Hi,
Can anyone tell me if it is possible to travel to the Ladakh area within two weeks in July with kids of 6 and 9? Will there be activities that they will enjoy (they like trekking but don't have as much stamina as their parents)? Is it possible to hire horses, donkeys or some such to help them with the trekking?

Alternatively we were thinking of the Manali area in July? Is it still raining there in July?

any other suggestions of activities to do with children in the area would be most appreciated.

July is the trekking season in Ladakh.You will find lotsof non-Indians trekking in Ladakh.

No idea how you will reach Leh.Incase you reach Leh by flight, then you must take 24hrs of rest so that your body can get used to altitude.Specially children. You may not feel hungry and feel some headache.These are normal.After 24hrs you will be ok..so no worry but you need to rest for 24 hrs...no jogging no strenuous walking etc. etc.
I haven't seen any children along with their parents visiting Ladakh. However,it is not advisable to take children for trekking...may be a small trekking would be ok.

It is easy to engage ponies,guide or cook from Leh.Since you will be there in July, there would be more demand at that time because of influx of non indians all wish to go fr trekking.So you must reserve in advance with the hotel where you will stay.
Only when you go for trekking you can easily spend 15days other wise you can stay there for about 3-5days to explore Leh and near by places by jeep.

Since you have children, suggest you to Kulu- Manali area where there is something for everyone--adults and children. Children can go horse riding, walking along the river banks, nice food etc.
Ofcourse July is generally rainy season in the plains but iam not sure in the mountains like Kulu-manali.May be you can make it end June or early July?

All the best.