3 Days in Leh: A Day-by-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Leh sits at about 3,500 metres, so the first day is kept easy: rest in the morning, then Leh Palace, the main bazaar and sunset at Shanti Stupa. Day two drives up the Indus valley to the monasteries of Thiksey and Hemis. Day three, once you have adjusted to the altitude, goes up to Khardung La and comes back for the Hall of Fame war museum.
Good to Know
Estimated total per person: ₹4,000 to ₹8,300, excluding flights, hotel and some gate fees
Weather: Summer days are sunny and mild but nights are cold; winters are harsh, well below freezing. The sun is strong at this altitude all year.
Pack:
Warm layers and a windproof jacket, even in summer
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
Lip balm and moisturiser for the dry air
Any personal medicines, and a refillable water bottle
Local tips:
If you fly in, rest for the whole first morning and drink plenty of water; altitude sickness is common.
Taxis in Leh run on fixed union rates per vehicle; share a cab to bring the cost down.
Carry cash; ATMs can run dry and card machines are patchy outside the main bazaar.
Booking tips:
Indian visitors pay the Ladakh environment fee online at lahdclehpermit.in before visiting Khardung La, Nubra or Pangong; foreign visitors need a protected area permit.
Book flights to Leh early for June, the busiest month.
Getting there (from other Indian cities):
flight: Direct flights to Leh's Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport from Delhi, and from Mumbai and Srinagar in season - About 1.5 hours from Delhi
car: The Manali to Leh highway, about 430 km, or Srinagar to Leh over the Zoji La, about 420 km; both open roughly from June to October - Two days by road with an overnight stop
There is no railway to Leh. The airport is about 4 km from the main bazaar.
Arriving by road from Manali or Srinagar helps you adjust to the altitude; flying in means you must rest on day one.
Day 1: Rest, Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa
An easy first day for the altitude: rest in the morning, then the old Leh Palace, the main bazaar and sunset at Shanti Stupa.
Leh Palace (afternoon): After a slow morning resting at your hotel, walk up to Leh Palace on the hill above the old town. Built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, the nine-storey palace of mud brick and timber looks out over Leh, the Indus valley and the Stok range. A small ASI entry ticket at the gate Why visit: The former royal palace of Ladakh; Rooftop views over Leh and the Stok range Know before you go: The lanes up from the old town are steep; walk slowly on your first day; Inside, stairs are steep and dark in places
Leh Main Bazaar (late afternoon): Walk down to the main bazaar, about 10 minutes, the town's pedestrian shopping street. Stalls sell pashmina shawls, prayer flags, turquoise jewellery and dried apricots, and the cafés around it are good for a hot drink. Free Why visit: The heart of Leh town; Pashmina, Tibetan crafts and local apricots Know before you go: Bargain politely in the Tibetan stalls; Check that pashmina is genuine before paying a high price
Shanti Stupa (sunset): Take a cab up to Shanti Stupa, about 10 minutes, rather than climbing the long flight of steps on day one. This white stupa was built in 1991 by Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists, and its terrace is the best place in Leh to watch the sun set over the town and the mountains. Free Why visit: The best sunset view over Leh; Wide views of the Stok range Know before you go: It gets cold and windy after sunset; bring a jacket; Drive up on day one; save the stairs for later
Eat: Lamayuru Restaurant - A long-running restaurant in the main bazaar with Indian, Tibetan and Chinese dishes; try thukpa or momos.
Evening: Have an early, light dinner and go to bed; a good first night's sleep helps with the altitude.
Budget for the day: ₹600 to ₹1,300 per person, excluding hotel and some gate fees
Day 2: Thiksey and Hemis monasteries
A drive up the Indus valley to two of Ladakh's great monasteries: Thiksey on its hill and Hemis in a side valley, with the drive along the river in between.
Thiksey Monastery (morning): Drive about 19 km south-east to Thiksey, around 30 minutes. The monastery climbs a hill in tiers of white buildings and is often compared with the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Inside, a two-storey statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha, fills its own temple. A small entry fee at the gate, cash only Why visit: The tiered monastery that looks like a small Potala; The giant seated Maitreya Buddha Know before you go: Arrive early to see the monks' morning prayers; Dress modestly and walk clockwise around the shrines
Hemis Monastery (late morning): Continue to Hemis, about 45 minutes further, tucked into a side valley above the Indus. Rebuilt in the 17th century under King Sengge Namgyal, it is one of Ladakh's richest monasteries, and its museum holds thangka paintings, masks and statues. Its masked dance festival in June or July draws big crowds. Entry ticket at the gate, which includes the museum; cash only Why visit: One of Ladakh's most important monasteries; A museum of thangkas, masks and old statues Know before you go: The monastery closes for about an hour over lunch; Photography is not allowed in the museum
Eat: Tsas by Dolkhar - A restaurant in Leh serving Ladakhi dishes made with local produce; book ahead for dinner.
