7 Days in Leh, India: Hemis Monastery, Pangong Lake & More

Visit the historic Leh Palace, a former royal palace offering panoramic views of Leh town and the surrounding mountains. Explore its ancient rooms and learn about Ladakhi history.

"Must visit tourist attraction in Leh. Vehicles will go till Palace parking lot or else one can climb steps from Leh market. Entry ticket is there. Well maintained Palace. One can learn about Leh history and greatness of Leh people. Photography allowed here. Views from this palace are magnificent. 45 minutes required to explore this palace. Please visit this palace. Enjoy your trip to Leh."— Travel Photographer

Head to Shanti Stupa, a white-domed Buddhist stupa, for serene spiritual reflection and breathtaking panoramic views of Leh, especially beautiful around sunset. It's a symbol of peace and prosperity.

"Perched dramatically on a hilltop, Shanti Stupa offers the most spectacular panoramic views of Leh town, the Leh Palace, and the surrounding mountains. The drive or climb is absolutely worth the effort, especially if you go for sunset. ​The white dome is a powerful symbol of peace, providing a calm and serene atmosphere for reflection. It’s an ideal spot for incredible photography. Remember to acclimatize before attempting the stairs! This is a spiritual and visually stunning highlight of any Ladakh trip. Highly recommended!"— Pratik Patel

Wander through the bustling Leh Main Market and the adjacent Tibetan Market. Browse for local handicrafts, traditional Ladakhi clothing, souvenirs, and admire the vibrant cultural atmosphere.

"The first place which i visited after landing in Leh and going to hotel was the Leh market. It is an amazing shopping and eating place. Many Ladakhi jewellery and bracelets are available here which instantly attracted me as I am a huge bracelet fan. Do buy bracelets from here and traditional ladakhi jewellery as well. I went to Leh when it was Ladakh festival going on and hence I was able to witness all the festivities that were arranged at the market area with stalls and concerts and parades of different villages. It was just mesmerizing to see such rick traditions of Ladakh brought out to people in this festival. Some of the glimpse I have captured and have presented to you. This place is a must visit as you will enjoy alot shopping and eating."— Nabyendu Das

Witness the mesmerizing morning puja (prayer ceremony) with resident monks and then explore the impressive Thiksey Monastery, known for its Maitreya Buddha statue and panoramic views of the Indus Valley.

"I've visited Thiksey Monestary twice. The monestary itself beckons imposingly on a hill as you drive up the road to it. Both times I was wowed by the beautifully decorated and adorned Buddha in the main sanctum. The second time I visited, a couple of playful boys were energetically running all over their place, noticed my camera, and wanted several pictures taken. I hope they see the pictures here someday."— Giri K

Discover the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, famous for its annual Hemis Festival. Explore its significant museum with ancient artifacts and spiritual halls, immersing yourself in Tibetan Buddhist history.

"One of the oldest monasteries to exist in ladakh. Has well maintained museum that takes you through the whole history of ladakh."— Arjun B

Embark on an adventurous journey through the majestic Himalayas, ascending towards Chang La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged landscape.

"Chang La Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass in Ladakh, India, located on the route from Leh to Pangong Lake, famous for its stunning Himalayan views, snow-capped peaks, and being one of the world's highest motorable roads at around 5,360 meters (17,586 ft). Named after the sage Changla Baba, with a small temple at the summit, it's a crucial strategic link, guarded by the Indian Army, and offers a thrilling but challenging journey with thin air and unpredictable weather, typically open from May to October."— Prashant Bhaskar

Witness the stunning, ever-changing beauty of Pangong Tso, a mesmerizing high-altitude lake famous for its vibrant blue and green hues. Spend ample time appreciating the serene landscape, walking along its shores, and capturing memorable photos.

"Excellent place to relax and meditate. Don't venture too deep in to the water. Lake has spiritual powers. Mesmerizing views during sunrise and sunset. 360 degree panoramic view is excellent . Very safe place for tourists. Lot of recreational activities near the lake. Enjoy your trip to Pangong lake."— Travel Photographer

Immerse yourself in Ladakhi culture with a hands-on cooking workshop. Learn to prepare traditional dishes using local ingredients, understanding the region's unique culinary heritage. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for a pre-dinner snack or part of your evening meal.

