Circuit · Ladakh
Leh & the Indus valley
Leh, the monasteries, Lamayuru and the Markha Valley trek.
- Places
- 3
- Altitude
- 3,300–5,150 m
- Fly / train to
- Leh
- Daily spend
- about ₹3,200
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
Best for most places here: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Each place here needs 4–10 days on the ground; places in one circuit share travel days, so pair two or three.
Places in this circuit
Lamayuru
One of Ladakh's oldest monasteries, above the eroded 'moonland' cliffs.
Leh
The old trading town of Ladakh — Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and the monasteries of the Indus valley.
Markha Valley
A homestay trek through desert canyons and tiny villages, over the Kongmaru La.
What to pack for Leh & the Indus valley
Everything the places in this circuit call for, most widely needed first. Each place's page has its full list with reasons.
- Fleece or light sweater
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom)
- Down or padded jacket
- Woollen cap that covers the ears
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs
- Sun cap or hat
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines
- UV-protection sunglasses
- Lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent
- Moisturiser and a saline nasal spray
- Power bank
- Light travel tripod
- Spare memory card and camera battery
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Where to stay
No homestays listed here yet. Run one? List it.
Pickups & drivers
No drivers listed for this circuit yet. Drive here? List your cab.
Leh & the Indus valley: questions people ask
Which places are in the Leh & the Indus valley circuit?
The Leh & the Indus valley circuit in Ladakh covers Lamayuru, Leh and Markha Valley. They share a gateway, so two or three are usually combined in one trip.
What is the best time to visit Leh & the Indus valley?
May to September suit most places in Leh & the Indus valley. Individual places differ, so check each one.
How do you reach Leh & the Indus valley?
Travel to Leh, then continue by road.
How much does a Leh & the Indus valley trip cost per day?
About ₹3,200 per person per day on the ground for a mid-range trip, averaged across the places in this circuit.
Which is the easiest place in Leh & the Indus valley, and which is the highest?
Lamayuru is the easiest (easy). Markha Valley is the highest at 5,150 m.