7-Day Northern India Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Northern India tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNorthern India travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Ladakh, incl. Leh and Pangong Lake

  Ancient palaces of Leh, Buddhist heritage in Nubra Valley, and Pangong Lake's pristine shores create a 7-day adventure. The route crosses Khardung-La Pass and visits remote monasteries including Thiksey and Diskit.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Leh (11,500 ft)

    Book a morning flight to Leh since afternoon flights often face wind issues. Your first day should be spent resting at your hotel to adjust to the altitude. A past visitor noted: "Clients should be informed about altitude challenges so they can make informed decisions." On day two, take it easy with visits to Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa. Pack a jacket since evenings get cold even during summer months.

    
  • Day 3

    Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass

    Start early for your drive over Khardung La (18,380 ft), the world's highest motorable pass. Take altitude sickness medication and bring plenty of water. The 5-6 hour journey shows off dramatic gorges with the Shyok River below. You'll reach Nubra Valley (10,000 ft) by afternoon. Pro tip: Pick the left side of the vehicle for the best views.

    
  • Day 4

    Nubra Valley

    Get to Diskit Monastery early to see the 100-ft Buddha statue before the crowds arrive. Spend your afternoon at the Hunder sand dunes, where you can see two-humped Bactrian camels in this unique high-altitude desert. Visit Panamik hot springs but check the water temperature first as it changes with seasons. Stay a second night in Nubra to fully enjoy the area.

    
  • Day 5

    Nubra to Pangong Lake

    The 6-7 hour drive to Pangong Lake (14,270 ft) is long but beautiful. Consider taking motion sickness pills if you need them. The lake looks most colorful between 2-4 PM in full sunlight. Book heated camps for your overnight stay since temperatures drop sharply after dark.

    
  • Day 6

    Pangong Lake to Leh

    Wake up early for stunning sunrise views over the lake. Head back to Leh via Thiksey Monastery, leaving by 9 AM to avoid strong afternoon winds. One traveler shared: "The ever-changing landscapes were so amazing, I didn't sleep during any car rides!"

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Leh

    Take a morning flight out since afternoon flights often get canceled due to strong winds. Try to keep a backup day in case of weather issues.

    

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• 7 Day Ladakh Itinerary, incl. Leh and Pangong Lake

  Northern India's treasures reveal themselves over 7 days: Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Nubra Valley's sand dunes. The journey includes crossing Khardung-La Pass at 18,300ft, viewing Diskit Monastery's giant Buddha, and camping near Pangong Lake at 14,270ft.

  

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  • Day 1

    Leh Arrival & Acclimatization

    Your first day at Leh (11,500 ft) is all about adjusting to the altitude. Rest for 6-8 hours after arrival since altitude sickness is common. In the evening take a short walk to the white-domed Shanti Stupa to watch the sunset. "The local market near Shanti Stupa is perfect for buying authentic Tibetan prayer wheels and Pashmina shawls - but remember to bargain."

    
  • Day 2

    Sham Valley & Magnetic Hill

    Visit the Sham Valley war memorial after breakfast. Plan about 2-3 hours to explore. Next up is the 11th-century Spituk Gompa. Remember to wear modest clothing for the monastery visit. Head to Magnetic Hill for photos before the midday heat creates distortion. Finish your day at the meeting point of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.

    
  • Day 3

    Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

    Leave at 7 AM for the 5-hour drive across Khardung La (18,380 ft) the world's highest motorable pass. Bring altitude sickness medication and water. Watch for rough roads past Khardung village. "The drive through the glacier bridge was incredible but challenging - our driver knew exactly when to cross to avoid afternoon snow melt."

    
  • Day 4

    Nubra Valley & Diskit

    Start early with a Bactrian camel safari at Hunder's silver sand dunes. Book before 10 AM to avoid the hot sand. Spend your afternoon at Diskit Monastery the oldest in Nubra. The giant Buddha statue offers great valley views. Start your return to Leh by 2 PM to cross Khardung La before dark.

    
  • Day 5

    Leh to Pangong Lake

    The 5.5-hour drive goes through Changla Pass (17,688 ft). Stop at Thiksey Monastery for the 7 AM morning prayers. Take a break at Tangtse village to adjust to the altitude. Pangong Lake is at 14,270 ft. Pack warm clothes as nights can be freezing even in summer.

    
  • Day 6

    Pangong Lake to Leh

    Get up at 5:30 AM for sunrise over the lake. "Pangong was the absolute highlight - the water colors shift from turquoise to deep blue throughout the day." Visit Hemis Monastery on your way back to Leh. The 45km journey takes about 6 hours with photo stops.

    
  • Day 7

    Leh Departure

    Try to book afternoon flights since morning fog often causes delays. Airport security takes time so arrive 2.5 hours early.

    

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• 7 Days in Kashmir, incl. Srinagar and Gulmarg

  Dal Lake's floating gardens, Sonamarg's glaciers, and Gulmarg's peaks create a stunning week-long panorama. The tour includes 3 nights in houseboats, stops at Awantipora ruins, and visits to three distinct valleys.

  

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  • Day 1

    Srinagar

    Book a morning flight to Srinagar International Airport to avoid afternoon fog delays. It takes about 30-45 minutes to reach your houseboat on Dal Lake. Take a shikara ride around 4 PM when the lighting is best for photos. You'll glide through floating vegetable gardens and markets. Bring small bills if you want to buy saffron or handicrafts from boat vendors.

    
  • Day 2

    Sonamarg Day Trip

    Drive 2.5 hours to Sonamarg (83km). The roads aren't great so consider taking motion sickness pills. At Thajiwas glacier you can hire a pony for the trek. Make sure to agree on the price first - it usually costs $15-20. One traveler shared: "The glacier trek requires decent fitness - bring sturdy shoes as the paths get slippery with melting snow." Head back to your Srinagar houseboat before sunset.

    
  • Day 3

    Srinagar to Gulmarg

    Drive 2 hours to Gulmarg (55km) after breakfast. The Gulmarg Gondola runs from 10 AM to 5 PM if weather allows. Get tickets for both phases to reach the highest point at Kongdori. Pack warm clothes even in summer since it gets cold at 14,000 feet. Visit the world's highest golf course later in the day when there are fewer people.

    
  • Day 4

    Gulmarg to Pahalgam

    Take the scenic 4.5-hour drive (140km) to Pahalgam. Visit the Awantipora ruins before noon to get better photos of these 8th-century temples. You'll stop at saffron fields for photos on the way. Get to your Pahalgam hotel by late afternoon. Most hotels are walking distance from the main market.

    
  • Day 5

    Pahalgam Valleys

    Start early to explore three valleys: Betaab, Chandanwadi and Aru. You'll need to use local taxis since self-driving isn't allowed. Begin with Betaab Valley before the crowds arrive. Visit Aru Valley (11km from town) after lunch. A visitor noted: "The meadows at Aru were peaceful before 10 AM - we saw local shepherds with their flocks before other tourists arrived."

    
  • Day 6

    Pahalgam to Srinagar

    Drive 3 hours back to Srinagar (94km). Spend the afternoon at the Mughal Gardens. Nishat Bagh offers great views of Dal Lake. Go shopping at Lal Chowk market for Kashmiri shawls and carpets. Remember sellers usually start prices three times higher than what they'll accept.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Schedule afternoon flights since morning fog often causes delays. Get to the airport 3 hours early due to strict security checks. Keep your ID documents ready. Check your flight status regularly since weather can lead to cancellations.

    

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