"Me and my husband stayed here for two days for our 10th anniversary and the entire experience was absolutely brilliant! The food at this place (even though it’s all strictly vegetarian) was consistently and worthy of a finger licking moment! We even did the 7 course meal one night and the experience was wonderful (pro tip, please don’t eat anything for at least 5 hours before the session so that you can do justice to the meal). A special mention for Nawang the bartender. We tripped on the Vodka and Whiskey cocktails! (The Kawa chan is absolutely recommended). The staff was beyond polite and accommodating, sweetest tbh. The cottages were super comfy with a duplex setup. Interiors of the entire place were very nicely done. We even did the massage and sauna, but just one thing, I personally felt that the 60 mins massage was a bit expensive (₹7000 + taxes per person) but overall the experience was A+ ! I would recommend this place and stay in a heartbeat ! Can’t wait to be back."— Aanchal Bhargava

Visit the Likir Monastery, known for its impressive 25-foot-tall gilded Buddha statue and serene setting amidst the mountains. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of this ancient Buddhist site.

"It's a beautiful village with a beautiful monastery. The backdrop of the monastery is stunning as well and has a large seated statue of Buddha. It's only 1hr from leh and the roads are pretty good leading up to the gompa. If you love a peaceful place, this is definitely one of them."— Dj Paul

Visit one of Ladakh's oldest and most renowned monasteries, famed for its unique architecture and ancient murals. Experience the spiritual tranquility and rich history of this sacred site.

"Nice place to visit in Srignar Leh highway. The place gaves you the spectacular view of the Lamayuru/The Moon Land and offers us a spiritual experience. We were able to see some rituals performed by Monks. It also contain some prehistoric documents on Budhuism. The monastry is a must visit if you are travelling this route."— Suboth R.S

Witness the surreal lunar-like landscapes of Lamayuru Moonland. This unique geological formation offers stunning views and a chance to explore a truly out-of-this-world terrain, perfect for photography.

"It is known as the Moonland of Ladakh and situated at a distance of 115 km(s) from Leh, one can easily cover Lamayuru in a day return trip from Leh"— Udaybhanu Sarkar

Witness the breathtaking meeting point of the turquoise Indus River and the murky Zanskar River. The distinct colors of the two rivers merging create a spectacular natural phenomenon.

"The confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers is a unique spot where you can clearly see the Indus flowing from the right and the Zanskar from the left, with their distinct water colors visible from the viewpoint. While it’s interesting to witness, as a tourist attraction it may not feel very appealing unless you plan on doing river rafting, which is the main highlight here. Facilities are limited — there are no refreshment options available, though a dry toilet is provided for emergencies. Overall, worth a quick stop to admire the natural beauty, but best enjoyed if you combine it with rafting or other activities"— Sreenadh EP

Witness the peculiar phenomenon where vehicles appear to move uphill against gravity due to an optical illusion. A fun and interactive stop on your journey.

"This is the one place in my 10-day solo tour of Ladakh that I thought was overrated. Here's the deal, folks. There is no magnet or magnetism involved here. The straight road that seems like it is heading into the mountain in the distance is actually sloping down but apparently, it does not seem like it is sloping to most people. (To me, it was quite obvious that the road was on a slope). So, if you were to park your car in neutral here, it would roll down the road due to gravity. But, unlike me, if you thought the road was on flat terrain or was sloping in the opposite direction, you would think a magnet was pulling at the car. Sigh! That is it. I thought it was ridiculous as a tourist attraction. Nevertheless, it does make for a nice pit stop to take pictures of the majestic mountains. The indus river is very close and just around the corner from here."— Giri K

Embark on a challenging ascent to the Leh Tsemo Fort and its attached Gompa, offering panoramic views of Leh town, the Indus Valley, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. This physically demanding hike provides a unique blend of adventure, spiritual immersion, and stunning natural scenery.

