Trip planning guide
7-day Leh Ladakh itinerary: a realistic day-by-day plan
Seven days is enough to see the best of Ladakh without fighting the altitude. This plan is the route our Leh-based drivers run most often — Leh, Nubra Valley over Khardung La, Pangong Lake by the Shyok road, and Sham Valley on the way out.
Day 1: Arrive in Leh — rest and acclimatise
Leh airport pickup, 30 min drive
Leh sits at 3,500 m, so the first day is for acclimatisation, not sightseeing. Take it slow, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals. In the evening, walk to Leh Main Bazaar and Shanti Stupa for sunset if you feel comfortable.
Day 2: Leh city loop — Palace, Shey, Thiksey, Hemis
Approx. 80 km, 5-6 hours with stops
A gentle day that keeps you at Leh altitude. Visit Leh Palace, Shey Palace, the hilltop Thiksey Monastery (go early for morning prayers), Hemis Monastery and the Hall of Fame war museum on the way back.
Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley over Khardung La
Approx. 125 km, 5-6 hours
Cross Khardung La (5,359 m) — one of the world's highest motorable passes — and descend into Nubra. Visit Diskit Monastery and the Maitreya Buddha statue, then the Hunder sand dunes for a double-humped camel ride. Overnight in Hunder or Diskit.
Day 4: Nubra to Pangong Lake via Shyok route
Approx. 160 km, 6-7 hours
The Shyok river road connects Nubra directly to Pangong, saving a return over Khardung La. Reach Pangong by afternoon for the changing blues of the lake, and stay overnight at Spangmik or Man village.
Day 5: Pangong sunrise, then Leh via Chang La
Approx. 160 km, 6 hours
Catch sunrise over the lake, then drive back across Chang La (5,360 m), stopping at Durbuk, Zingral and Karu. Optional detour to Chemrey Monastery or Thiksey if the day allows. Overnight in Leh.
Day 6: Sham Valley — Magnetic Hill, Sangam, Alchi, Lamayuru
Approx. 250 km, 8 hours
Head west on the Srinagar highway for Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, the Indus-Zanskar Sangam, Basgo, Alchi's 11th-century murals and the moonland at Lamayuru. Return to Leh or stay at Alchi.
Day 7: Local markets and departure
Airport drop, 30 min
Shop for pashmina, apricot preserves and Ladakhi handicrafts in Leh Bazaar, then head to the airport. Flights leave early morning, so keep transfers booked the night before.
What to keep ready
- Inner Line Permits for Nubra, Pangong and the Shyok route — we arrange these for you.
- Cash for Nubra and Pangong; card machines and ATMs are unreliable outside Leh.
- Warm layers even in July — nights at Pangong drop close to freezing.
- One buffer day if you can, in case a pass closes after snowfall.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed for a Leh Ladakh trip?
Seven days is the sweet spot. It gives you one day for acclimatisation in Leh and still covers Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake and Sham Valley without rushing high passes. With 4-5 days you can cover Leh plus either Nubra or Pangong, and 9-10 days lets you add Tso Moriri and Hanle.
How do I plan a Leh Ladakh trip?
Fly into Leh, keep day one free for altitude, then travel outward in one direction — Nubra, Pangong, back to Leh, then Sham Valley. Book a private taxi for the full circuit, keep Inner Line Permits ready for Nubra, Pangong and Hanle, and carry cash since ATMs are only reliable in Leh.
What is the best time for this 7-day itinerary?
May to September. Roads to Khardung La, Chang La and Pensi La are reliably open, and Nubra and Pangong stays are running. July and August bring the most greenery in the valleys; September has the clearest skies.
Do I need permits for this route?
Yes — Inner Line Permits are required for Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake and the Shyok route. We arrange the permits for you as part of the taxi or package booking.
Ready to drive this route?
We run this exact 7-day circuit with local Ladakhi drivers, permits handled and door-to-door pickup in Leh.
Book your Ladakh taxi