places to visit in ladakh in winter

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Head To Ladakh In Winter 2024 For An Adventure Of A Lifetime

26 Jun 2023

Ladakh in winter is all about the daunting trails, snow-coated mountain peaks, rustic maple leaves adorning the streets, and frozen lakes creating an endless streak of dreamlike frames.

Nothing gives a high as intense as high mountain passes – this is the exact meaning of Ladakh in Tibetan! Located at an average altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, Ladakh has remained the first love of almost all backpackers, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts from across the globe.

Venturing Ladakh in the winter season comes with its own lethal combination of fun and fantasy. Here’s a peep into the incredible journey gets!

Table Of Content

Places to visit in ladakh in winter, frequently asked questions about ladakh in winter, things to do in ladakh in winter, tips for traveling to ladakh in winter, how to reach ladakh in winter.

Ladakh in winter is synonymous with awesomeness and wonder. Geographically, Ladakh is made up of the four fantastic beauties in The Great Himalayan Range, Zanskar Range, Indus river, and Siachen glacier. All of them are spectacular in their own way.

Bordered by POK and Tibet, Ladakh has Himachal to its south and the heavenly, Vale of Kashmir, to its west. A picture-perfect setting as this is too much to leave you to wander lusting.

As spellbinding as it seems, Leh-Ladakh in December is equally unpredictable. Therefore, don’t plan to stick to a predefined itinerary. Weather conditions during winter just love messing with your schedule and you have to be mentally prepared to take it as it comes. A step forward and you are ready to contain the uncontainable!

1. Hemis National Park: The Natural Habitat Of The King Of snow

A snow leopard patrolling the Hemis National Park area

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Named after the famous monastery Hemis Gompa, the Hemis National Park Sanctuary is an ideal destination for sightseeing in Leh-Ladakh in winter. It is also the first national park in India to be established north of the main Himalayan Range. Mostly frequented by the trekkers, there isn’t much of a proper settlement in the region. So one has to plan a makeshift arrangement in the form of a tent or a hammock, for an overnight stay.

Hemis is home to a large number of rare species that are found especially at high altitudes. Some of the exquisite species found in the park are the rare shape, bharal, and the snow leopard. Among others, the wolf, Pallas’ cat, ibex, Tibetan argali, and the Ladakh urial can also be sighted at Hemis.

Hemis National Park in Ladakh covered with snow

Snow leopard comes down the valley when the mercury dips down the freezing point and on such rare occasions they can be sighted at the Hemis. Bharal or Blue Sheep and Urial make for easy sightseeing in Leh-Ladakh in December. Also, they stay at altitudes higher than other animals and frequent the place during winter.

Other attractions in the park: Khurnak valley – prime snow leopard and bharal habitat, Markha valley, Chiling Nala for ibex, Rumbak Nala

2. Kargil: Second Largest Town In Ladakh

One of the toughest terrains in the world, Kargil is the second largest town of Ladakh after Leh spanning across 1500 km of area. Stationed at an altitude of almost 2700 meters is quite near to the Line of Control.

As they say, if it’s beautiful, it’d be difficult; and so is Kargil. Ideally, it’s recommended to visit the place during the months of May-August, but winter gives a completely new makeover to the place. With temperatures freezing down to -15 to -20 degrees, it becomes a perfect place in Leh in winter for nature aficionados.

Major attractions in Kargil: Sani, Rangdum, Zongkhul, Stonday, and Mulbekh monastery

Must Read: 51 Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh For A Spell Binding Vacation

3. Pangong Tso Lake: Where Time Stops To Gape At Beauty

A frozen Pangong Tso lake in Leh-Ladakh in December

Wearing the darkest shade of blue and holding the imposing mountain ranges in the backdrop, Pangong Tso lake is the world’s highest saltwater lake stationed at an altitude of 4250 meters above sea level. En route to the lake, one has to ride through Khardung La – the highest motorable road in the world.

As the lake is either partially or completely frozen during winter, it gives a feeling of being transported to the ice age. But in the end, it is the priceless experience that you carry along.

Suggested Read: 11 Experiences That Make Ladakh In May A Heartwarming Trip

4. Nubra Valley: Behold The Moonland

Brownie cake with icing sugar topping! That’s how the Nubra valley looks like in winter. Sandwiched between Kashmir and Tibet, the valley is among some of the most exquisite sites to stroll in Leh-Ladakh trip in winter. Situated 150 km from Leh, Nubra is known for lovely orchards, scenic vistas, Bactrian camels, and quaint monasteries.

One has to cross Khardung La to reach Nubra. The valley looks arid from a distance but it is here that you find the prime farmlands. Precisely the reason why the valley has been bestowed with the prestigious tag of Orchard of Ladakh.

Some of the monasteries in Nubra valley: Ensa, Samstemling, Diskit, and Hunder

Also visit: Sand dunes at Hunder, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, Suru valley

Remember: A lot depends on the current weather conditions. Most of the passes leading to the gorgeous valleys remain inaccessible because of heavy snowfall. Brace yourself and hope for the best.

Suggested Read: Magnetic Hill In Ladakh: A Handy Guide To Unravel This Mystery

Monasteries In Leh-Ladakh

Ladakh is all about towering peaks and vast mountain ranges, but make sure you spot the colourful flags perched at the top of these peaks and the territory around is guarded by one of the monasteries. Yes, these are monasteries and gompas of Ladakh and the town has a lot of them. Most of them have been favourites of Bollywood filmmakers. But you have a task cut out in making it to these monasteries during winter because most of them remain veiled under thick layers of snow and the path leading to them remain clogged for the entire winter season. However, here are a few monasteries that can still be accessed during winter in Ladakh.

Some of the popular monasteries to visit during a Leh-Ladakh trip in winter are shown below:

Suggested Read: Travel To These Buddhist Monasteries In India To Find Inner Peace

Rustic trails make for the heart and soul of the trip to Leh-Ladakh in December . The hostile trek routes become even more challenging when they are coated with a super-slippery layer of stiffened snow, as thick as 10 inches.