"On a Sunday in Feb 2026, on the first day of a solo trip to Ladakh, I found myself at this monastery at the time of the Cham festival. So, there were many people who had come to pray at this temple on the auspicious day. The temple is visible from afar when viewed from the south of Leh because it sits atop a prominent hill that rises above the Leh Palace. At night, it is clearly visible thanks to some aesthetic lighting that highlights the temple. The temple itself was built around 1430 (around 600 years ago). Not only is it well maintained, beautiful, and still alive, but the views afforded of Leh and the surrounding Himalayas are breathtaking. Do not be shy to go into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and pray to the Maitreya Buddha. The locals are often very happy to instruct you on how to pray. I just mimiced their customs and was greeted by welcoming smiles. Somehow, despite visiting many monasteries in Ladakh, this one remains the most memorable."— Giri K

Explore the Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO), housed in beautifully restored traditional Ladakhi houses within the Leh Old Town. Discover local art, history, and cultural exhibitions that provide insight into Ladakhi heritage.

"LAMO centre in the old town of Leh consists of two houses of Munshi and Gyaoo families. These are some of the best remaining examples of domestic vernacular architecture of the 17th Century. Munshi house was the residence of Togoche family who served as secretary in the Ladakhi court. Gyaoo house was the residence of upper rank of court artisans who performed for the king. Both the houses have been restored by LAMO (The Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation) and converted to an arts space with galleries, offices, a library and reading room, screening room, conference room, and open-air performance site"— Vikas Singh

Wander through KHAWAJA GALLERY, a renowned shop in Leh Main Market offering a wide selection of genuine hand-crafted carpets, shawls, and outfits. Discover Ladakhi Pashmina, Kashmiri Silk Carpets, and unique local souvenirs.

"Finest place in Leh market with 100% genuine Hand crafted carpets, shawls and outfits which are hand woven. Price is great and worthy. They have vast varieties of Kashmiri outfits and Ladakhis outfits. Highly recommended"— Manas Bisht

Visit the peaceful Sankar Gompa, a smaller monastery located close to Leh town. It offers a serene atmosphere for morning reflection and provides insight into local monastic life, often associated with the Spituk Monastery.

"It's a small unknown monastery just at the foothills of Shanti stupa. Do visit for the peace and quiet it offers. Beautiful temple and statues. Great corridors and well kept."— Ameya Gholap

Embark on a walking tour through the narrow alleys and traditional mud-brick houses of Leh Old Town. Discover its ancient architecture, hidden courtyards, and observe the local way of life that has been preserved for centuries.

"Bathroom not clean, glass shelf had been broken and just left on floor before I arrived. Light taped to wall. Toilet seat came off during my stay and staff was informed. Staff very pleasant; owner family member extremely rude. My view was of a wall. Breakfast was not ready for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Pictures were staged for photos, some of which were from the very nice apartment of the owner family. I would never recommend and stayed a couple of days only because of sickness. As soon as I was able to look for another place, I found much nicer guesthouses at a far lower price."— Cara Venn

Visit the Ladags Apricot Store, known for its local apricot products. Explore various apricot jams, dried apricots, and juices, showcasing a significant part of Ladakh's agricultural heritage. This visit is for browsing and experiencing local produce.

"Nice place selling local produce like things made of sea buckthorn and apricot at reasonable prices. One can definitely get souvenirs from this place. The prices are reasonable but fixed. These prices were much better to what we got in turtuk. Do consider this shop for your local shopping."— Pulkit Gupta

Visit the Donkey Sanctuary Leh, a compassionate refuge for old and abandoned donkeys in Ladakh. This unique and heartwarming stop offers a chance to interact with these gentle animals and support a local welfare initiative.

"It might not be every tourist’s ideal attraction but one of the best Ladakh tourist places for animal lovers and researchers. Location: Korean Temple Road, Khakshal, Leh-Ladakh Entry fee: INR 25 for Indians, INR 250 for foreigners Best Time To Visit: May to September"— Rohan Yadav

Transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) for your international flight back home to New York, NY. Please allow sufficient time for travel, check-in, and security procedures.

"What an amazing view when you take off from Leh airport for Delhi airport. One of the best journey in my lifetime and i recommend everyone to take this opportunity to visit Ladakh via flight and see the amazing Himalayas from your own eyes because camera will not do the justice. Do take the window seat for the best experience."— Nabyendu Das