Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa & More: Leh-Ladakh Timings & Fees

Entry fees, opening hours, and best times for Trip Planning. Avoid crowds and plan ahead.

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Quick Reference

Attraction Hours Entry Best Time Duration
Leh Palace 08:00-17:00 daily ₹25 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) Morning - for better lighting and fewer crowds 2-3 hours
Shanti Stupa Open daily Free Sunset - for stunning views of the surrounding landscape 1-2 hours
Thiksey Monastery 07:00-19:00 daily ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) Morning - to witness the morning prayers 2-3 hours
Hemis Monastery 09:00-17:00 daily ₹50 (Indians), ₹600 (foreigners) During the Hemis Festival (June/July) 2-3 hours
Diskit Monastery 07:00-19:00 daily ₹30 (Indians), ₹500 (foreigners) Afternoon - for the best light on the Maitreya Buddha statue 2-3 hours
Magnetic Hill Open daily Free Anytime during daylight hours 30 minutes
Pangong Tso Lake Open daily Free Morning - to see the lake's colors change with the sunlight Full day trip

Best Times by Attraction

Leh Palace

Morning - for better lighting and fewer crowds

Shanti Stupa

Sunset - for stunning views of the surrounding landscape

Thiksey Monastery

Morning - to witness the morning prayers

Hemis Monastery

During the Hemis Festival (June/July)

Diskit Monastery

Afternoon - for the best light on the Maitreya Buddha statue

Magnetic Hill

Anytime during daylight hours

Pangong Tso Lake

Morning - to see the lake's colors change with the sunlight

Crowd Notes

Leh Palace

Skip if you have mobility issues. Worth it for the views and history.

Shanti Stupa

Worth a visit for the views, even if you aren't particularly interested in Buddhist monuments.

Thiksey Monastery

A must-see for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism and Ladakhi culture.

Hemis Monastery

Worth the trip, especially if you can time your visit with the Hemis Festival.

Diskit Monastery

A must-see if you are visiting the Nubra Valley.

Magnetic Hill

A fun and quirky stop along the way to other attractions.

Pangong Tso Lake

A must-see destination in Ladakh, but be prepared for a long and potentially uncomfortable journey.

Practical Tips

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What To Wear

Wear warm and layered clothing as the weather can change rapidly. Pack thermal wear, sweaters, jackets, and comfortable shoes.

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Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1500, Mid: ₹3000, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: ATMs are available in Leh town, but it's advisable to carry enough cash for remote areas.

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for small transactions and in local markets. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in local markets and with taxi drivers.

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Health

Water: Drink bottled water or filtered water to avoid waterborne diseases.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food from unhygienic vendors.

Common Issues: Altitude sickness, sunburn, dehydration. Bring sunscreen, lip balm, and medications for altitude sickness.

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Communication

SIM Cards: BSNL and Airtel provide good coverage in Leh town. Purchase a local SIM card for better connectivity.

WiFi: Wi-Fi is available in some hotels and cafes, but the connectivity can be unreliable.

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Language & Tipping

Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Ladakhi phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹50-100

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