10 Days Ladakh Itinerary 2026 | Leh–Nubra–Pangong–Tso Moriri Guide

10 Days Ladakh Itinerary — Quick Overview

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Days 1–2: Acclimatisation in Leh (Non-Negotiable)

The single most common mistake Ladakh travellers make is attempting sightseeing on Day 1. Leh sits at 3,524m — arriving by flight from sea level and immediately exerting yourself is a reliable way to develop Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Day 1 must be complete rest: unpack, drink 3–4 litres of water, avoid alcohol, eat lightly, sleep early. Day 2 allows light activity — a gentle 30-minute walk to Shanti Stupa (viewpoint over Leh), Leh Palace (15-minute stroll), and the Leh Market. No driving to high passes, no trekking. By Day 3 most people feel fully adjusted.

Day 3: Leh Monastery Circuit

Hemis Monastery (45 km south of Leh) is Ladakh’s largest and wealthiest gompa, belonging to the Drukpa lineage. Thiksey Monastery (17 km) has a 12-storey complex perched on a hill — the morning puja at 6 am is one of Ladakh’s most atmospheric experiences. Sindhu Darshan (at the Indus–Zanskar confluence, 37 km) is worth a 30-minute stop. Rancho School (Druk Padma Karpo School, made famous by 3 Idiots) is 15 km from Leh and an easy addition. This is a full day of driving but at low altitude (3,400–3,900m) so it is manageable.

Day 4: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

Khardung La at 5,359m (the highest motorable road in India) is crossed early morning — aim to be at the top by 10 am before afternoon clouds build. The pass itself takes 15 minutes to cross; do not linger due to altitude. Descent to Nubra Valley takes 2 hours, dropping to 3,100m — you will feel noticeably warmer and find it easier to breathe. Diskit Monastery (the largest in Nubra, 32m Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley) in the afternoon. Evening: Bactrian double-humped camel safari at Hunder sand dunes — the surreal sight of sand dunes ringed by snow peaks at 3,000m altitude.

Day 5: Turtuk — India’s Northernmost Civilian Village

Turtuk (80 km from Hunder, 2 hours) was part of Pakistan until 1971 and only opened to tourists in 2010. The Balti culture here is distinct from Tibetan-Buddhist Leh — Islamic architecture, apricot orchards, and a community that spans the LOC. Walking through Turtuk’s narrow lanes and meeting local residents is one of Ladakh’s most memorable experiences. Panamik hot springs (Sulphur springs, 35 km north of Hunder) are a worthwhile stop on the way back for a 20-minute soak. Return to Hunder for overnight camp stay.

Day 6: Nubra to Pangong Tso via Shyok Valley

The direct route from Nubra to Pangong (via Agham–Shyok road, bypassing Leh) takes 5–6 hours but is arguably the most scenic drive in Ladakh: the Shyok River valley, rust-orange cliffs, and gradual ascent to 4,350m. Aim to arrive at Pangong by 4–5 pm — the light on the lake changes every 30 minutes from blue to turquoise to deep indigo. The first sight of Pangong Tso from the ridge above is one of those genuinely jaw-dropping moments that photographs don’t prepare you for.

Day 7: Pangong Tso

Sunrise at Pangong is worth setting an alarm for 5:30 am. The colours at dawn — orange sky, blue-green lake, snow peaks — are exceptional. After sunrise, walk west along the shore to Spangmik village (2 km) to see the lake from a quieter vantage. The iconic 3 Idiots filming location (Maan Sagar) is 6 km east. Afternoon is free — many guests simply sit by the lake. This slower day pace is intentional: after 3 days of driving, a contemplative day at one of the world’s great lakes is what Ladakh is fundamentally about.

Day 8: Pangong to Tso Moriri (via Chang La)

Chang La pass (5,360m) is crossed in the morning heading back south. The drive from Pangong to Tso Moriri takes 6–7 hours via Mahe Bridge and the Rupshu plateau — some of the most remote and desolate (in the best sense) landscape in India. The More Plains (a vast, flat high-altitude plain at 4,500m) feel like driving across Mars. Tso Moriri at 4,522m is smaller than Pangong but arguably wilder — no tourist infrastructure beyond the village of Korzok, no motorised boats, just a shimmering lake, migratory birds, and Korzok Monastery on the shore.

Day 9: Tso Moriri to Leh

Early sunrise at Tso Moriri, then the 5-hour drive back to Leh via Tso Kar lake (another high-altitude lake, good for flamingo sightings in early summer). Korzok Monastery is open in the morning — the monk community here maintains a genuinely remote monastery practice. Arrive Leh by 3–4 pm. Final evening for Leh Market shopping: Kashmiri pashmina, Ladakhi thangka paintings, turquoise jewellery.

Day 10: Departure

Morning optional visit to Alchi Monastery (70 km west of Leh) — the oldest surviving monastery in Ladakh (10th century), with remarkable early Buddhist murals. Or Likir Monastery (65 km), with a large golden Buddha statue. Transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (LEH) for your flight out. Note: Leh airport flights typically depart early morning (6–9 am) due to afternoon wind conditions — confirm departure time when booking.

10-Day Ladakh Trip Cost (2026)

Land package ex-Leh. Flights to Leh (from Delhi: ₹5,000–₹12,000 return) are additional.