1. The Chadar Trek: The Frozen Lake Beckons

Travelers walking the frozen lake while walking the Chadar trek

Chadar, being a special attraction in Leh-Ladakh in December , is known more popularly for the Chadar Trek – counted among the world’s toughest treks. Given that you have to walk on frozen ice for a distance of 100 plus kilometres under freezing conditions makes it even more thrilling. The crunchy sound of disintegrating snow sheets beneath the feet pumps up the adrenaline while sub-zero conditions make it as challenging as it could get.

The extreme chilly weather leaves the Zanskar lake frozen as the temperature reaches below freezing point. The lake thus turns into a subtle sheet of ice, which is ideal for trekking. The overall beauty of the trek imparts a unique never-ending impression on a traveller’s mind.

Altitude: 3850 m Length: 105 km Duration: 10-21 days Ideal season: Mid Jan to End Feb Difficulty level: Difficult

Suggested Read: 12 Astounding Treks In Ladakh That Need To Be On Every Hiker’s Bucket List

2. Snow Leopard Trek: Into The Big Cat’s Den

The trail of Snow Leopard Trek in Hemis National Park

The trek in Hemis National Park is another crowd puller in the northern frontier of the Himalayas. The Snow Leopard Trek in Leh-Ladakh in winter is popularly known for sighting the wildlife in the park, especially the Himalayan big cat, which is an endangered species and the pride of the Himalayas. The elusive cats are difficult to spot because most of the time they are camouflaged by snow in the background.

Further, the diverse flora and fauna of the Trans-Himalayan region make it a must explore the place. The entire trail is dotted with mud palaces and magnificent Buddhist monasteries, which makes it even more interesting. This popular winter trek in the Leh Ladakh region certainly brings the best out of a traveller, therefore one has to be in their prime to take this trek.

Altitude: 4100 m Length: 80 km Duration: 11-15 days Ideal season: October to March Difficulty level: Difficult

Other exciting treks in Leh Ladakh: Kang Yatse, Parang La, Sham Valley Trek

Walk the daunting treks and don’t forget to experience some of the most exciting things to do in Ladakh when you are around.

Acclimatize yourself properly before starting the ascent.
Keep enough stock of drinking water as dehydration at high altitudes is a common phenomenon.
Carry body moisturizer, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, first-aid box, medicines, and heavy woollen garments.
Environment comes first, always. Remember that you have a moral responsibility towards the conservation of the environment. Therefore, don’t litter wrappers or plastic bottles.
Abide by the signboards that warn you of photography.
Keep adequate cash as places such as Ladakh doesn’t boast of too many ATMs, also credit cards are not accepted everywhere.
The local people there are warm and friendly, be good to them. They are usually mild-natured and peace-loving.

Homestays In Ladakh

Localites treating guests with utmost hospitality at a homestay in Ladakh

Homestays in mountains make for an ideal retreat. They provide an affordable and easy stay in the valleys. Ladakh being a vast and secluded terrain doesn’t boast of luxury resorts comfy hotel stays. But when we speak of the people of Ladakh, they are peace-loving, warm and approachable.

As you plan to venture across the valley, the locales become an ideal Ladakh winter travel guide who open their heart and gates for the fellow travellers coming to the valley. Along with the comfort, they ensure that travellers get good food and basic facilities, and for all that, they charge a nominal rate. The villages along the trekking routes get trained by private institutes and trusts to ensure that travellers coming to Ladakh have a wonderful time there.

Some of the most prominent homestay options for your trip to Leh-Ladakh in winter are:

1. Gangba Homestay

A glorious view of Gangba homestay in Leh

Where: Upper Tukcha Road, Leh Ideal for: Family and group of friends Price: INR 150

Facebook Page | Reviews

Suggested Read: Ladakh In April: When Your Adventurous Heart Yearns For The Himalayas!

2. Tukchu Homestay

Tukchu homestay in Leh with imposing mountains and greenery all around

Where: Changspa, Below Shanti Stupa, Leh Ideal for: Couple, family and group of friends Price: INR 1000 onwards

Website | Reviews

3. Ladakh View Homestay

Ladakh View homestay nestled in mountains offer perfect view of the city

Where: Old Leh, Near Leh Palace, Leh Ideal for: Family and group of friends Price: INR 2900 onwards

Suggested Read: 10 Hotels In Leh Ladakh For A Cozy Stay: Luxury And Budget Options

4. Mandarava Homestay

Where: Tukcha Main | Srah-ngara house, opp Hotel City Palace, Leh Ideal for: Family and group of friends

5. Reeyork Homestay

Where: Chubi, Leh Ideal for: Couples and solo travelers Price: INR 1500 onwards

Additionally, you can also consider staying in Himalayan homestays in the breathtaking locales of Hemis National Park, Zanskar Sham, and Zanskar Lugnak Valley.

With ample commuting options available, travelling to Ladakh is not a big deal anymore. But it is a big deal in winter when the Manali-Leh highway is completely blocked because of the heavy snowfall. Therefore, your travelling options are reduced to airways and railways.

By air: Leh airport is the nearest airstrip, which is well connected to Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar, Chandigarh, and several other cities in India

By rail: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station at a distance of 700 km from Ladakh

Further Read: Honeymoon Highs: 11 Romantic Experiences For Honeymoon In Ladakh

From adventurous trekkers to snow-lovers, the diversity of travelers who visit Ladakh for many unique reasons is what makes this place unique. You can enjoy some cultural tourism by spending time with the locals or do a multi-destination trip to explore the landscapes, the opportunities in this place are endless. With attractions, places to visit, things to do, tips, and stay options being sorted, it is time to go ahead for an adventurous Ladakh trip during the winter season. Ladakh in winter will definitely ensure you undergo one of the best travel experiences you’ll ever have.

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How cold is Ladakh?

During the summer season, the temperature goes above zero degrees in the day and the night is below -30°C. Ladakh in winter observes a major drop in the temperature, reaching -40°C.

Is KhardungLa pass open in December?

Attractions like Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley can be accessed in the month of December. However, if it is snowing around Chang La, you may not be able to visit this place.

Is there any oxygen problem in Ladakh?

Ladakh is located at a high altitude, nearly 11,500 feet above sea level. At this altitude, people often find difficulty in breathing or are likely to fall prey to altitude sickness but it gets better over time.

Is tour to Ladakh by the road a good option?

For those who love biking and adventure of a Himalayan drive, a road journey is the best way to experience it.

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Leh Ladakh In Winter - A Complete Guide For Your Trip!

