Ladakh Itinerary for 7 Days: Leh, Nubra & Pangong

Planning the perfect week up north? Seven days is the sweet spot for a first Ladakh trip — enough to acclimatise properly in Leh and still see the three headline experiences: Leh's monasteries, the Nubra Valley over Khardung La, and Pangong Tso. Here's a practical, well-paced 7-day Ladakh itinerary you can follow or tweak.

Day 1 — Arrive in Leh, rest & acclimatise

Fly into Leh (~3,500 m) and do almost nothing. This is the most important day of the trip: your body needs time to adjust to the altitude. Take it easy, hydrate, avoid alcohol, and maybe stroll Leh market in the evening. Don't be tempted to rush anywhere higher today.

Day 2 — Leh local sightseeing (still acclimatising)

A gentle day close to Leh: Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace for views over the old town, the Hall of Fame museum, and the beautiful monasteries of Thiksey (try to catch the morning prayers) and Hemis. Staying near Leh's altitude for a second day sets you up safely for the high passes ahead.

Day 3 — Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

Cross Khardung La (~5,359 m), one of the world's highest motorable passes, and descend into the Nubra Valley. Visit the giant Buddha at Diskit Monastery and ride the double-humped Bactrian camels on the sand dunes at Hunder. Overnight in Nubra.

Day 4 — Nubra to Pangong Tso via Shyok

Take the scenic Shyok-river route from Nubra directly to Pangong Tso (~4,350 m). The first sight of the lake's electric blue against the bare mountains is the moment most people remember forever. Overnight at a lakeside camp or homestay.

Tip: Nights at Pangong are very cold even in summer and facilities are basic. Pack warm layers and don't expect much connectivity — that's part of the magic.

Day 5 — Pangong sunrise, then back towards Leh via Chang La

Catch the changing colours of the lake at sunrise, then drive back towards Leh over Chang La (~5,360 m), stopping at Thiksey or a riverside café en route. Overnight in Leh.

Day 6 — Sham Valley or a buffer day

Use this day for the gentle Sham Valley loop — the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, the Magnetic Hill, and Alchi's ancient monastery — or keep it as a weather/altitude buffer. Having a flexible day protects the whole trip against a road closure.

Day 7 — Departure

An early flight out of Leh, with the Himalaya falling away beneath you. Try to keep the morning relaxed.

Tips for this itinerary

• Permits: You'll need inner-line permits for Nubra and Pangong — usually arranged by your operator.
• Best time: June to September; see our best time to visit Ladakh guide.
• Fitness: The itinerary front-loads rest for a reason — respect the acclimatisation days.
• Cost: See our Ladakh trip cost breakdown to budget, and the packing list before you go.

Variations

Short on time? A 5–6 day version drops the Sham Valley day. Have more days? Add Turtuk (near the border) from Nubra, or Hanle's Dark Sky Reserve for stargazing. Prefer to ride it? See our Ladakh bike trip guide. When you're ready, browse our Ladakh tour packages and we'll tailor the days to you.