Leh in three days — a slow first day in town, the Indus monasteries, then west to Phyang
The first three days in Leh, planned for the height. Leh stands at about 3,524 m, and Wikivoyage advises taking it easy in the first days, so day one is two short visits close to town, Leh Palace and the Shanti Stupa. Day two follows the Indus east to Shey and Thiksey; day three goes west to Spituk and Phyang. For a day further west, see Phyang, Basgo and Likir.
Photos: RPSkokie (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Bernard Gagnon Canon EOS REBEL T4i (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Bernard Gagnon Canon EOS REBEL T4i (CC BY-SA 4.0) — via Wikimedia Commons, resized.
Who this is for
First-time visitors who fly into Leh and want to see the town and the nearest monasteries while their bodies get used to the height.
Day by day
Day 1Arrive slowly, and the town on its ridge
2 stops · 6 min on the road
Arrive slowly, and the town on its ridge
Leh is at about 3,524 m; Wikivoyage advises taking it easy in the first days. Short visits, close to the centre, and plenty of rest.
- 15:00Leh PalaceThe royal palace on the ridge above the town, a few minutes from the centre. Climb slowly and stop often.
- ↓ 6 min by road · 3 km17:00Shanti StupaThe white stupa on the hill opposite the palace, for the evening light over the town. Go up by car if the stairs feel hard on the first day.
Day 2East along the Indus
3 stops · 25 min on the road
East along the Indus
The palace at Shey, the great monastery at Thiksey, and Stakna on its rock in the river plain.
- 09:00Shey PalaceThe old summer palace of the kings, about 19 minutes from Leh on our routing.
- ↓ 11 min by road · 6 km10:30Thiksey GompaThe monastery stacked up its hill at about 3,600 m, about 28 minutes from Leh.
- ↓ 14 min by road · 9 km13:00Stakna GompaA small monastery on a rock above the Indus, about 31 minutes from Leh on our routing, across the river from the main road. We have no verified opening hours.
Day 3West to Spituk and Phyang
3 stops · 37 min on the road
West to Spituk and Phyang
Two monasteries on the Kargil road, and a short afternoon.
- 09:30Spituk GompaThe monastery on a hill by the airport, about 10 minutes from Leh.
- ↓ 18 min by road · 14 km11:00Phyang GompaThe Drikung monastery on its blue hill, about 25 minutes from Leh, founded in 1515 by Wikipedia's account.
- ↓ 19 min by road · 15 km14:00Hall of FameThe museum on the road back into Leh, about 7 minutes from the centre. We have no verified opening hours.
Getting there
Most visitors fly into Leh; the airport is close to the town. The roads from Manali and Srinagar are open only part of the year. See how to reach Leh.
Where to stay
Leh for all three nights. We have no verified lodging or prices.
Know before you go
- Rest on the first day; Wikivoyage warns that even people used to height can have trouble at first.
- Wikipedia's Khardung La article says that from 2022 a minimum of two days in Leh has been required before crossing that pass; check the current rule before planning the higher roads.
- Dress modestly and walk clockwise in the monasteries; ask before photographing inside.
Places on this route
Going together
No one has started a group going on this plan yet. Start one and other travellers can ask to come along.
Other ways to do it
All Leh itineraries →
More places nearby
All of Leh →
Nearby destinations
All destinations →
Questions people ask
How many days should I rest in Leh?
At least the first day, and take it slowly for the next one or two; Wikivoyage advises taking it easy in the first days at Leh's height of about 3,524 m. Wikipedia's Khardung La article says that from 2022 a minimum of two days in Leh has been required before crossing that pass.
What can I see in Leh in three days?
Leh Palace and the Shanti Stupa on the first, easy day; Shey Palace, Thiksey and Stakna along the Indus on the second; and Spituk and Phyang on the Kargil road on the third. All are within about 31 minutes of the town on our routing, so the days stay gentle.
Is it safe to sightsee on the day I fly into Leh?
Keep it light. This plan starts the first day in the afternoon with two short visits close to the centre, and drives up to the Shanti Stupa if the stairs feel hard. Drink water, rest, and see a doctor if you feel unwell; altitude sickness can affect anyone.