HILL STATIONS

Eight Days of Holidaying Fun in Ladakh – Here’s the Plan!

Deepa N

Last updated: Feb 3, 2023

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Trivia

Leh used to be the capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh.

Eat

Craving a bite of something south Indian? Head to the Chaska-Maska Dosa House at Leh.

Do

Experience a safari on the Bactrian camel while at the Hunder Desert, or go white river rafting in Indus or Zanskar Rivers (between June and October).

Shop

Cheap souvenirs and handicrafts at Moti Market

Want To Go ? 
   

If you’re looking for something extraordinary, Ladakh is your answer! The fascinating Pangong Tso, the spectacular silver sand dunes of Hunder, breath-taking views of the Shanti Stupa, the high-octane rush of river rafting, and the peaceful monasteries en route – we have the coolest Ladakh itinerary planned right here for you.

Book Your Leh Ladakh Tourism Packages Now


Day 1: Acclimatisation and Exploring the Markets

The blue skies and the fresh mountain air around you are just precursors to one of the most remarkable holidays of your life. Use the first day to acclimatise, and avoid anything strenuous. Take your time strolling in and out of the shops in Leh Bazaar.

Where to shop: Tibetan Handicraft Community Showroom, Choglamsar (for authentic Ladakhi handmade items), Ladakh Art Palace (for all kinds of handicrafts), Moti Market (for pearl and semi-precious jewellery)

Places to Eat: Ladakh Café (Leh’s first vegan café), Bon Appetit

Places to Stay:

Ladakh Himalayan Retreat (Tukch Fort Road, Leh)
Tariff: INR 3,892* per night

Royal Holiday (Changspa Road, Leh)
Tariff: Starts from  INR 2,622* per night

Hotel Munshi Continental (Fort Road)
Tariff:  INR 3,240* per night

* All tariffs and costs are subject to change

Read more: Here’s Why a Holiday to Ladakh Must Be on Your Bucket List This Summer

Day 2: Touring Leh and its Monasteries

Hemis-monastery
Hemis Monastery, Ladakh


Once you are done with breakfast, head out to tour the monasteries here. Whether it is the Hemis Monastery with the tall Buddha statue or the many stupas made of gold and silver with Tibetan thangkas, there is a common thread of tranquillity running through them. Visit the Thiksey Monastery, the largest in Ladakh, to admire its traditional Tibetan architecture. Come evening, spend some more peaceful moments at the Shanti Stupa, and head back to the town for a traditional Tibetan meal.

Other Sightseeing Options: Jama Masjid, Namgyal Tsemo Monastery

Places to Eat: G-Kitchen, Bob’s Café, Chopsticks Noodle Bar

Day 3: Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardungla

Khardungla-pass
Khardongla


Ladakh is a land of contrasting landscapes and a fine example of this is the Nubra Valley and the Hunder Desert in its heartland. Nubra and Hunder are best enjoyed over a night’s stay, so do book a room in advance. The dramatically changing vistas over the 6-hour drive through the Khardung La need to be witnessed to be believed! Set off to experience the silvery magnificence of the Hunder Sand Dunes right amidst the luscious valley, and meet the rare double-humped camels. You could even enjoy a ride!

Sightseeing Options: Maitreya Buddha, Samstaling Monastery, Panamik Village, Yarab Tso Sumur

Places to Eat: Balti Farm, Friend’s Café

Places to Stay:

Lchang Nang Retreat (Tegar)
Tariff: INR 8,050* per night

Hotel Yarab TSO Nubra (Kyagar Village, Nubra Valley)
Tariff: Starts from  INR 3,240* per night

* All tariffs and costs are subject to change

Read more: Hemis Festival: Yet Another Reason to Visit Ladakh

Day 4: Trekking and Sightseeing in Nubra Valley

Nubra-Valley
Nubra Valley


Wake up to a picture-postcard morning in Nubra. You could set off on a trek through the valley or enjoy a picnic by the gushing stream. Try one of the Ladakhi favourites for lunch—Tigmo, a sweet and spicy combo of fermented bread, with stew. If you choose to head back, you’ll reach Leh by lunchtime.

Sightseeing Options: The 14th-century Diskit Monastery, Dosmoche Festival in the Diskit Monastery (held during the month of February)

Places to Eat: Tibetan Kitchen

Places to Stay:
Yourdum Guest House (Changspa Road, Leh)
Tariff: Starts from  INR 2,493* per night

Heaven Adventure Camp (Hunder, Nubra Valley)
Tariff:  INR 2,314* per night

* All tariffs and costs are subject to change

Day 5: Drive to Pangong Tso via Chang La  

Pangong-lake
Pangong Lake


Wake up and enjoy another Ladakhi breakfast—Khambir, a traditional bread eaten with apricot jam and served with the traditional butter tea – and head on a 220 km long, round-trip excursion via the Changla Pass to the Pangong Lake. It’s a surreal experience watching the mystically beautiful lake with stoic mountains around changing colours through the day. Soak in the atmosphere, click a million selfies, store up as many memories, and then check into one of the camps or homestays for the night.

Note: Visiting Pangong Lake will need Inner Line Permission.

Places to Eat: Homestays at Spangmik, the camps near Pangong Lake

Places to Stay:

Ladakh Summer Camp (Pangong Lake)
Tariff:  INR 6,397* per night

Camp Blue Waters (Spangmik)
Tariff:  INR 3,427* per night

* All tariffs and costs are subject to change

Read more: Try These Offbeat Things to Do in Ladakh

Day 6: Get Acquainted with the History of Ladakh

Leh-Palace
Leh Palace


After a heavy breakfast, it’s back to Leh, to arrive there post noon. Once there, spend the rest of the day shopping, snacking and sightseeing, or delving into the history of the place.

Sightseeing Options: Leh Palace, Zorawar Fort

Places to Eat:Lama Yuru Restaurant, Summer Harvest

Places to Stay:

Glacier View Leh (Karzu Road)
Tariff: INR 3,374* per night

Rainbow Guest House (Changspa Road)
Tariff: INR 500* per night

* All tariffs and costs are subject to change

Day 7: White-Water Rafting and Magnetic Hill

Reserve a day for Sangama, the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers. Incidentally, for those missing the action, Zanskar and Indus are white-river rafting points too—the adventure begins at Spituk. If you want to settle for something less unnerving, take a tour to the Magnetic Hill to witness the magic of the mountains pulling up vehicles. It’s just optical illusion, they say!

Sightseeing Options: Gurudwara Pathhar Sahib, Ladakh Hall of Fame

Places to eat: Amdo Food, 100 Percent Vegetarian Restaurant

Day 8: Head Back Home
It’s time to say goodbye to the vistas of Ladakh. Enjoy another Ladakhi breakfast, check out, and head for the airport. With seven days of purity added into your being, rest assured that Ladakh will be a mere heartbeat away!

Book Your Flight to Leh Now!