Ladakh, the “Land of High Passes,” blends Tibetan-Buddhist culture, lunar landscapes, and starlit skies at altitudes above 3,000 meters. Once a Silk Route crossroads, its gompas (monasteries) still echo with morning chants, while white stupas and prayer flags splash color against jagged peaks. It’s spectacular—and surprisingly family-friendly—with gentle village walks, friendly locals, and safe, scenic drives.

In this 7-day family itinerary for 11 travelers, you’ll acclimatize in Leh, explore monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis, road-trip over Khardung La into Nubra Valley for dunes and Bactrian camels, and cap it with a bucket-list day trip to Pangong Lake. Pacing is kid-forward: shorter first days, ample breaks, and overnights that minimize altitude stress. We’ve designed stops, meal ideas, and logistics for a single 12/13-seater tempo traveller or two SUVs.

Practical notes: Fly into Leh (IXL); there’s no rail line. Postpaid SIMs work best (Jio/Airtel), and ATMs are concentrated in Leh. Indian nationals currently pay local environment/wildlife fees; foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for Nubra/Pangong—confirm the latest rules before travel. Best months: May–September; shoulder seasons bring quieter roads but colder nights.

Leh

Leh, at roughly 3,500 m, is your acclimatization base and cultural heart of Ladakh. Wander the Old Town lanes near Leh Palace, watch sunsets from Shanti Stupa, and visit a circuit of monasteries—Thiksey (Ladakh’s mini-Potala), Hemis (the region’s largest), and serene Shey Palace.

• Top sights: Shanti Stupa at sunset, Leh Palace, Old Town conservation area, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Shey Palace, Stok Palace Museum, and the Indus–Zanskar confluence.
• Family-friendly bites: Gesmo Restaurant for momos and bakery treats, The Tibetan Kitchen for thukpa and tandoor classics, Alchi Kitchen (Leh) for traditional skyu and buckwheat pancakes, Namza Dining for refined Ladakhi plates, and Bon Appétit for pastas with mountain views.
• Fun fact: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is among the highest commercial airports in the world.

Where to stay (Leh): For a family of 11, look for 4–5 rooms or family suites with heating and oxygen support. Good options to compare include The Grand Dragon Ladakh (top comfort), The Abduz (modern), Hotel Ladakh Residency (central), and boutique homestays in Changspa. Browse stays on VRBO and Hotels.com.

Getting here: Fly into Leh (IXL) from Delhi, Mumbai, or Srinagar. Check fares and times on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If you’re rail-hopping to Delhi first, search trains on Trip.com Trains.

Diskit (Nubra Valley)

Nubra Valley, split by the Shyok and Nubra rivers, is reached via Khardung La—once touted as the world’s highest motorable road. Base in Diskit or Hunder for monasteries, the 32-m Maitreya Buddha, and the surreal Hunder dunes where kids can meet double-humped Bactrian camels.

• Top sights: Diskit Monastery and Maitreya statue, Hunder sand dunes and camel rides, Sumur village, Panamik hot springs, and the emerald Yarab Tso (short family-friendly walk).
• Eats in the valley: Expect homestyle meals at your hotel/camp. In Hunder and Diskit, simple kitchens serve hot parathas, Maggi, thukpa, and momos—perfect after a chilly evening under the stars.
• Good to know: Nights are colder than Leh; bring layers, caps, and thermals for kids.

Where to stay (Nubra): Look at Diskit/Hunder for family-friendly camps and lodges—Nubra Ecolodge (Sumur), The Stone Hedge (Hunder), Lchang Nang Retreat (Sumur/upper budget), and well-rated guesthouses in Diskit. Compare availability on VRBO and Hotels.com.

How you’ll get there: Private taxis or a 12/13-seater tempo traveller from Leh via Khardung La. Drive time is typically 5–7 hours with scenic stops; roads may slow in early season or after snowfall.

