 8:30 am-9 am.

On the fourth day of your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary, you’ll depart early from Leh and head to Nubra Valley. I say “early” because the earlier you check out from your hotel, the less traffic you face en route. Along the journey, you’ll cover the following:

• Enjoy a snow fight near the Khardung La
• Relish lunch in the Khalsar Village
• Visit the Diskit Monastery
• Explore the Hunder Sand Dunes
  
  
  

1. Enjoy a snow fight near the Khardung La

Head to the stunning Nubra Valley via Khardung La. A majority of this journey to Nubra Valley involves a high-altitude road and chilly conditions so you might want to carry/wear your winter clothes.

A highlight of this route is the Khardung mountain pass. But before you reach the Khardung La, you pass a lovely stretch of road with fantastic views of snow-clad mountains on either side.

Once you cross the South Pullu check-post, the views of the cold desert landscape look unearthly.

The Khardung mountain pass, also called Khardung La, with “La” meaning “pass” in Tibetan, is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in the world!

On reaching Khardung La, you can park your vehicle briefly and enjoy some “icy” action.

Just the sight of mountains covered with a thick white blanket of snow at an altitude of 17,982 feet is awe-inspiring.

Vast endless stretches of snow, a cold breeze, and water vapour emanating from your mouth thanks to freezing temperatures- all add to the charm of the Khardung La experience.

Feel free to click a few pictures at the landmark spot. You can relish a nice hot coffee/hot chocolate in the cafe nearby. There are washrooms in the vicinity as well.

Since the spot is extremely commercialized, you might find a lot of people parked there. So I’d suggest you go slightly ahead from Khardung La and get off at another non-crowded spot down the road to have some exclusive uninterrupted fun.

Construct a snowman, indulge in a snow fight, and play to your heart’s content in the clean white snow. Awaken the child within you and click plenty of pictures while at it because why the hell not!

Spending joyous moments of playfulness with my family near Khardung La has to be my favourite experience in the 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary.

Note: The security staff at South Pullu and North Pullu might want to check your documents. So carry your ID proof ie. an Adhaar card or PAN Card with you during your road trip. Also, since it is a high-altitude spot, do not spend too much time out in the snow if you haven’t acclimatized properly to the conditions.

2. Relish lunch in the Khalsar Village

Cross the North Pullu check-post and Khardung village (14,730-metre altitude) to get to the scenic Khalsar village. Here, stop by for lunch at the View Point Restaurant.

The View Point restaurant serves lip-smackingly good Indian and Ladakhi cuisine dishes. As it’s name suggests, the restaurant has a seating area that offers a picturesque view of the mountains.

You’ll see a notice board beside the seating area where people have written glowing reviews about the restaurant. And after experiencing their impeccable service and tasting their incredibly fresh and mouthwatering food, I couldn’t help but write a review myself!

My food recommendations would be their piping hot vegetable noodles, veg momos, rajma chawal, tandoori roti, dal tadka, and any of the paneer curries.

Note: Post lunch, as you pass Khalsar village on your way to Nubra Valley, you’ll see several spots for adventure sports. So if you are an adrenaline junkie, you can stop by to indulge in some go-karting, ATV bike riding, or even ziplining at any of the spots.

3. Visit the Diskit Monastery

Before you reach the next spot in the itinerary ie. the Diskit Monastery, a huge statue of a seated Buddha just below the monastery welcomes you from a distance. The Diskit Monastery lies on a hilltop in the Diskit village.

The Diskit monastery was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo and belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) sect which is affiliated with Tibetan Buddhism. It is considered to be the oldest and biggest Buddhist monastery in the Nubra valley.

You’ll have to climb a few stone steps to reach the main monastery complex. The main attraction of the Diskit monastery is the 106-feet (32 metre) statue of Maitreya Buddha that overlooks the Shyok flood plains.

Inside the prayer hall, you’ll see big drums and images of Buddhist guardian deities. The frescoes adorning the walls, and Mongolian & Tibetan religious texts are some of the salient features of the monastery.

Since the monastery is located at an altitude of 10,300 feet, you get a viewing platform to enjoy an astounding panoramic view of the Nubra valley and the surrounding mountain landscape.

You get to see the Diskit village, the Shyok-Nubra confluence, and an alluring natural topography in all it’s glory. There are benches for you to sit and admire the natural beauty on display.

Note: The entry fee is Rs. 40 per person. Parking is available outside the entrance of the monastery.

