Travel guide · India
Ladakh: what to see and when to go
Ladakh is a high-altitude desert in the Indian Himalaya, with Buddhist monasteries perched on rocks, turquoise lakes and mountain passes above 5,000 m. Its culture is closer to Tibet than to the rest of India, and Leh, at 3,500 m, is the base for treks, road trips and monastery festivals.
What to see and do in Ladakh
Leh
Its nine-storey palace, the old town and the Shanti Stupa at sunset.
Thiksey and Hemis
Monasteries with morning prayers, masked dances and views over the Indus valley.
Pangong Tso
A lake at over 4,200 m that shifts from blue to green and stretches into Tibet.
Nubra Valley
Sand dunes and Bactrian camels, over one of the highest roads in the world.
Markha Valley trek
The classic multi-day trek between villages and high passes.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Jul – Oct.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 8 hr, 45 min | ≈ €500 · See flights |
| New York | 15 hr | ≈ €650 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 16 hr, 15 min | ≈ €680 · See flights |
| Dubai | 3 hr, 30 min | ≈ €220 · See flights |
| Singapore | 6 hr, 30 min | ≈ €380 · See flights |
| Sydney | 14 hr, 30 min | ≈ €630 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €690 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- India
- Currency
- Indian Rupee
- Good for
- mountains · nature · wild · culture
- How long to stay
- 7–12 days
- Where to stay
- Leh for the first days to acclimatise, then nights in Nubra and at Pangong; homestays in the villages on treks.Find a place to stay in Ladakh
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Ladakh, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €500 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Ladakh (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- CarPick it up at the airport (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Ladakh and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Jul – Oct. Average highs range from -5° in January to 22° in July.
How many days do you need in Ladakh?
7 to 12 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Ladakh cost?
Accommodation runs at around €60 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €690 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 8 hr, 45 min.
Where should you stay in Ladakh?
Leh for the first days to acclimatise, then nights in Nubra and at Pangong; homestays in the villages on treks.