Day 1: Arrive in Leh (Acclimatize, Easy Sunset)

Afternoon: Land at Leh (IXL) and meet your driver. For 11 people, book one 12/13-seater tempo traveller with seat belts and luggage rack, or two SUVs (Innova/Crysta). Check in, hydrate, and rest 2–3 hours—no running or stairs yet.

Evening: Gentle stroll around Leh Main Bazaar and a short drive to Shanti Stupa for golden-hour views of the valley. Dinner near the hotel: try Gesmo Restaurant (paneer tikka, yak cheese sandwiches, cinnamon rolls) or The Tibetan Kitchen (momos, thukpa, tandoori). Warm soups are great for altitude.

Notes: Keep kids warm, sip water/ORS, skip alcohol and heavy exercise. If anyone has headache/nausea, call it an early night.

Day 2: Leh Monastery Circuit (Thiksey, Hemis, Shey/Stok)

Morning: After an easy breakfast—croissants and cappuccinos at Lala’s Café near the Old Town or aloo parathas at your hotel—drive 45 min to Thiksey Monastery. Climb slowly for the assembly hall and rooftop views. Continue 30–40 min to Hemis Monastery, Ladakh’s largest, with a fine museum of thangkas and ritual objects.

Afternoon: Lunch ideas: Alchi Kitchen (Leh branch) for apricot chicken and butter tea, or a simple thukpa stop en route. Visit Shey Palace (or Stok Palace Museum if energy is low) before returning to Leh. Stop for photos along the Indus valley terraces.

Evening: Sunset from Leh Palace ramparts if everyone’s feeling okay. Dinner at Namza Dining (elevated Ladakhi plates) or Bon Appétit (pizza/pasta and a firepit—book ahead in peak months).

Day 3: Sham Valley Highlights (Indus–Zanskar, Magnetic Hill, Alchi)

Morning: Start with hot chocolate and pancakes at your hotel, then drive west (45–60 min) to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib for a short, respectful visit, followed by the optical-illusion stop at Magnetic Hill. Continue to the dramatic Indus–Zanskar Confluence at Nimmu for photos.

Afternoon: Head to Alchi Monastery (1.5–2 hrs from Leh), famed for 11th–12th century Kashmiri-influenced murals in low-altitude warmth—a great kid-friendly temple complex with gentle paths. Lunch at the original Alchi Kitchen in Alchi village (try the gyuma sausage or buckwheat crepes).

Evening: Return to Leh. Stroll the bazaar for pashmina, apricot products, prayer flags, and magnets. Dinner: Gesmo for family-pleasing multi-cuisine or The Tibetan Kitchen if you missed it earlier.

Day 4: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La (Diskit & Hunder Dunes)

Morning: Depart 8:00 a.m. with your tempo traveller. The road climbs to Khardung La (stops for tea and photos; don’t linger too long due to altitude). Descend towards Diskit—expect 5–7 hours total with breaks.

Afternoon: Check in at your Diskit/Hunder hotel or camp. Visit Diskit Monastery and the towering Maitreya Buddha for sweeping valley views. Keep kids engaged with the short monastery walk and photo spots.

Evening: Head to Hunder sand dunes for a gentle camel ride on Bactrian camels near sunset. Dinner is best at your hotel/camp (warm buffets, rotis, and soups). Bring jackets—nights are crisp.

Day 5: Nubra Valley Explore (Sumur/Yarab Tso) and Drive Back to Leh

Morning: Easy breakfast and a short drive to Sumur side. Option 1: quick soak/visit near Panamik hot springs. Option 2: the short, scenic walk to Yarab Tso (keep it calm and quiet—considered sacred). Both are kid-friendly with supervision.

Afternoon: Lunch at your hotel or a simple dhaba in Diskit (parathas, rajma-chawal). Begin the return to Leh by early afternoon to reach before dark. Expect 5–7 hours back via Khardung La, depending on traffic and weather.

Evening: Arrive Leh, rest. Light dinner near the hotel; for comfort food, try soups, veg pulav, or hot momos.