Jammu And Kashmir

Ladakh in Winter

Ladakh, a beautiful place in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), lies between Kunlun mountains and the mighty Himalayas; and is known for its mountain beauty and Tibetan culture. It is also one of the most sparsely populated areas of J&K. Ladakh has Tibet in the east, Lahaul & Spiti in the south, J&K valley and Baltiul in the west and the Karakoram pass in the north. Now about going to Leh Ladakh in winter - Well, winters are the best time to visit Ladakh as the valley and mountains get covered with snow. Temperature goes down drastically due to heavy snowfall and one needs at least a week to 10 days for acclimatization seeing the weather of Ladakh in winters.

Leh Ladakh in winters gives you a sight of amazing landscapes, scintillating mountains and trees covered with snow, frozen lakes, frozen waterfalls, stalactites, and stalagmites at the entrance of rocky caves. It all looks like dreamland and one feels thrilled and excited to see such unbelievable sights. Located at a height of 14,000 meters above sea level, Ladakh becomes a perfect tourist destination in winter, especially for hikers, trekkers, mountaineers and bikers who love climbing and riding. Experience the essence of Ladakh on your Leh Ladakh trip for an unforgettable journey. Most of people think that traveling to Ladakh in winters is not a good idea, but that is a wrong notion. Winters is the best time to visit Ladakh; one must not shrug away. This is because there isn’t much crowd and so, one can enjoy all the exquisite places that have existed over centuries in this wonderland. Just be careful at night as temperature might drop down to as low as -30℃. As far as your stay is concerned, there’s no need to worry. Ladakh has many guesthouses and local people also allow homestays at affordable prices during winters. The best ones are located near Fort Road and Changspa Road.

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How to reach Ladakh in winter

2. By Road - There are two main routes to reach Ladakh by road during the winter season. One is from Manali, and the other one is from Srinagar. The route from Manali to Leh is 490 kilometres long and goes through places like Rohtang, Keylong, and Sarchu in 11 hours. On the other hand, the road travel from Srinagar to Leh spans 434 kilometres through Sonmarg, Kargil, and Lamayuru and takes about 10 hours. Winters start from November and continues till March in Ladakh. If you are a regular traveller who loves road trips, then the best way to travel to Ladakh is by road . 3. By Train - The closest railway station to Leh Ladakh is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, situated about 700 kilometres away. Regular trains run between Indian cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai to Jammu Tawi. From the station, you can hire a private vehicle to reach Ladakh in winter in around 15 hours. 4. By Bike - To reach Ladakh by bike, you can take two routes to Leh. One is from Manali, which is situated 490 kilometres away, while the other one is from Srinagar, which is located about 434 kilometres away. It will take you around 11 hours and 10 hours, respectively, from these destinations. The Manali route is the most popular route to travel to Ladakh by bike as it takes you through difficult terrains and some of the highest motorable passes in the world, like Rohtang Pass and Baralacha La. 5. By Car - You can follow the same two road routes of Manali and Srinagar to reach Leh Ladakh in winter. The Srinagar route is the most preferred one if you are travelling by car as it offers smoother tracks than Manali. Must Book: Leh Ladakh Family Tour Packages

Places to visit in Ladakh in winters

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Frozen Pangong

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Nubra Valley

Lamayuru Monastery

Khardung La Pass

Khardung La is a mountain pass that lies in Ladakh region of J&K, India. It lies towards the north of Leh, and is considered as a gateway to Shyok and Nubra valleys. It was built in 1976 and was opened for public and for motor vehicles in 1988. Since then it has been visited by many adventure lovers through car and bike expeditions that usually happen in groups especially Manali Leh b ike trip .

The pass is maintained by Border Roads Organization (BRO), as it is of strategic importance for India. One must carry sufficient amount of packed food and water as there aren’t any hotels or guesthouses near Khardung La pass. It becomes more important due to the traffic jam on the road is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh in winters.

Khardung La Pass is at a height of 5,359 meters. If you have time then you can go further north of the pass and find some Bactrian camels at a place called Hunder, if you are lucky.

Tso Moriri Lake

Tso Moriri or the mountain lake in Tibetan language is located Changthang plateau of Ladakh in J&K, India. The lake and its surrounding areas are protected as they are part of the Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation reserve. The lake is set at an altitude of 4,522 meters and is one of the highest lakes in Ladakh as well as in India.

It is about 26 km in length and between 3 and 5 km in breadth. Its water is alkaline by nature, and thus inedible. The lake is fed by springs and snow-fed mountains located nearby. One stream enters the lake from the north while the other enters from the south-west and is one of the best places to visit in Leh Ladakh in winters.

One can visit the lake during summers if you want to see the 34 bird species that live on and around it; of which 14 are water birds. You can also catch glimpses of Tibetan geese, Lynx, Himalayan blue sheep, Tibetan ass, Tibetan sand fox and Tibetan wolf during your Manali Leh Srinagar bike expedition .

Top Experiences To Do in Tso Moriri Lake

Thiksey Monastery

Things to do in Ladakh in winter

The chadar trek.

Snow Leopard Trek

Play Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a game first introduced to the world in Northern Europe around 1990 and was developed from field hockey. In the beginning, it was adopted only by countries that have a very cold climate, but with its rapidly growing popularity, it spread out to other countries too. In India, ice hockey was introduced about a 100 years back in Shimla and is one of the best things to do in Ladakh in winters.

Ladakh too adopted the sport somewhere around the 1990s, at a time when it was spreading to other parts of the world. Many clubs were opened that taught and played ice hockey in Ladakh but Ladakh Ice Hockey Club is the first and only registered club that was established in 1995.

Ladakh has the advantage of snowfall and ice availability to form the ice-rink naturally. Since its equipments are very costly, not many can play it. Currently, the game is played in Karzoo, Leh. It attracts many tourists during winters. Don't forget to check out the Delhi to Leh guide before you start planning your next trip. Must Book: Leh Ladakh Tour Packages From Pune

Ladakhi Losar Festival

Losar is one of the most important festivals of Tibetan Buddhists in Ladakh , as it marks the beginning of the New Year. It is celebrated with great zeal and grandeur. Its history dates back to pre-Buddhist Bon era of Tibet. In ancient times, a spiritual ceremony was held every year in winters. Later, keeping its significance in mind, it was developed into a full-fledged festival.

