Itinerary · 9 days
Ladakh Itinerary, 9 Days From India
Nine days is the standard Ladakh fly-in rhythm: 2 days Leh acclimatization, 2 days Nubra Valley plus Khardung La, 2 days Pangong Lake, 2 days monasteries plus return, 1 day departure. The road trip from Manali adds 4 to 5 days; the fly-in is faster.
The 9-day arc
Fly to Leh (altitude 3,500m). Transfer to hotel.
Mandatory rest. No exploring on day 1.
Light dinner plus early sleep.
Shanti Stupa plus Leh Palace gentle walk.
Thiksey Monastery plus Hemis Monastery.
Rest plus altitude management.
Drive over Khardung La Pass (5,360m).
Diskit Monastery plus giant Maitreya Buddha.
Hunder sand dunes plus Bactrian camel ride.
Turtuk village (closest to Pakistan border).
Drive back over Khardung La.
Leh dinner.
Drive via Chang La Pass (5,400m) to Pangong (4,350m).
Pangong Lake arrival plus exploration.
Sunset on lake plus camp dinner.
Pangong sunrise photography.
Drive back to Leh.
Cafe scene at Leh Main Bazaar plus dinner.
Stok Palace Museum.
Shey Monastery plus Sangam (Indus plus Zanskar confluence).
Final Ladakhi dinner.
Ladakh Heritage Walk plus Main Bazaar shopping.
Optional Magnetic Hill plus Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
Farewell group dinner.
Final breakfast plus airport.
Flight back to India.
Return.
Budget breakdown (per person)
Mid-range solo traveller estimate. Couples sharing rooms save around 25% per person. Luxury upgrades add 50% to 100%.
Booking tips
- ILP (Inner Line Permit) for Pangong plus Nubra plus Tso Moriri auto-issued at Leh Airport for Indians
- Mandatory rest day 1 in Leh; do not skip (altitude sickness risk if you rush)
- Carry Diamox after doctor consultation; trip leader plus your hotel carry oxygen as backup
- Pangong lakeside camps: pick OJ-vetted operators (Pangong Sarai, Camp Redstart); cheap roadside camps unreliable
- Cell coverage poor outside Leh; download offline maps before trip
Frequently asked
Should I fly or do the road trip from Manali?
Fly for first-timers (faster, less altitude shock). Road trip from Manali is dramatic but adds 4 to 5 days and demanding altitude profile. Most Indians fly first, road trip on return visit.
What about altitude sickness in Ladakh?
Real. Leh 3,500m, passes 5,400m. Mandatory rest day 1. Diamox helps. Hydration is critical. Travel insurance must include high-altitude coverage.
What is the actual total cost from India?
INR 90,000 to 1,40,000 solo mid-range. Luxury (Stok Palace Heritage Hotel, Chamba Camp Thiksey) push to INR 2,50,000 plus.
Does OJ run a Ladakh trip?
Not currently. Ladakh is on the 2027 roadmap. Established operators: Adventures Overland, Eternal Mewar.