Leh is one of the highest inhabited towns in the whole world! We can go on about how beautiful the palace is, but it’s one of those destinations where you have to visit to experience Leh’s ethereal beauty. Another fact that you were probably unaware of is that you have to mandatorily spend 48 hours in Leh. Why? With an altitude of over 3,500 meters above sea level, your body will need some time to acclimatize before you visit even higher locations like Pangong Lake and Khardung La. So now you’re in Leh and have got 48 hours to kill. Fortunately, there are a lot of things to do in Leh before you continue your journey. Here’s a 2-day Leh itinerary to make the most of it!
Places To Visit On Day 1
1. The Tibetan Kitchen
Being your first day of acclimatization, you don’t want to overexert yourself right away. Try spending most of your time in your hotel room and step out for some lip-smacking Tibetan food.
This cozy restaurant in Leh serves delicious Tibetan dishes, creamy Chinese cuisine, and scrumptious Indian food. Thukpa and grilled trout are two of the dishes you want to surely order because they’re a treat for your tastebuds.
Address: Fort Rd, Leh, Ladakh 194101
Timings: 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM; 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Price for two: INR 1000 approximately
2. Central Asian Museum
If you’ve already spent a day acclimatizing in Leh, you can do some sightseeing in Leh the next day. We recommend visiting the Central Asian Museum, a museum located in the city center. The museum showcases artefacts, manuscripts, and photographs highlighting the history of trade with Central Asia. The wooden facade, made in traditional Ladakhi style of architecture, houses a number of metal artefacts, manuscripts, books, photographs, and objects related to Central Asian trade.
Address: 5H8P+523, Main Bazaar Rd, Leh, Ladakh 194101
Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: INR 50 approximately
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3. Leh Market
After having some fresh, hot food and exploring the Central Asian Museum, you can head back to the hotel to rest in the noon. In the evening, you can go shopping, something without which your 2 days in Leh remain incomplete. This main market of Leh has everything from jewelry and clothes, to Tibetan goods and spices. The vibrancy and colorful ambiance will make you want to purchase a little bit of everything. Visit in the evening hours to see the market bathed in bright lights, attractive signages, and a bustling atmosphere in general.
Be sure to haggle because all the shops are willing to give discounts if you’re adamant about the prices you want. It might be the perfect time to channel your inner Monisha from Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai.
Places To Visit On Day 2
1. Leh Palace
Constructed by Tsewang Namgyal back in 1553, the Leh Palace has a typical Tibetan-style architecture. From carved entrances, and spacious rooms to long corridors, the palace still charms a lot of the tourists who visit.
There’s even a monastery inside the palace, making it a place of importance for the monks. It’s 9-storey tall and there are no elevators, so climbing will surely be a task. However, if you don’t want to miss out on the views, the ascent is worth it.
Address: Namgyal Hill Leh Jammu and Kashmir, 194101
Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 15 approximately
Also Read: Best Time For A Bike Trip To Ladakh: Weather And Route Guide
2. Tenzin Dickey
Ready for round two of irresistible food? We are. Tenzin Dickey is a proper hole-in-the-wall establishment that isn’t very fancy-looking but the food is delicious. Even the proportions are very filling and will leave your soul content. This casual diner offers great local Tibetan cuisine like momos, thukpa, and Skyu. Even the prices are very pocket-friendly. This is a good restaurant to go to in Leh during your 2 days in Leh.
Address: 5H7J+GVV, Fort Rd, Leh, 194101 Ladakh
Timings: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost For Two: INR 400 approximately
3. Shanti Stupa
Built-in 1991, this Stupa was built to spread the message of peace and prosperity and to commemorate 2,500 years of Buddhism. You’ll get to see relics of Buddha that were consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama.
Divided into two stories, you can enter the Shanti Stupa free of charge. Of course, being on top offers you a mesmerizing view of the town and the mountains around Leh. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be climbing a lot of stairs.
Address: Leh Jammu and Kashmir, 194101
Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Also Read: Winter Packing Checklist: Must-Have Essentials For Cold Weather Trips
Author’s Note
2 days in Leh will allow you to comfortably explore some of the must-visit attractions in Leh, such as the Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and Central Asian Museum. Leh also has a vibrant cafe culture and a bustling market. However, I’d recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days in Leh, including one day of acclimatization. It can be included in a larger 8 day Ladakh itinerary or even longer itinerary depending on your travel preferences and budget.
Summing Up
Remember that you’re spending 2 days in Leh to acclimatize yourself. But why waste this time when there’s a lot to see and do and eat? No need to tire yourself out, but do spend time eating relishing the cuisine and taking strolls close to your hotel.