4. Explore the Hunder Sand Dunes

Moving further ahead from Diskit Monastery, you’ll reach Hunder village which is famous for it’s splendid sand dunes. Located at an altitude of 4000 metres, your final stop of the day is the Hunder Sand Dunes.

At the Hunder Sand Dunes, you’ll get to see a phantasmagorical view of the cold desert mountain landscape. It’s like you’re surrounded by a chain of magnificent mountains on either side. The visuals are so surreal that they almost seem photoshopped.

You can enjoy activities like archery and camel safari at the venue. You’ll spot double-humped Bactrian camels over here which are unique to the terrain. There’s also a small cafe nearby where you can sit for some food & drinks.

And if you’re not in the mood for any activity, you can simply find your spot on a sand dune, and enjoy witnessing a splendid sunset.

These silver dunes act as a perfect viewpoint for watching the last rays of the setting sun kissing the snow-clad mountains one final time for the day. It truly is an experience of a kind and hence, Hunder Sand Dunes is an automatic inclusion in the 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary!

Note: Entrance is free of charge. A camel safari costs Rs. 350 per person for a 15-minute ride. Ample parking is available at the venue. An ideal time to visit is just before sunset.

Where To Stay In Nubra Valley – Nubra Valley Hotels

From luxury hotels and mid-budget hotels to hostels and tent stays, Nubra Valley offers a wide variety of accommodation options for you to choose from.

My 7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary Nubra Valley Ladakh Hotel Recommendation

STONE HEDGE HOTEL

The Stone Hedge Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Ladakh.

Located in the Hunder village, the hotel has a fantastic location as it lies amidst the beautiful mountains, surrounded by lush green foliage.

Staff members at the hotel are welcoming and friendly, setting the tone for hospitality right from your check-in.

Rooms are big and spacious, with the interiors exhibiting a sophisticated mix of earthy and contemporary.

Standout features of the room are the shower area and the cute balcony sit-out area. You get to enjoy picturesque views even sitting on your balcony.

The indoor dining area on the terrace is well-designed and has a cozy, intimate vibe.

Irrespective of where you sit inside, you can access terrific natural scenery views.

My favourite section, however, is the outdoor seating area that offers you uninterrupted panoramic views of the Nubra valley.

Sitting here and experiencing nature’s spellbinding beauty during sunrise and sunset, is a joy you cannot miss out on!

The food served in both- the breakfast and dinner buffets is scrumptious and flavourful. You’ll specifically love the authentic Ladakhi and Indian cuisine that they offer.

Stone Hedge Hotel offers you the perfect amalgamation of a comfortable plush stay, delicious food, and great service. So ensure that you make it a part of your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary.

Book your stay at the Stone Hedge Hotel in Hunder by clicking here.

Nubra Valley Ladakh Mid-Range Hotels:

1. Hunder Haven: Check out this cute accommodation and book your stay by clicking here.

2. The Hunder Eco Villa: Book your room at this quaint property by clicking here.

3. Tyakshi Summer Camp: Check out this charming Turtuk property and book your stay by clicking here.

4. Rimo: Book your stay at this Nubra hotel by clicking here.

Nubra Valley Ladakh Luxury Hotels:

1. Stone Hedge Hotel: Check out this stunning property in the Hunder region and book your stay by clicking here.

2. Lchang Nang Retreat- HOUSE OF TREES: Book your stay at this luxurious retreat by clicking here.

3. Chalet Seabuckthorn: Check out this Hunder property and book a royal tent stay by clicking here.

4. Organic Village Retreat: Book your stay at this picturesque Hunder property by clicking here.

Nubra Valley Ladakh Budget Hotels – Ladakh Homestays and Guest Houses

1. Hunder Stay and Camp: Book your stay at this cute and cozy property by clicking here.

2. Himalayan Regal House: Check out this property and book your stay by clicking here.

3. Nature’s View Residency: Book your stay at this lovely Hunder property by clicking here.

4. Otsal Guest House Nubra: Check out this guest house and book your stay by clicking here.

7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary DAY 5:

Tip -> Start around 9:00 am-9:15 am.

On the fifth day of your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary, you’ll cover the following:

• Visit the Thang Village Indo-Pak Border Viewpoint
• Have a delicious lunch at Tyakshi Eco Village Resort
• Do a Turtuk Village walk
• Explore the Shyok War Memorial
  
  
  

1. Visit the Thang Village Indo-Pak Border Viewpoint

Your first stop for the day is an iconic landmark in Indian war history located in the Thang village. Reaching it involves a scenic road trip through Pratappur, Thoise, Skuru, Changmar, Bogdang, Chalunka, Turtuk, and Tyakshi villages.