Homes, streets and surroundings are decorated with lights, artefacts and decoration items to bring prosperity and good luck. The houses and offices are cleaned from inside and outside, along with roads and surroundings; and all old and unused items are kept out of the vicinity. This is done to ward of any kind of evil.

The Ladakhi Losar Festival begins with the monks of Namgyal monastery by giving religious offerings to goddess Palden Lhamo to bring peace and prosperity to all Buddhists and their kin. Adventurers during their Manali Leh expedition often come and be a part of this festival. Also Book: Ladakh Tour Packages From Delhi

Spituk Gustor Festival

Spituk Gustor Festival is a two day annual festival that is celebrated in Spituk monastery every year, in the 11th month of Tibetan calendar. It is celebrated as the symbol of victory over evil. Monks and local people start offering prayers 7 days before the two day event. The mask dance is the highlight of this festival. These masks represent certain fiery, kind and pleasant spirits.

These masks are painted using natural colours and are polished with gold and silver to give a finishing touch. The dresses of masked dancers are made of silk and brocade; who dance to the tunes of long horns, conch shells, bells and other instruments and is one of the best things to do in Ladakh in winters.

Experience Wildlife

No doubt, Ladakh is considered as one of the unique wildlife destinations across the world. It is home to many exotic breeds of animals and birds, who keep roaming freely in their natural habitats. They are not disturbed by humans and efforts are made to keep them safe from poachers and is one of the best places to visit in Leh Ladakh in winters.

One can experience and see a variety of flora and fauna in Ladakh on rocky mountains, on dry cold deserts, plateaus, swampy grasslands, with snow-covered mountains in the background. You can find yaks, ibex, Tibetan hare, blue sheep, wild ass, bharal, Tibetan antelope, red fox, Tibetan wolf, mountain weasel and many others.

You will also find a variety of birds such as Lamagier, wall creeper, Himalayan snow cock, black necked crane, rock bunting, fork tailed swift, Brown Accenture, Robin Accenture, Tibetan snow finch, etc. You can capture all this natural beauty with a camera and keep them to share with the world and as memories of your Manali Leh jeep safari expedition .

Which are the best things to do in Ladakh in Winters?

1. The Chadar Trek: A dream-like winter trail over the frozen Zanskar river which is quite exquisite as it is only possible to do this trek for a limited period of time in winters. To go on this advanced trek you need to clear a medical test performed at the time of your arrival and only then will you have the extraordinary experience of camping and walking on ice. 2. Snow Leopard Trek: This trek will take you through the Hemis National Park so that you can witness these majestic beasts, the Himalayan snow leopards, you have to trek under a really harsh climate which is why this trek is not recommended for everyone. 3. Attend the Ladakhi Losar Festival: Losar is the new year of Tibetan Buddhists and also one of the most significant festivals which is celebrated in Ladakh. Localities show utmost enthusiasm while celebrating this yearly festival and honor their traditions. Hundreds of people gather, wearing elaborate ‘Gonchas’, the Ladakhi robe, to perform a ceremonial ritual ‘Metho’ by parading through the streets wielding flaming torches.

Is Leh Ladakh open in December?

Which are the reasons why you should plan a trip to ladakh in winters.

1. Less crowded: Under the harsh weather conditions Ladakh trip in winters is a different experience altogether as there is no rush of people traveling from one tourist spot to another in a limited amount of time. Comparatively the place is more tranquil and still as winter is not the peak season for tourism in the region. 2. Winter wonderland: Snow covers everything in Ladakh during winters and leaves a dense milky white layer over the astonishing landscapes, trees and lofty mountains. A breath-taking sight awaits you at Ladakh whose essence can only be truly appreciated when you see it yourself. You can even get a chance to spot the mighty snow leopard on your trip. 3. Adventure sports: Adventure seekers from different locations come to indulge in the adventure sports in winter to embrace the least explored side of Ladakh. Everything from Ice-hockey, ice-skating, trekking on frozen rivers to mountain climbing is available in Ladakh during winters.

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Can we go to Ladakh in winter?

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Ladakh Top Attractions

Heaven, Peace, Silence, and Tranquility at one place? Come and spend a few hours at Pangong Lake in Ladakh! A pristine place in Ladakh marked by subtle to high peaks around, crystal blue waters and the vast expansion catches the eye so much, so long as if a magic is happening right in front of the eyes. Let our Ladakh holiday packages transport you to this mesmerizing destination, where nature's grandeur unfolds in every corner.Pangong Lake, also known as Pangong Tso, lies calmly at a breathtaking elevation of 14,270 feet. Interestingly, the lake is 12 km long and marks itself between the laps of India and China. Rather, 60% of the portion is stretching in the neighboring nation and this excites every traveler to be here.The surreal clean blue waters are actually brackish or salty in nature and this feature doesn’t let any aquatic life survive in the same. Moreover, the temperature range between -30 to -10 degrees make even this salty lake freeze with thick ice sheets, which is quite opposite in case of salt ridden water bodies.This picturesque landscape location enhances its beauty with the arrival of migrating birds every year and attracts many travelers in search of adventure, photographs, bird-watching and chilling experience. Pangong has another unique and catchy feature; when it acts like a chameleon and changes its color from blue to green to even grey at times. The brackish water of Pangong attracts the migratory birds every year during winters in Ladakh.

One of the most beautiful parts of the moonscapes of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a deep-cut gorge created by the combined effects of Shyok and Nubra (Siachen) rivers. A high altitude cold desert, Nubra Valley is actually an extension of the Tibetan Plateau (Qing-Zang Plateau) that starts in China and extends up to Ladakh. This valley in the plateau separates the Ladakh Range from the Karakoram Range. But more than anything, Nubra Valley is the most beautiful region in all of Ladakh. Home to wonders like the Diskit Monastery,Hunder Sand Dunes, Samstanling Gompa, Yarab Tso Lake, and the villages of Turtuk and Panamik.Located about 160 km from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, Nubra Valley is a great attraction to all those who come here. The gateway to the upper reaches of the country, especially Siachen, Nubra Valley has an oasis of a town in the heart, Diskit, making a great place to stop you and reflect at the beauty around. And while you are at it, take a short detour to the famous white sand dunes of Hunder. The shapes and forms that these dunes take during different times of the year mesmerize every visitor who comes here. To make it further interesting, there are the double-humped Bactrian Camels, offering rides through the dunes.And when it turns dusky, head to the Diskit Monastery and visit the towering statue of Maitreya Buddha which looks over the entire valley and blesses it for another day to come.Planning a Trip to Ladakh, Experience of Chadar Trek - The Frozen River Trek

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Ladakh in Winter: 11 Reasons why it is for travellers and not for tourists #TWC

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The true meaning of Marcel's words were understood when I saw Ladakh in winter in a completely new light. In it's harshest but truest form . When the roof of the world was cut off from the rest of the world and was wrapped in a white blanket of snow and ice.

