Embarking on a journey to Leh-Ladakh is like stepping into a different world. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, serene monasteries, clear blue skies, and majestic mountains, Ladakh is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This blog offers a detailed 7-day itinerary for your Leh Ladakh trip starting from Delhi, with everything you need to know about transport, accommodation, food, and sightseeing.
Why Choose Leh Ladakh?
Leh Ladakh offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. The area boasts majestic mountain ranges, stunning lakes, and age-old monasteries, making it one of the most sought-after travel destinations in India. Whether you are seeking adventure with activities like trekking and biking or serenity with visits to Buddhist monasteries, Ladakh has it all.
Day 1: Delhi to Leh (Arrival and Acclimatization)
Transport:
Flight: The fastest way to reach Leh from Delhi is by air. Direct flights are available from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, to Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. The flight is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes long.
Suggested Airlines: Air India, GoAir, and Vistara.
Accommodation:
Hotel Recommendations:
The Grand Dragon Ladakh (4-star luxury)
Hotel Antelope (budget-friendly)
Hotel Ladakh Residency (mid-range)
Check-In Time: Most hotels allow check-in around 12 PM.
What to Do:
Rest for the day to acclimatize to Leh’s high altitude (3,500 meters).
Drink plenty of water and avoid exerting yourself.
Meals:
Most hotels offer complimentary breakfast with local Ladakhi and continental options. For dinner, try The Tibetan Kitchen or Chopsticks Noodle Bar for a variety of Tibetan and Indian cuisine.
Day 2: Leh Local Sightseeing
Key Attractions:
Shanti Stupa: A beautiful white-domed structure offering panoramic views of Leh.
Leh Palace: A 17th-century palace that gives a glimpse into Ladakh’s royal history.
Hall of Fame Museum: Learn about the military history and heroes of the Indian army.
Magnetic Hill: Known for its gravity-defying phenomenon.
Transport:
Local taxis or rented motorcycles (if you’re feeling adventurous) are ideal for sightseeing around Leh.
Taxi Rental: Around INR 2,000 – 3,000 for the entire day.
Bike Rental: INR 800 – 1,500 per day.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1.
Meals:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Lunch at Bon Appétit—a quaint café with Ladakhi cuisine.
Dinner at Gesmo Restaurant, offering local Tibetan food and European dishes.
Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley (via Khardung La Pass)
Transport:
Travel by SUV taxi to Nubra Valley, covering around 150 km.
Khardung La Pass: One of the highest motorable roads in the world, at 5,359 meters.
What to Do:
Diskit Monastery: Visit this stunning monastery and witness the 32-meter-high Maitreya Buddha statue.
Hunder Sand Dunes: Enjoy a camel ride on double-humped Bactrian camels unique to the region.
Panamik Village: Famous for its hot springs.
Accommodation:
Stay in a luxury camp or guesthouse in Hunder or Diskit.
Recommendations:
Desert Himalaya Resort (luxury camps)
Nubra Ethnic Camp (mid-range)
Meals:
Breakfast at your Leh hotel.
Lunch at Hotel Sten-Del, Diskit, offering traditional Ladakhi food.
Dinner at your camp, usually included in your stay package.
Day 4: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake (via Shyok Route)
Transport:
The drive from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake takes approximately 6 hours (around 230 km). The Shyok River route is the most scenic and shorter than the Wari La Pass route.
What to Do:
Visit Pangong Lake, the star of Ladakh, known for its vibrant blue waters that change hues throughout the day. The lake is partially located in China.
Accommodation:
Pangong Retreat Camp (luxury tents).
Pangong Eco Resort (mid-range).
Meals:
Lunch on the way at a roadside eatery.
Dinner at your camp, featuring simple local fare.
Day 5: Pangong Lake to Leh (via Chang La Pass)
Transport:
Return to Leh via Chang La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world. The drive will take around 5-6 hours (160 km).
What to Do:
On the way back, stop at Thiksey Monastery, a beautiful 12-story complex with 10 temples and a giant statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Visit Shey Palace and Stok Palace Museum.
Accommodation: Stay in the same hotel in Leh.
Meals:
Breakfast at the Pangong camp.
Lunch at a roadside restaurant on your way to Leh.
Dinner at Lamayuru Restaurant or Leh View Restaurant, offering a wide range of Ladakhi and Indian cuisine.
Day 6: Leh to Tso Moriri Lake
Transport:
A 6-hour drive (around 220 km) to Tso Moriri Lake, a high-altitude mountain lake, is a must-do for its secluded beauty.
What to Do:
Marvel at the stunning, lesser-known Tso Moriri Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It’s a perfect spot for photography and bird watching.
Accommodation:
Nomadic Life Camp or Tsomoriri Camp & Resort.
Meals:
Lunch at a local eatery on the way to Tso Moriri.
Dinner at the campsite (included in the stay).
Day 7: Tso Moriri to Leh & Departure
Transport:
Drive back to Leh (6 hours, 220 km).
Catch a flight back to Delhi in the evening or next morning, depending on flight availability.
What to Do:
On your way back, stop at Chumathang Hot Springs.
Relax before your departure from Leh.
Accommodation:
If your flight is the next morning, stay at the hotel in Leh.
Meals:
Breakfast at the camp.
Lunch on the way to Leh.
Dinner at The Zen Restaurant in Leh, offering delicious Indian and continental options.
Cost Breakdown
Flights (Delhi-Leh-Delhi): INR 10,000 – 15,000 per person (round trip, depending on the season).
Accommodation:
Budget: INR 1,500 – 3,000 per night.
Mid-range: INR 4,000 – 6,000 per night.
Luxury: INR 8,000 – 15,000 per night.
Transport:
Taxi rental: INR 25,000 – 35,000 for the entire trip.
Motorcycle rental: INR 800 – 1,500 per day.
Meals: INR 500 – 1,500 per meal per person, depending on the restaurant.
Essential Tips
Acclimatize: Spend at least one day in Leh to adjust to the altitude before heading to higher altitudes.
Pack Right: Carry warm clothes even during summer as the weather changes drastically.
Medical Kit: Carry essential medicines, especially for altitude sickness.
Permits: Obtain inner line permits for Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri from Leh’s DC office.
Leh Ladakh is an extraordinary destination, offering an experience of a lifetime with its untouched natural beauty, spiritual richness, and thrilling adventures. Follow this detailed 7-day itinerary to explore the best of Ladakh stress-free. Safe travels!