I say “a scenic road trip” because, during your drive, you’ll come across eye-catching landscape views like this.

On your way, you’ll drive alongside the tranquil and pristine Shlok river for most of your journey. You can make a brief stop at any of the spots you wish to click pictures at.

You’ll also cross the famous Chalunka Bridge when driving through Chalunka village. What makes this spot special is that the Chalunka village in which it is situated belonged to Pakistan till Dec 1971.

It was only after India’s victory in the India-Pakistan war of 1971 that the Indian Army captured the Chalunka village along with other surrounding settlements in the area.

On reaching the Thang village, you’ll head to the Thang Indo-Pak border viewpoint– one of the most iconic places in the 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary. Here you can see the Thang village on the Indian side and the Pharnu village on the Pakistani side.

Both these villages shared common relationships till the intervening nights of 16th & 17th December 1971, when they were separated by a LoC (Line of Control) due to the India-Pakistan war.

As a result, people who were a family before the war have been separated after the war. They can literally see each other on either side of the LoC but can’t meet each other.

At the viewpoint, you can rent a pair of binoculars to see the Indo-Pak border and villages on both sides of the LoC. You’ll also find a series of shops under a tent where you can shop for some fresh and authentic local produce from the Thang village.

Note: Entry is free of charge. Renting a pair of binoculars for about 10-15 minutes costs Rs.100.

2. Have a delicious lunch at Tyakshi Eco Village Resort

On your way back from Thang village, make a stop at this offbeat gem called Tyakshi Eco Village Resort for a scrumptious lunch. I remember almost driving past the resort and it was my mum who told us to reverse the car and check out the place.

The exterior design of the resort- with curtained wooden chambers & tall trees at the entrance, will catch your attention. The resort has a dining place called Dontsa Cafe & Restaurant. And it’s at this restaurant where you’ll taste the most delicious Indian food in Ladakh.

The ambience of the restaurant is soothing to the eye, with a bookshelf on one side and minimalistic but neatly arranged wooden furniture on the other. Usage of subtle colours like grey, beige, and sea blue give the place a relaxed and chill vibe.

As for the food, I remember having my most heartwarmingly delicious meal in Ladakh at Dontsa Cafe & Restaurant. The food here is fresh, tasty, & filled with flavours and the staff is hospitable and swift with their service.

My food recommendations to you are their hot & crispy tandoori rotis, mushroom masala curry, dal makhani, jeera rice, and rajma dal. The resort also has some deluxe luxury tents where you can stay to explore this side of Ladakh.

Just for the authentic and lip-smackingly delicious Indian & Ladakhi food that they offer, make sure you include Tyakshi Eco Village Resort in your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary.

3. Do a Turtuk Village walk

After consuming delectably worthy calories at lunch, it’s time to burn them with a stroll through one of the beautiful villages in Ladakh. The Turtuk village, located 3.5 km (8-10 minutes) away from Tyakshi Eco Village Resort, has quite a bit of history associated with it.

Lying in the Karakoram range, this village was claimed by Pakistan as it’s territory in 1947 when the British rule ended. It remained in Pakistan for 24 more years till 1971, when India defeated Pakistan in the war & claimed the territory of Turtuk.

Park your car and cross the Rzaba-Turtuk Bridge to start your walking tour of Turtuk village. At the entrance, you’ll see signboards of various places you can explore in the Turtuk village.

On the right side is the Turtuk Traditional House & Museum and on the left side is the Balti Heritage House & Museum. I didn’t find the former that impressive so you can avoid it.

Walk alongside lush green farms with impressive mountain views to get to the Balti Heritage House & Museum.

This museum gives a wonderful insight into the lifestyle and culture of the village locals.

There is a guide at the museum who will give you descriptions of every article and artifact while walking you through the systematically organized rooms.

Inside the wooden rooms and enclosures, you will see utensils, crockery, storage articles, agricultural tools, weapons, clothes, and footwear used by the villagers in the past.

There’s also a separate natural cold storage room that you can check out.

Throughout the walk, you’ll see villagers with an endearing and welcoming smile. You might even bump into a bird species or two! You can visit Turtuk Monastery, Turtuk Waterfall, Polo Ground, and Balti Kitchen along your journey as well.

