Quick Answer
A 7-day Ladakh itinerary that acclimatises you properly: rest in Leh, Indus valley monasteries, Nubra over Khardung La, Pangong via the Shyok road, with 5, 8 and 10-day variations.
This 7-day route is built around one principle: go higher gradually. It starts with rest in Leh, then easy sightseeing in the Indus valley, before crossing Khardung La to Nubra and finishing at Pangong. Variations for 5, 8 and 10 days follow.
Quick answer
Days 1 and 2: rest and gentle sightseeing in Leh. Day 3: Indus valley monasteries. Day 4: over Khardung La to Nubra. Day 5: Nubra to Pangong via the Shyok road. Day 6: Pangong to Leh via Chang La. Day 7: depart. Permits are needed for Nubra and Pangong.
Day by day
| Day | Plan | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Leh; rest completely | Leh |
| 2 | Gentle: Shanti Stupa by car, Leh Palace, market | Leh |
| 3 | Thiksey, Shey, Hemis; or west to Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Sangam | Leh |
| 4 | Over Khardung La to Nubra: Diskit, Hunder dunes | Nubra |
| 5 | Nubra to Pangong via the Shyok road (if open) | Pangong |
| 6 | Pangong sunrise; drive to Leh via Chang La | Leh |
| 7 | Depart | n/a |
Variations
| Length | Change |
|---|---|
| 5 days | Leh (2 nights), Nubra (1), back to Leh (1); skip Pangong or do it instead of Nubra |
| 8 days | Add Turtuk with a second Nubra night |
| 10 days | Add Tso Moriri or Hanle after Pangong |
| Coming from Srinagar | Two days by road via Kargil and Lamayuru, then start at day 2 |
Before you go
Indian citizens register online and pay the Ladakh environment and wildlife fees before visiting protected areas such as Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, Hanle and Turtuk; foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit through a registered agent. Rules and fees change, so check our permits guide before you travel.
Leh sits at about 3,500 m. Spend your first 36 to 48 hours resting in Leh before going higher, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. Anyone with a heart or lung condition should ask their doctor before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough for Ladakh?
Yes, for Leh, Nubra and Pangong with proper acclimatisation.
Should I do Nubra or Pangong first?
Nubra first: it is lower than Pangong, which helps acclimatisation.
Can I go from Nubra to Pangong directly?
Yes, via the Shyok road, when it is open; otherwise return through Leh.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.