Day 6: Pangong Lake Day Trip from Leh (Full-Day Tour)

Today is your blockbuster day—an early start (around 5:00–5:30 a.m.) for an all-day drive via Chang La to the blue expanse of Pangong Tso. Pack snacks, water, tissue rolls, sunscreen, and hats; facilities en route are basic but adequate for families used to road trips.

Recommended tour (with vehicle and guide):

Pangong Lake Day Trip From Leh

You’ll stop for tea at roadside tents, cross snow-kissed passes, and reach Pangong’s cobalt shore in about 5–7 hours one way (road conditions vary). Spend 60–90 minutes for photos and a warm lunch at a lakeside eatery before returning to Leh by evening.

Tip: For very young kids or altitude-sensitive travelers, consider swapping this with a gentler Leh day. Everyone should hydrate and layer up; the wind at the lake can be biting.

Day 7: Old Town Leh, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Leisure breakfast. Explore Leh’s Old Town lanes—mud-brick houses, wooden balconies, and small shrines. Pop back to Lala’s Café for coffee and cakes if you loved it, or try omelets and chai at a bazaar-side eatery.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping for apricot jam, pashmina, and prayer wheels. Depart for the airport after lunch. Check flight options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Fly out in the afternoon/evening as planned. Keep jackets handy—aircraft cabins can feel chilly after long days outdoors.

Transport, Taxis, and Family Logistics

• Vehicle: One 12/13-seater tempo traveller (ideal for 11 people) for the whole trip, or two Innova/Crystas. Ask for experienced Ladakh drivers familiar with Khardung La and Chang La.
• Typical drive times (one-way): Leh–Thiksey (45 min), Leh–Hemis (1.5 hrs), Leh–Alchi (2 hrs), Leh–Diskit/Hunder (5–7 hrs), Leh–Pangong (5–7 hrs).
• Budget ballpark: Tempo traveller day hire often ranges by route and season; expect higher rates for Nubra/Pangong days. Confirm inclusions (driver allowance, parking, taxes) before booking.
• Permits/fees: Indian nationals currently pay environment/wildlife fees for protected areas; foreign nationals require a PAP for Nubra/Pangong (arrange via your hotel or a tour operator). Carry government ID copies for check posts.
• Health & safety: Acclimatize in Leh for 24–48 hours. Hydrate, keep kids warm, and avoid overexertion. Pack any prescribed altitude medication in consultation with your doctor.
• Best months: May–September (drier roads, open passes). Early/late season can bring snow closures—keep an extra buffer day if possible.

Hotel Booking Shortlist (for Families)

• Leh: The Grand Dragon Ladakh (premium comfort and heating), The Abduz (modern rooms), Hotel Ladakh Residency (central, reliable), plus homestays in Changspa for a cozy local feel. Compare on VRBO and Hotels.com.
• Nubra (Diskit/Hunder): Nubra Ecolodge (nature-focused), The Stone Hedge (stylish cabins), Lchang Nang Retreat (upscale), and family-run guesthouses in Diskit. Browse options on VRBO and Hotels.com.
• Rooming tips: For 11 travelers, reserve 4–5 rooms (many hotels can add 1 extra bed per room). Request adjacent rooms and early check-in/late checkout where possible.

Dining Shortlist You’ll Love

• Leh Breakfast/Coffee: Lala’s Café (Old Town charm), hotel buffets for hot parathas and porridge.
• Leh Lunch/Dinner: Gesmo (bakes, pastas, momos), The Tibetan Kitchen (tandoor and Tibetan staples), Alchi Kitchen (Ladakhi family recipes), Namza Dining (refined regional plates), Bon Appétit (western comfort with views).
• Nubra: Your hotel/camp for hearty set menus; small dhabas in Diskit/Hunder for tea, Maggi, and rotis during drives.

With monasteries, high passes, sand dunes, and that unforgettable first glimpse of Pangong’s colors, this Ladakh plan balances adventure with rest for a big family. You’ll leave with full hearts, warm photos, and a new respect for life at the top of the world.