🏔️ The Ultimate 5-Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary (Fly-In/Fly-Out from Delhi)

Epic Landscapes, High Passes, and Smart Planning

Ladakh is more than just a destination—it’s a dream. Tucked in India’s northernmost reaches, it is where every curve of the road unfolds a new world: rugged brown mountains, surreal blue lakes, fluttering prayer flags, and silence that speaks to your soul.

But not everyone can take two weeks off for a full Delhi–Leh road trip. The good news? A 5-day fly-in-fly-out itinerary gives you a compact, magical slice of Ladakh without compromising on the experience.

If you’re short on time but big on adventure, this detailed plan is for you.

✈️ Getting There: Delhi to Leh by Air

Flights from Delhi to Leh operate daily between 4:00 AM and 12:00 PM and take just 1.5 to 2 hours. But this short journey comes with a high-altitude catch—you land straight at 11,500 feet.

That means altitude acclimatisation is non-negotiable. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is real, and your body needs time to adjust before you start exploring.

So, don’t rush to Khardung La or Pangong Lake on Day 1. Trust us—Ladakh is best enjoyed slowly.

📅 5-Day Itinerary at a Glance

Day	Plan	Stay
1	Fly Delhi to Leh – Acclimatise	Leh
2	Sham Valley Sightseeing	Leh
3	Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley	Nubra (Hunder/Diskit)
4	Nubra → Pangong via Shyok Route	Pangong (Spangmik)
5	Pangong → Leh → Fly back to Delhi	✈️

🧭 Day 1: Delhi to Leh – Arrival & Rest

You’ll arrive in Leh by mid-morning. From the airport, it’s a short 15–20 minute ride to town.

What to do today?Nothing. Seriously. Check in to your hotel, sip ginger lemon tea, and relax. Avoid heavy meals, long walks, and exertion. Your only job is to let your lungs adjust to the thinner oxygen levels.

Optional (only if you feel okay by evening):

• Sunset at Shanti Stupa

• Gentle stroll to Leh Market

🛏 Stay in Leh: Choose a hotel that offers oxygen support, warm bedding, and proximity to the main bazaar.

🚙 Day 2: Local Sightseeing – Sham Valley Loop

After 24 hours of rest, your body is slightly better equipped for road travel. Day 2 is perfect for a low-altitude local loop covering the best of Leh’s surroundings.

Highlights:

• Hall of Fame: Army museum dedicated to the Kargil War

• Magnetic Hill: Where gravity seems to play tricks

• Gurudwara Pathar Sahib: Sacred site managed by the Indian Army

• Indus–Zanskar Confluence: Two mighty rivers meet in different colours

• Alchi Monastery (optional): One of the oldest monastic complexes in Ladakh

This route is both scenic and comfortable, staying under 11,000 feet. You’ll be back in Leh by late afternoon.

🥘 Food Tip: Try local Ladakhi cuisine—momos, thukpa, and butter tea—at cafés in Leh

🏞 Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

Start early—this is one of the most spectacular drives in Ladakh.

Route:

• Leh → Khardung La Pass: 2 hrs

• Khardung La → Diskit Monastery: 2 hrs

• Diskit → Hunder (Sand Dunes): 45 mins

Khardung La is often touted as the world’s highest motorable road (18,380 ft). It’s stunning, but stay no more than 30 minutes at the top to avoid oxygen depletion symptoms.

From there, descend to Nubra Valley—where the terrain changes dramatically. Think desert dunes, double-humped camels, and river oases flanked by snow peaks.

Must-do:

• Visit Diskit Monastery and the giant Maitreya Buddha

• Camel ride or sunset walk at Hunder Sand Dunes

🛏 Stay: Book a camp or guesthouse in Hunder or Diskit with heating options. Nights can get chilly, even in summer.

⛰️ Day 4: Nubra to Pangong Lake via Shyok Route

This is a long but unforgettable journey, tracing the Shyok River through remote terrain.

• Travel Time: ~5 hrs

• Start Time: 6:30–7:00 AM

Though bumpy in patches, this direct route saves you the need to return to Leh and circle back. You’ll reach Pangong Tso—the jewel of Ladakh—by noon or early afternoon.

Why it’s special:Pangong changes colour with the sky—from turquoise to royal blue to silver-grey. It’s best viewed near Spangmik, where lakeside camps are set up with clear views and minimal noise.

🛌 Where to Stay:

• Lakeside Camps in Spangmik (with attached toilet)

• Homestays in Man or Merak (quieter, warmer)

🌅 Don’t Miss: A walk along the lake at sunrise or moonlight—it’s pure magic.

🛬 Day 5: Pangong to Leh – Fly to Delhi

You’ll need to start early (by 5:00–5:30 AM) for the 4–5 hour drive back to Leh via Chang La Pass (17,586 ft).

This route is breathtaking but also high-altitude, so don’t stop for long. Reach Leh by 10:00–11:00 AM and proceed to the airport for your flight.

Tip: If your flight is early (before 11:00 AM), consider returning to Leh on Day 4 evening and staying overnight.

🛂 Permits & Paperwork

Most places in Ladakh are protected zones, requiring permits:

✅ Inner Line Permit (ILP):

• Required for Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, and more

• Apply online or at the DC Office in Leh

• Carry 4–5 printouts for army check-posts

✅ Documents:

• Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, DL)

• 2–3 passport-sized photos

• Vehicle RC, license (if self-driving)

🧬 Acclimatisation & Health

AMS can ruin your trip—or worse. Respect the altitude.

Symptoms:

• Headache, nausea, breathlessness, loss of appetite

Prevention:

• Rest for 24–36 hrs after arriving in Leh

• Stay hydrated

• Avoid alcohol and smoking

• Avoid heavy meals at night

• Consider Diamox (after doctor consultation)

🧳 Packing Guide for 5 Days in Ladakh

Ladakh’s weather changes fast. Days may be sunny; nights go near freezing.

Must-Pack:

• Thermal inners, fleece, waterproof jacket

• Woolen socks, gloves, beanie

• Sturdy shoes

• Power bank, flashlight

• Sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen

• Water bottle, dry snacks

• Personal meds + basic AMS kit

• Multiple ILP copies and photo IDs

• Cash (ATMs are scarce beyond Leh)

📶 Connectivity & Safety

• Mobile Network: Only postpaid connections work in Ladakh

• Best Coverage: Jio and BSNL in Leh & Nubra

• Fuel: Fill up in Leh and Diskit—no pumps at Pangong

• Emergency Help: Seek Indian Army posts if needed; they’re incredibly helpful

🧘 Bonus Travel Tips

• Don’t pack a tight schedule. Altitude decides your pace.

• Always carry 1–2 chocolate bars—they help in fatigue dips

• Respect the culture—dress modestly in monasteries

• Travel with a light heart, heavy jacket, and lots of gratitude

Final Word

Ladakh in 5 days may seem ambitious—but if planned wisely, it’s a deeply rewarding adventure. It’s about quality over quantity. Even a few days here will change how you see nature, silence, and space.

So, book those flights, charge that camera, and let Ladakh work its quiet magic on you.