On your way back, you’ll come across various stores selling dry apples, mulberries, local dry fruits, wines, & cedars. So you can buy some authentic local produce as well.

Note: The entrance fee for the Balti Heritage House & Museum is Rs.70 per person & cold storage room is Rs.30 per person.

4. Explore the Shyok War Memorial

When heading back from Turtuk to your property in Nubra Valley, you’ll come across a war memorial on the Diskit-Turtuk highway. The war memorial, known as the Shyok War Memorial, is your last stop for the day.

The Shyok War Memorial was built to commemorate the brave Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty at Siachen. It was inaugurated by India’s former defence minister- the late Shri George Fernandes ji.

Located in an open area surrounded by mountains, the memorial has several little pockets for you to explore. It has halls where you can see exhibits of costumes and tools of the army men deployed at Siachen Glacier.

It also has a simulation of their bunker bed resting place. You can walk ahead to see the main memorial wall where individual names of Indian soldiers who lost their lives at Siachen, are mentioned.

Just standing near that wall makes you emotional and fills your heart with feelings of nationalism and gratitude.

There are army jeep, truck, and tank modules placed in the memorial premises where you can click a few pictures.

At the entrance, you’ll find an army canteen where you can enjoy having snacks along with your evening tea or coffee. The Shyok War Memorial also has a small souvenir shop and toilet facilities for visitors.

Note: Entrance is free of charge.

7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary DAY 6:

Tip -> Start around 8:30 am-9:00 am.

On the sixth day of your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary, you’ll drive to Pangong Tso (meaning “high grassland lake” in Tibetan). Since it’s a 6-hour 30-minute drive from Nubra valley to Pangong Lake, it’s advisable to start early from your hotel at around 8:30 am-9:00 am.

This way, even if you make a couple of stops including lunch, you’ll reach Pangong Lake around sunset time ie. 4:30 pm-5:00 pm.

As for the drive, the route from Nubra valley to Pangong Lake is an interesting mix of rocky, not-so-well-constructed roads and smooth, well-paved roads.

However, unlike the roads, what remains a constant is the astonishing view of the snow-clad mountains, following you throughout the route.

Such is the continuity of the natural beauty along the journey that the exquisite views start to seem like an everyday normal affair after a while.

Feel free to make a stop or two to stretch your legs, and breathe in some fresh air while on your way to Pangong.

And who knows, if you’re lucky you might even bump into a hungry and hyperactive four-legged friend at one of the stops.

As soon as you reach Pangong, a pristine lake, situated at an altitude of 4,350 metres above sea level, greets you.

A crisp breeze hits your face as you roll down your car’s window to admire the invigorating sight of the world’s highest saltwater lake– the Pangong Lake.

Pangong Lake is truly the epitome of astounding natural beauty.

I couldn’t help but park the car to go near Pangong Lake and soak in the sights and sounds of the immaculate water body.

My parents weren’t far behind either as they too couldn’t believe the alluring and otherworldly views in front of them.

You’ll have to pinch yourself to register that you’re standing amidst a phenomenal natural landscape.

It’s travel experiences like these that fill your heart with so much joy and gratitude.

A captivating blue sky with cotton candy-shaped white clouds, a chain of brown mountains kissing the clouds at the horizon, and a flawless virginal lake with more shades of blue than one can imagine– the Pangong Lake is “nature’s craftsmanship at it’s very best”.

Driving along Pangong Lake is one of the most delightful things to do in the 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary.

After enjoying an uninterrupted date with Pangong Lake, head to your Pangong Lake accommodation to relish the gorgeous sunset and spend the night.

Note: Remember to wear your woolens when spending time by the lake because otherwise, the cold & dry conditions coupled with a harsh chilly breeze can give you a headache. Also, there is no mobile connectivity or Wifi in the Pangong Tso area. Only BSNL mobile network is available & operational in the region.

Where To Stay In Pangong – Pangong Lake Hotels

In the Pangong region, you’ll predominantly find tent accommodations. Pangong offers you several luxury and budget stay options, depending on your budget.

My 7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary Pangong Lake Hotel Recommendation

MISTY HILLS CABINS

Misty Hills Cabins is a luxury cabin resort and the best place to stay near Pangong Lake.

It has neatly built wooden cabins for you to stay and relax while in Pangong.

The cabins are spacious and have a pleasant vibe. Electricity and water heating are available for most of the day, unlike other properties in Pangong.

Plus, because it is situated right next to Pangong lake, you get smashing views of the lake during sunrise and sunset.