Ladakh in winter is a digital detoxification trip where time and space bear no relevance. A million emotions erupted as I stood admiring the Frozen Ladakh's incredible beauty. Like hundreds, my initial plan was to do the glamorous Chadar Trek . However, the creator had a better plan in store for me. So as I alighted at the Leh Airport, got news that due to a landslide Chadar Trek has been called off. I was heartbroken but instead of whining about it, decided to do an alternate trek, Sham Valley . Though the trek was fairly easy and not as half renowned as Chadar Trek is but it brought me face to face with the real beauty of the land, which is hardly known or explored. Ladakh in winter is an intimidating yet overwhelming experience. The temperature in Ladakh in winter drop up to -30 degree Celsius and the definition of basic amenities gets redefined here.

Why did I plan my Leh Ladakh trip in winter ? Well I take pride in calling myself as a TRAVELLER over a TOURIST. I chose to explore Ladakh in it's harshest times because I wanted to connect with the soul of the place and wanted to explore what is usually not seen. And I must say the reward was stupendous.

Top view of Leh Airstrip (photo by Archana Singh)

HERE ARE 11 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PLAN A TRIP TO LADAKH IN WINTERS

1. EXPERIENCE THE REAL HOSPITALITY OF LADAKH IN WINTER:

Unlike west, Ladakh is not geared up with amenities to have comfortable winters. But it is the time when you get to see the genuine beauty of the roof of the world. The only way to enjoy this beauty is to acclimatize to the local culture and habits as fast as you can. Most of the hotels in Leh are closed during winters therefore you have to stay frugally in modest Home stays ? traditional Ladakhi houses .

The Home Stays are basic and you'll be sleeping in a sleeping bag on a mattress on the floor. The water pipes freeze and water (hot and cold) is provided by bucket. Bathing is a luxury, which no one dares to dream. No flush toilets. Only ? compost toilets? ? usually a hole in the floor on one level, where ?excreta? drop to ground level below, after which a liberal sprinkling of soil is deposited on top of the growing pile. Food is cooked by the local family and is mostly traditional Ladakhi meal ? butter tea, kahwa, thukpa, noodles and soup served in common dining room with bukhari.

Travel tip: Stay in a kitchen instead of a room for a warm cosy night. Also, if you crave for Cholle Bhature then Neha snacks in Leh is your address.

Photo by Archana Singh

2. GET TRANSPORTED INTO THE ICE AGE SETUP:

Walking in the BongBong La Snow Valley was a setting straight out of ice age. Everything was frozen ? mountains, valleys, waterfalls, river shores, and vegetation. With temperature plummeting to less than -35 degree and wind chill adding another -10 degree Celsius, it was nothing less than a dream. If you are suitably covered with at least four layers of warm clothing then there is no better sight than being in Frozen Ladakh .The Khaltse to Lamayru way is incredulously beautiful where you'll come across moon land, frozen waterfalls and frozen Indus Shores.

Travel tip: Explore this area in a small group with a good local guide. Don't forget to capture the top view of Lamayaru town from the Lamayaru Gompa.

3. DO SOMERSAULT ON FROZEN PANGONG LAKE:

In summers, Pangong Lake acts as a teaser of nature's craftsmanship. The brackish water plays with sunlight to produce different shades of blue. Ladakh in winter , almost all the water bodies freeze, yet the effect that Pangong Tso creates is unrivaled. The tranquil, azure blue waters of lake become a thick layer of ice sheet on which you can play cricket, drive your car or even do a somersault. The temperature is around -30 degrees Celsius even during the day therefore nobody spends more than half an hour there.

Travel tip: Start your day trip before 7 am and try to cross the Changla pass as soon as possible. Diesel freezes at that point, there is no network coverage and seeking help becomes a nightmare.

4. GET HIGH ON ADRENALINE RUSH:

Ladakh tests your mental and physical toughness in winters. Besides doing the world famous Chadar Trek , one can also do other fairly lesser known but more challenging treks like Stok base camp trek, Markha Valley Trek, Sham valley trek at a very cheap price like 10K. They are not at all monotonous and everyday presents a different kind of an experience. When in Leh, don't forget to watch the Leh Ice Skating rink. From December until March, Ladakh lives and breathes ice hockey.

Travel tip: Don't take t rekking in Ladakh in winter casually, train hard, acclimatize well and stay away from heated rooms. Forclaz 500 is a good trekking shoe.

5. BECOME FRIENDS WITH LOCALS WHO HAVE FREE TIME ONLY IN WINTERS:

Ladakh has very short but busy summers when most locals earn their yearly living from tourism. During summers, they are extremely busy making money out of tourism. Nobody has the time to have laid back conversations. Winter is a time when they are looking for company to talk. Soft spoken and polite, a smile is there to greet you no matter which part of Ladakh you travel. Kids have school holidays therefore are always on the lookout of playmates. Also, you get to meet very interesting and diverse variety of like-minded fellow travellers (not tourists) from across the world that inspire you in more ways than you can ever imagine.

Travel tip: Say Julley and strike a conversation with friendly strangers to peak into their local culture and make friends for life.

6. EXPERIENCE LADAKHI FESTIVALS & KNOW THE COOL QUOTIENT OF LAMAS:

Winter in Ladakh is a celebration time. Locals have very little to do during winter months, so free time is turned into celebration time. Tourists and wannabe photographers usually dominate summer festivals. Winter festivals are of different league. Ladakhi Losar, Spituk Gustor, Thiksay Gustor, Stok Monastery Festival, Matho Monastery festival, Dosmoche all fall in Ladakh in winters. Many senior lamas visit key monasteries during winters. Locals come from far away lands to have heart-to-heart conversations with their spiritual gurus.

