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3 Day Leh Itinerary – Fly to LEH, Feel the High!

  • Writer: Vedant Chahal
    Vedant Chahal
  • Apr 20
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jun 3

Your Ultimate Travel Guide for Ladakh’s Capital in 72 Hours


“Oonchaiyon mein khushi hai, par pehle saans toh le lo yaar!”— Every traveller who underestimated Leh’s altitude


Looking for the perfect 3 day Leh Ladakh itinerary that covers stunning landscapes, famous tourist attractions, and gives enough time for proper acclimatization? You’ve landed at the right place. Leh—the gateway to Ladakh’s unmatched beauty—offers monasteries, palaces, and high-altitude passes that leave you breathless (literally).


But before you zip off on your rented Royal Enfield or cram your bucket list with top places to visit in Leh, here’s your truth bomb:You can’t treat Leh like a checklist. You’re flying straight from Delhi (approx. 216 m) to Leh (3,500 m) in under two hours. That’s a major altitude jump—and not giving your body time to adjust could lead to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).


So this Leh travel itinerary is equal parts smart and scenic—ensuring your trip is memorable for the views, not the hospital visit.


Health First: Leh Acclimatization Tips


“Go slow, breathe deep, hydrate more than usual.”

Day 1: Arrival in Leh – Acclimatization + Light Local Sights


Ideal for travelers flying to Leh from Delhi or Mumbai


Morning:


  • Take an early flight from Delhi to Leh. Window seat = must.


  • Hotel check-in, hydrate, warm food, and total rest till late afternoon.


  • Altitude adjustment is key to enjoying Ladakh safely.


Afternoon (Post 3 PM – Leisure Only):


Light sightseeing within Leh city:

  • Leh Market – Taste apricot juice, shop prayer flags, and woollens.


  • Hall of Fame Museum – Indian Army tribute and war memorabilia.


  • Magnetic Hill – Famous illusion spot where cars appear to defy gravity.


  • Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – A peaceful place maintained by the Army.


Best Things to Do in Leh on Day 1: Shop, stroll, and soak in the vibe—without overexertion.

Dinner & Early Sleep: Warm soup, simple food, no late nights.


Day 2: Monasteries, Culture & Local Leh City Attractions


The perfect day to explore Leh’s history, architecture, and spirituality.


Morning:


  • Thiksey Monastery – One of the most beautiful monasteries in Ladakh, with a 49-ft Maitreya Buddha statue.


  • Shey Palace – Former summer palace of Ladakhi royalty.


Midday:


  • Stok Palace Museum – Royal residence and cultural museum.


  • Rancho’s School (Druk Padma Karpo School) – Made famous by 3 Idiots, it’s a quick, fun stop.


Afternoon:

  • Leh Palace – 17th-century structure with panoramic views.


  • Namgyal Tsemo Gompa (optional hike) – Best for sunset views over the city.


Evening in Leh Market:Shop for souvenirs—pashmina shawls, Ladakhi jewellery, dried apricots.


Top Leh tourist attractions in one day: Monasteries + palaces + the old town experience

Day 3: Khardung La Pass + Nubra Valley Glimpse + Departure


This is your high-altitude adventure day. Start early and be ready for a drive through some of the most breathtaking roads in India.


Start at 5:30 AM – Road trip to Khardung La Pass


  • Khardung La (18,380 ft) – One of the highest motorable roads in the world.


  • Snow-capped peaks, fluttering prayer flags, and zero network = full detox.


  • Do not stay longer than 20 minutes due to low oxygen levels.


Places to visit near Leh on a short trip: Khardung La tops the list.

Drive to Diskit Monastery (Optional if Time Allows):


  • Located in Nubra Valley, this monastery features the famous 106-ft Maitreya Buddha statue.


  • Views of desert dunes, rivers, and mountains in one frame—beyond magical.


Head Back to Leh: By noon or early afternoon. Freshen up and reach the airport in time for your flight back to Delhi or onward destination.


Leh Ladakh Travel Tips (Don’t Skip These!)


  • Day 1 = REST DAY. No Pangong, no treks, no FOMO.


  • Hydration is key – Drink 4–5 litres of water daily.


  • Sunscreen, lip balm, warm layers – Carry them always.


  • Carry prescribed medication like Diamox.


  • No smoking, no alcohol in the first 48 hours.


  • Plan responsibly – AMS isn’t an “if,” it’s a “when” if you ignore precautions.


For official travel advisory and permits:https://www.lahdclehpermit.in/


FAQs on Leh Travel


Q: Can I visit Pangong Lake or Tso Moriri in 3 days?


A: Not recommended. These are high-altitude regions and need proper acclimatization + more travel days.


Q: What’s the best time to visit Leh?


A: May to September is ideal for clear roads, pleasant weather, and access to most regions.


Q: Is Leh safe for solo travellers?


A: Yes. It’s one of the safest and most peaceful destinations in India—just be mountain-wise and follow health guidelines.


Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Breathe Deep


“Zindagi na milegi dobara…”…but you might get AMS if you rush through Leh like a tourist on fast-forward.

So slow down.Let the altitude settle in.And let Ladakh change you, one deep breath at a time.


Share this itinerary with anyone planning a trip to Leh!Want a downloadable PDF or Insta carousel version of this blog? I can create that next!



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