The breakfast spread is varied and delicious and the staff is extremely hospitable. The property arranges bonfires and barbecues on request. It is the best property in Pangong by a mile when it comes to services and amenities provided.

Besides, you have your money’s worth when the natural views from the property are this splendid. So include Misty Hills Cabins in your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary and thank me later!

Book your stay at Misty Hills Cabins by clicking here.

Pangong Lake Hotels – Luxury And Budget Tent Stays

1. Pangong Retreat Camp: Check out this luxury stay and book your tent by clicking here.

2. Misty Hills Cabins: Book your stay at this fabulous Pangong View resort by clicking here.

3. Bukpa Homestay / MH – Pangong Homestay: Book your room at this warm and welcoming homestay by clicking here.

4. LakeTso House Pangong: Check out this homestay and book your room by clicking here.

5. Nirvana Resort: Book your tent at this lovely resort by clicking here.

7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary DAY 7:

Tip -> Start at 9:00 am.

On the seventh and final day of your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary, you’ll cover the following:

• Drive along the Pangong Lake
• Explore the Rezang La War Memorial
  
  
  

1. Drive along the Pangong Lake

Start the last day of your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary by waking up to a majestic sunrise view of Pangong Lake.

You can walk down to the lake shore and soak in the enthralling sights and sounds of Pangong Lake.

Arid snow-capped mountains on one side and a serene glistening lake on the other– what more can a nature lover ask for! Early mornings at Pangong Lake will give you memories to cherish for a lifetime!

After having your breakfast, head to the Rezang La War Memorial. The route to Rezang La war memorial will have you drive along the entire stretch of Pangong Lake lying inside the Indian borders.

The views during the drive are heavenly.

Forget love at first sight, you will experience love at every sight of the Pangong Lake, with a painting-like surreal mountain landscape in the background.

We couldn’t help but stop at a viewpoint to savour the quaint natural scenery on display.

Extending to about 160 km (approx.) in length, one-third of the Pangong Lake lies in India and the other two-thirds lies in China.

2. Explore the Rezang La War Memorial

Located at a distance of about 61 km (1.5-2 hours) from your Pangong tent stay accommodation, the Rezang La War Memorial is a must-visit place in your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary.

It stands as a tribute to the 114 brave soldiers of the 13th Kumaon Regiment’s Charlie ‘C’ Ahir company who sacrificed their lives in the Indo-China war of 1962.

The company, led by “Paramvir Chakra awardee”- Major Shaitan Singh, prevented the Chinese army from invading the strategically important Rezang La mountain pass.

In this legendary battle, 114 out of 120 Indian soldiers lost their lives protecting Indian borders, killing more than 1300 Chinese troops in the process.

Seeing the immense unwavering courage of the Indian Army, the Chinese were forced to declare a ceasefire post this battle.

An army soldier will guide you through various sections of the memorial complex and properly explain to you the entire history of the battle.

Inside the museum, you will get to see arms, ammunition, and maps used in the battle.

They will take you on an upper deck to explain to you how India thwarted the Chinese attack, with the help of a territory simulation model.

And then, they’ll show you the actual Line of Control, Indian territory, and Chinese territory, helping you spot several strategic points from there.

Lastly, they’ll show you a documentary film about the war inside a mini-theatre.

Watching the film gives you goosebumps, arousing the spirit of nationalism and pride in you. Just for the overall amazing experience, you have to include the Rezang La War Memorial in your 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary.

After exploring the Rezang La War Memorial, head directly to Leh, making a pit stop in between for lunch.

The journey to Leh is 212 km long and will take you 4.5 hours to complete. You can stay the night in Leh and hop on a flight back to your home destination, the next morning.

Note: Entry to the war memorial is free of charge. Bags or waist pouches are not allowed inside. You can’t click pictures of army personnel. You have to show your ID proof at the entrance. Once your details are jotted down, you’ll be granted entry into the memorial. There’s ample parking space and washrooms outside the war memorial.

Conclusion: 7-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary

Leh Ladakh as a holiday destination is a travel lover’s dream. It offers you breathtaking nature, rich culture, riveting adventure, magnificent architecture, and mouthwatering local cuisine.

It is an ideal location to enjoy a great summer vacation with your family and friends. I hope my detailed and comprehensive 7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary helps you plan the perfect Leh Ladakh trip.

So book your tickets to Leh this summer and enjoy the trip of a lifetime!

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