Travel tip: Have a meal with the lamas in a monastery. You?ll be blown away not just by the simplicity of the tasty food but also how tech savvy and well aware those monks are.

Ladakh Travel Guide Book Your Trip

7. PHOTOGRAPHER'S HEAVEN:

Winter is a great time for photography in Ladakh . With barren land completely covered with white sheet, frozen rivers, frozen waterfalls, frozen shores, wilted tress, blue skies, no tourists interfering in pictures, lots of local festivals, Ladakh in winter is a heaven for photographers. If you can brave cold at night then you can have star trail time-lapse videos that will make your peers go gaga over your photography skills.

Travel tip: With frequent power cuts and temperature getting below -20 degree c, batteries drain out too quickly therefore carry lot of spare batteries, 10000mAh power bank and keep them in your jackets or sleeping bags.

8. BEST TIME FOR RARE LADAKHI WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:

As the harsh winters set in, most Himalayan animals tend to come down to lower altitudes, making it easier to spot them. Winters is the best time to spot the elusive ?Ghost of the Mountains?, the Snow Leopard. While spotting a snow leopard is not easy, you will definitely spot lot of mountain fauna like Blue sheep, mountain wolf, wild hares, magpies etc.

Travel Tip: Look out for the flora fauna map in outskirts

9. GET BEST VALUE FOR MONEY:

Ladakh in winter is fairly cheap as compared to touristy summer season. Flight rates are at rock bottom ? you can get a Delhi-Leh return flight for as little as INR 3000 if you book well in advance. Same flight costs as high as INR 35,000 in summers. You can get a heated home stay for Rupees 500 per bed per night. Shopping is cheap. Fake brands that you get in new market, moti market are as good as real brands.

Travel tip: Plan well in advance and do your winter shopping in Leh local market.

10. WALK AND SKATE ON THE FROZEN ZANSKAR ? THE CHADAR TREK:

Though it was my bad that because a natural calamity, Chadar Trek was called off but it is a great experience that one should have before it becomes a distant memory. Once the road from chilling to Padum will be constructed, there are chances that Chadar might not form and hence Chadar Trek won't happen. Hence, do it before it's too late. I am going to attempt it next year again. Will you?

Travel tip: Go via a local trek agent.Savvy marketers from plains having their operations in Ladakh are good for nothing.

Chadar Trek ( Source )

11. REKINDLE ROMANCE IN GOD'S DEN:

There is nothing like romancing in the coldest region of India. A kiss under a sky full of billion stars or a hug at 18,000 ft above sea level or making love in bone-chilling cold is something that you will not forget till the last breath of your life. You won't need a chapstick or multiple layers of clothes when you'll have your loved one around. So make the most of it. Go ahead and rekindle your romance.

Travel tip: Before expressing your love, make sure you are wrapped up in multiple layers otherwiss be prepared to get a severe cold and cough.

Visiting Ladakhn in winter is like freezing time or existence itself. I discovered the undying spirit of Ladakh . I had relished every bit of the indescribable beauty of the coldest desert. No words or pictures can do justice to what I saw and experienced.

Still thinking to visit Ladakh in winter or sticking to a comfortable summer trip?

All I can say is ? let go of the fear of cold and immerse yourself in the insurmountable beauty of God's favourite masterpiece.

This entry has been shortlisted for Holidify's Travelogue Writing Contest in association with Linger. The content and pictures may not be used without prior permission of the author.

Submitted by: Archana Singh

This post was published by Archana Singh

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A winter guide to Ladakh

Amateur photographer Piyush Goswami embarks on a unique, adventure-filled, solitary journey through the immaculate mountains of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh during winter.

With its predominantly black and white landscape, snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, rivers and tree skeletons alongside winding roads, Ladakh in winter becomes a photographer’s canvas. Fuelled by the mind-numbing cold, the experience is nothing short of spiritual, and to me it was the perfect time to capture the transient nature of the mountains.

The scenes that Ladakh offers during summers and winters are at two ends of the spectrum, and they simply cannot be compared. The mud-brown mountains, blue lakes, rivers and the colourful vegetation that one might savour during summer are buried beneath a thick white blanket of snow during winter. All activities reduce to a bare minimum at this time of the year and a strange sense of solitude and silence takes over the entire region, as people spend most of their time indoors to keep warm from the vicious cold outside. During winter, all roads that connect Ladakh to the rest of the country are blocked due to heavy snowfall. While the most common route used is via Rohtang Pass from Manali , the only way to reach Ladakh in winter is by air. One can either fly into Leh town from Delhi or Jammu.

Leh is the largest and most developed settlement in Ladakh with the only army airport in the region that allows commercial airliners to operate. Due to availability of basic supplies, Leh is the most favourable place to set up your base, as from here you can travel to Nubra valley, Tso Moriri Lake and other accessible places by road.

And, as you travel from Leh to Nubra, the landscape transforms mysteriously before your eyes. From snow-capped mountains of Leh valley, you suddenly find yourself surrounded by barren mountains and rich brown valleys that mimic the perfect Afghan terrain. The magical co-existence of sand dunes and sand storms with the frozen Nubra River adds to the mystique of Nubra Valley. In summer, Bactrian camels are a common sight here. The drive to Tso Moriri from Leh is a lovely lonesome journey along the frozen Indus River. Unfortunately, I got stuck in a snow storm 15km ahead of Tso Moriri and had to turn around.

But getting stuck in the storm is probably one of the best things that happened on the journey because I ended up spending the night in a small town filled with Tibetan refugees called Sumudu.

Five of us got a room for the night with a bukhari (heater) and food (noodles and mutton thukpa). This unexpected stay at Sumudu gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of villagers and document their lives and stories. Capturing the life of Himalayan people during harsh winters provides a surprising and fresh perspective to the now-popular tourist destination.

Because of the neighbouring Sino-Indian border, there is a very strong Army presence in the region and most of the tourist sites come under army restricted areas. One has to get a clearance letter from the army office in Leh town before venturing out. You can save a lot of time and trouble by approaching a tourist guide to help you with your travelling. The local people hold army personnel in high regard for the work they do in protecting them, and for building and maintaining roads to remote towns located in the different valleys of Ladakh. We were told that especially during winter, the sparse and scattered settlements in the valleys depended entirely on the army to keep the roads operational for them to receive food supplies.

