🛣️North IndiaPrimary Highway

National Highway 3 (NH 3)

Amritsar to Leh — 888.0 km

NH 3 is a primary national highway connecting Amritsar to Leh, spanning 888.0 km through Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab.

888.0

Kilometres

States

Major Cities

NH 3

Parent Highway

NH 3 Route Map

(NH1) Atari, Amritsar, (NH70) Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Nadaun, Hamirpur, Tauni Devi, Awa Devi, (NH21) Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Leh

States & Union Territories

NH 3 passes through the following 3 states:

Himachal PradeshJammu and KashmirPunjab

Major Cities & Towns Along NH 3

The highway passes through 12 major cities and towns:

●Atari→●Amritsar→●Jalandhar→●Hoshiarpur→●Nadaun→●Hamirpur→●Tauni Devi→●Awa Devi→●Mandi→●Kullu→●Manali→●Leh

View on Google Maps

NH 3 Start and End Point

Start Point (Origin)

Amritsar

End Point (Terminus)

Leh

Highway Classification

Highway NumberNH 3

TypePrimary National Highway

Total Length888.0 km

RegionNorth India

Numbering SystemPost-2010 (New)

Managed ByNHAI / MoRTH

Speed Limit on NH 3

Cars, Jeeps & Light Motor Vehicles100 km/h

Buses & Goods Carriers (medium)80 km/h

Heavy Motor Vehicles (trucks, lorries)60 km/h

Motorcycles & Two-Wheelers80 km/h

Speed limits are prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act and Central Motor Vehicles Rules for national highways. State governments may impose lower limits on specific stretches.

Safety Tips for Driving on NH 3

⚠️Always follow the speed limit — 100 km/h for cars and 80 km/h for heavy vehicles on national highways.
⚠️Wear seatbelts and ensure all passengers are buckled up.
⚠️Do not overtake on curves, bridges, or narrow sections.
⚠️Keep a safe following distance, especially during monsoon season.
⚠️Use headlights even during daytime on highways.
⚠️Take breaks every 2 hours during long drives to avoid fatigue.
⚠️In case of an emergency, call 112 (Unified Emergency Number) or 1033 (National Highway Helpline).

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does National Highway 3 start and end?

National Highway 3 starts from Amritsar and ends at Leh, covering a total distance of 888.0 km.

Which states does National Highway 3 pass through?

National Highway 3 passes through Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab.

What are the major cities on National Highway 3?

The major cities and towns along National Highway 3 include Atari, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Nadaun, Hamirpur, Tauni Devi, Awa Devi, Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Leh.

What is the total length of National Highway 3?

The total length of National Highway 3 is 888.0 km.

Is National Highway 3 a primary or secondary national highway?

National Highway 3 is a primary national highway in India's post-2010 numbering system.

What is the speed limit on National Highway 3?

The speed limit on National Highway 3 is 100 km/h for cars and light motor vehicles, 80 km/h for buses and medium goods vehicles, and 60 km/h for heavy motor vehicles (trucks and lorries). These limits are set under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules for national highways. State governments may impose lower limits on specific sections.

What is the route of National Highway 3? (Route Map)

National Highway 3 follows this route: (NH1) Atari, Amritsar, (NH70) Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Nadaun, Hamirpur, Tauni Devi, Awa Devi, (NH21) Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Leh — starting at Amritsar and ending at Leh.

Planning a Road Trip on NH 3?

Check out our road safety guides and highway speed limits.

Road Safety Rules Highway Speed Limits Road Trip Checklist