Evening: Back in Leh, walk the main bazaar in the evening when the shops and cafés are busy.
Budget for the day: ₹2,100 to ₹4,300 per person, excluding hotel and some gate fees
Day 3: Khardung La and the Hall of Fame
Up to the Khardung La pass north of Leh in the morning, once you have adjusted to the altitude, then the Indian Army's Hall of Fame museum in the afternoon.
Khardung La (morning): Drive about 40 km north to Khardung La, around 2 hours up a winding mountain road. The pass is the gateway to the Nubra valley, and its signboard puts it at 5,359 metres. Take photos at the top, then head back down; the air is very thin up here. No gate fee; Indian visitors pay the Ladakh environment fee online first (about ₹400 per person a year plus ₹20 a day) Why visit: One of the highest roads you can drive in the world; Snow and huge views even in summer Know before you go: Do not go up before you have spent two nights in Leh; Stay at the top for no more than 20 to 30 minutes; Carry the environment fee receipt; it is checked at the South Pullu checkpoint
Hall of Fame (afternoon): Back in Leh, drive to the Hall of Fame, about 4 km south of the bazaar on the airport road. Built by the Indian Army, the museum tells the story of the soldiers who have served in Ladakh, from the Kargil war of 1999 to life on the Siachen glacier, with weapons, uniforms and a memorial outside. Entry ticket at the gate; check the current fee on arrival Why visit: Kargil and Siachen history told by the Army; A moving memorial to fallen soldiers Know before you go: Allow an hour and a half for the galleries
Eat: Gesmo Restaurant - An old Leh favourite near the main bazaar for breakfasts, cakes and simple meals.
Evening: Spend your last evening at one of the rooftop cafés in the main bazaar.
Budget for the day: ₹1,300 to ₹2,700 per person, excluding hotel and some gate fees
Want a Different Pace?
Add Pangong Tso: An overnight trip to Pangong Tso over the Chang La pass: The famous blue lake on the border with Tibet. (Trade-off: About 5 hours each way by road; plan it as an extra night, not a day trip. - Costs more)
Swap Khardung La for the Sham valley: Magnetic Hill, the Indus and Zanskar confluence and Alchi Monastery, west of Leh: Lower altitude than Khardung La, with the old painted temples of Alchi. (Trade-off: A full day by taxi; Alchi is about 65 km from Leh. - Similar cost)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Leh?
A 3-day Leh itinerary like this one works well for First-time visitors to Ladakh, Mountain and monastery lovers, Road trip and photography fans. It's not the best fit if You have heart or breathing problems; check with a doctor before flying to this altitude or You are visiting in winter, when many roads, cafés and hotels close.
How much does a 3-day Leh trip cost per person?
Budget about ₹4,000 to ₹8,300 per person for entry tickets, food and local transport on this 3-day Leh itinerary. Flights and hotel are extra.
What's the best time to visit Leh?
The best time to visit Leh is May to September.
How do I reach Leh from other Indian cities?
Common options are flight (About 1.5 hours from Delhi), car (Two days by road with an overnight stop). There is no railway to Leh. The airport is about 4 km from the main bazaar.
What are the must-see places in Leh in 3 days?
Day 1: Leh Palace, Leh Main Bazaar and Shanti Stupa. Day 2: Thiksey Monastery and Hemis Monastery. Day 3: Khardung La and Hall of Fame.
Which Leh attractions are free?
On this itinerary, Leh Main Bazaar and Shanti Stupa are free to visit (some charge for special exhibitions or inside visits).
Do Indian tourists need a permit for Leh?
No permit is needed for Leh town. To visit Khardung La, Nubra, Pangong and other protected areas, Indian visitors pay the Ladakh environment and development fee online at lahdclehpermit.in; foreign visitors need a protected area permit through a registered agent.
How do I avoid altitude sickness in Leh?
If you fly in, rest for the first day, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and do not go to higher passes such as Khardung La until you have spent two nights in Leh. See a doctor if you get a severe headache, breathlessness at rest or confusion.
Where to Eat in Leh
LEHVENDA CAFE - ★4.6 - MENGON COMPLEX, 2nd floor, main market, main markwt, Leh, 194101