Despite the harsh conditions, the local market is fully operational and bustling with activity. However, most of the guesthouses and lodges shut down during winters, while a few hotels stay open at higher rates. For someone looking for a rustic experience, you could always stay with a local family as a paying guest. Many of the local Buddhist families have two or three rooms attached to their houses that are let out to tourists from time to time.

Hot homemade food and the warmth with which the local folks accept you are humbling experiences; and also provide the much-needed relief from the relentless winter cold. When on the move, don’t expect to indulge in a four-course meal. Due to shortage of fresh food, most places serve Maggi noodles for vegetarians and mutton thukpa for non-vegetarians.

A few tourists can be seen around the town and most of them find their way to Ladakh looking for extreme adventures like the snow leopard safari and the 105 km-long Chadar trek over the frozen Zangskar River. The weather is unpredictable, and you never know how many detours may come your way. So Ladakh during winter is best suitable for those who are not sticklers for on-the-dot plans and immovable itineraries.

And remember, a trip to Ladakh in winter warrants a certain amount of caution. Always travel in a group of three to four people and never venture out without a local guide and driver, because the locals know the terrain and are more mentally and physically capable of handling unexpected situations.

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Ultimate Guide to Ladakh in Winter – Itinerary , Packing & Experiences

February 12, 2016

Ever-changing landscape will entice you,

snow-capped mountains will amaze you,

frozen rivers will accompany you on your road trips,

the slow paced life of locals will fascinate you,

breathtaking vista will make your jaw drop

and endless stretch of roads with no one around for miles will invite you for detours.

Yup, that’s the magic of WINTER in Ladakh.

Ladakh has fascinated travelers and bikers for years. A photographers paradise — sprinkled with magic. Don’t believe us yet? Keep reading.

Unlike summer, winter in Ladakh is the time when the crowds have thinned out and you have the entire place to yourself. It’s hard to articulate Ladakh’s remote and otherworldly beauty in words.

We are just back from our trip to Ladakh and we are still drooling over the endless photos that we have clicked. No doubt Ladakh can make any Tom, Dick and Harry a professional photographer (pun-intended). :D.

We did this trip with The Grand Dragon Ladakh , one of the best luxury hotels in Ladakh, centrally heated and well – equipped that kept us warm and toasty on our trip.

In this post, we’ve shared our tips for visiting Ladakh in winter.

– Take It Slow –

Winter will give you an opportunity to see a different side of Ladakh, blanketed with snow. Altitude sickness in a stunning location like this would be the last thing on your mind. So, on the very first day of your trip, try to acclimatize. It is advisable to give 48 hours to your body for acclimatizing. Having garlic soup and staying in your cozy rooms can do the wonders and will help you to acclimatize faster.

On the very first day after few hours of landing get yourself checked by a physician to make sure your oxygen level is not below the threshold. Take it easy and avoid climbing stairs or undertake any physical activity which can be stressful. If the threshold level drops then it is advisable to take Diamox to get rid of the altitude sickness ( of course it has to be prescribed by a physician).

Thumb Rule: “Try not to push yourself to cover as much as possible. Chill and soak in the beauty of the place.”

( Read: 10 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Ladakh in Winter )

– Best Places to Visit –

Spituk Monastery

Shanti Stupa

Magnetic Hill

Ponganong Tso Lake

Tso Moriri

Khardung La pass

Nubra Valley

Thiksey Monastery

Chemrey Monastery

( Read a detailed post : Places to visit in Ladakh )

Our Leh Ladakh Winter Itinerary

As we mentioned earlier, our first day was all about relaxation, so the actual sightseeing started from Day 2.

Acclimatization is important.

We attended the famous Spituk Gustor festival which is held every year during the month of January. The festival is marked to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Thousands of locals throng to the Spituk monastery for the festival.

The festival started somewhere around 10-ish and continued until the afternoon. The monks danced wearing masks and dresses of different colors. They danced in the formation of four, signifying the four disciples of Lord Buddha.

And then we headed to the hotel for lunch, after having hearty lunch we all headed to Shanti Stupa for the sunset. The view from Shanti Stupa was mesmerizing.

But, unfortunately, it was little cloudy on that day and we could not see the sunset but we had the entire Shanti Stupa to ourselves. Tashi mentioned that during summer you literally have to struggle to get a single picture without anyone else in the frame.

hotel-grand-dragon-ladakh-review-1-5-compressed

Started quite early and we drove all the way to Chilling passing by Nimmo which is a confluence of the river Indus and the Zanskar river. The frozen Zanskar was our companion throughout our journey to Chilling. But we were not able to reach chilling as BRO had other plans on that day. There was a blast just 11 km away from Chilling for road construction and the roads were blocked.

But the road trip with frozen waterfalls and frozen rivers meandering through the barren mountains was enough to entice us.

We headed towards our next stop Lamayuru monastery passing by the half moon land. It is said that Naropa (an Indian scholar) caused a lake, which used to fill the valley, to dry up and founded the Lamayuru Monastery. We got to see some stunning views from the monastery and then headed towards Alchi where we had our lunch at a Ladakhi house.

Alchi is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery is famous for its wall paintings and woodwork that have survived through the millennia. There are four buildings (the buildings are made of clay and wood and have still survived the test of time) in the monastery and each building has a unique theme.

It started with a visit to the Thiksay monastery for morning prayers which was energizing and peaceful. What a start to the day!!! Prayers were followed by breakfast at a Ladakhi home with the traditional setup.

hotel-grand-dragon-ladakh-review-1-19-compressed

Next on our list was a visit to the home of the local Oracle which was a different kind of an experience. Oracles are said to be spiritual healers and locals have firm belief in them. Spirits that possess oracles during trance states are usually said to be from the pantheon of Buddhist deities . After seeking blessings from her, we left for the hotel.

– Experience you should not miss –

Gustor festival at spituk monastery.

Head to Spituk monastery to attend Spituk Gustor festival – the famous mask dance performed by the monks. The dance is performed in a pair or in a group. The dance is a celebration of the victory of good over evil.

Devour on Ladakhi Cuisine in Ladakhi Style

Don’t forget to devour on delicious Ladakhi food in a traditional Ladakhi home.

Find yourself a Reading Corner

There are so many gorgeous spots at every corner, that it is easy to get lost in the beauty of the place.

Picnic on the banks of a frozen river

Hot Kahwa and cookies served on the banks of the frozen Zanskar river.

Mesmerizing Pit Stops at every corner

Every corner of Ladakh is worth an Instagram picture. The beauty is unmatched, unparalleled and untouched and every corner is insanely spectacular.

Happy Smiles and Conversations:

Winter is a time when locals have loads of time for chit-chatting. Strike a conversation with the people of Ladakh. The locals are shy in nature and very down to earth. And the kids are so adorable that you would want to pull their cheeks.

– What to Eat / Drink –

Don’t forget to try out the Ladakhi bread straight out of their traditional Ladakhi kitchen and served hot with butter, Apricot jam or pickle.
Gur Gur Chai (Buttered Tea) to keep you warm
Vegetarians won’t go hungry either, with the likes of tasty regional dishes like Thukpa and Momos.
Chang ( or Rice Wine ) is a local drink.

– Where to Stay –

Ladakh offers a variety of accommodation for everyone from backpackers and budget travelers to luxury travelers . There is no shortage of options, whatever your budget is.

If you’ve come to the top end to relax, then the best place to do so is The Grand Dragon Ladakh with centralized heated rooms, 24/7 hot water supply, sauna, a gym, and gorgeous mountain facing rooms. They also offer amazing winter packages to choose from which can be customized based on your requirements. Check out winter packages HERE .

hotel-grand-dragon-ladakh-review-1-8-compressed

If you’re on a budget, there are a range of homestays and hotels in and around Leh.

Word of caution – “Try booking your accommodation in advance”, as most of the home stays and hotels are closed during winter.

( Read: Resort Review – Hotel Grand Dragon Ladakh )

-Where to Shop –

During winters, most of the shops are closed. But, don’t get disappointed, Tibetan Market at Leh Bazaar is open. So, head to the market and grab some souvenirs back home. Scarves, antique silverware, jewelry and Pashmina shawls are sold in the market among many other things.

You can even pick up locally produced jams made from Apricot, Walnut, Apple or dry fruits.

– Dress To Survive –

Winter in Ladakh is a perfect concoction of hot and cold. Dressing up right to brave the cold is the smartest way to enjoy the Ladakh winter. In Ladakh, the temperature can fall up to minus 25-degree Celsius and in some places to -30 degrees Celsius. Even during the days, you might experience a sub-zero temperature. So, bundle yourself in layers and enjoy the weather and the beauty of Ladakh.

( Read: Packing for Ladakh in Winter )

How To Reach There

Flights are the only option during winter as the highways are shut. Go Air and Air India operate regular flights from Delhi to Leh offering cheap airfare during winter.

Few Things To Remember:

Keep yourself warm and toasty. Layering is the key to stay warm.
Weather is unpredictable so trust the locals if they say that some places are not advisable to visit during winter due to heavy snowfall or if roads are closed by the army. They know it better.
Most of the shops, hotels, and restaurants are shut during winter. Few are operational and run by families. So, plan well in advance.
Stay hydrated. Keep drinking loads of hot water, Kahwa or buttered tea at regular intervals.
Keep dark chocolates and dry fruits handy while on road trips.
Don’t go with a mindset of covering all the places of Ladakh in winter.
Be prepared to go out in the open for loo while on road trips.
Health is first and you don’t have to push yourself hard if you are not feeling well.
Slather yourselves with both moisturizers and sunscreen lotions, as it is the only place where tanning and frostbite can happen together.

If you like this post, please share it on Pinterest:

This winter, tear off your fixed itinerary, enjoy, relax and soak in the beauty of Ladakh.

NOTE If you do find our article useful in planning your trip, don’t forget to send a note/picture of your trip to us. ( Email: [email protected] )

10 photo to Inspire you to visit Ladakh

Places to visit in Ladakh

Packing for Ladakh in Winter

Hotel Review – Grand Dragon Ladakh

Reason to Visit Ladakh in Winter

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Things to do in Ladakh in winters

Ladakh Tourism Guide
December 3, 2016 March 8, 2020

Is Ladakh open for tourists in winters?

This is a common question that arises in thousands of minds. And the answer is yes. A large number of tourists now visit Ladakh in winter months to experience the winter season, for winter photography, to see snow, to see frozen Pangong lake or for winter trekking. Large number of adventure enthusiasts visit Ladakh in January and February, the peak winter months, for Chadar Trek, the trekking on frozen Zanskar river. Though both Srinagar – Leh (Ladakh) and Manali – Leh highways get blocked in winters, Ladakh still remains connected with Delhi by regular flights.

Climate and Preparations

Temperature in Ladakh may plummet to minus 20 or even less anytime in winters. If bone chilling cold is not a problem, you are most welcome to experience the winters of beautiful Ladakh. All you need to do is some preparations to fight cold. You need to bring woollens, warm shoes (or good sports shoes), goggle, sunscreen lotion, cap and muffler (if available. Generally, most hotels in Ladakh remain closed during winters and only few hotels remain operational round the year. Many hotels have centralized heating system while others provide electrical room heaters to their guests at extra charges.

For detailed information about Weather in Ladakh and seasons to visit Ladakh, click this link: https://discoverlehladakh.in/best-time-to-visit-leh-ladakh.htm

Do internal roads of Ladakh remain open in winters

Yes, mostly all roads of Ladakh remain open in winters. Local sightseeing places, including major monasteries, around Leh remain open and even road to Pangong Lake and Nubra valley remains open in winter. However, heavy snowfall on Chang-la and Khardungla top blocks the highway for some time or a couple of days. The traffic is resumed soon by BRO. Road to Zanskar valley generally remains closed in winters.

Tips for winter visit to Ladakh

If you are planning to experience the winters in Leh and nearby villages and want to visit local sightseeing spots, then there should be no problem. One can go upto Khardongla pass easily. If you are planning to visit Pangong Lake and Nobra valley, then keep one extra day in hand (a buffer day) to use in an emergency. Your itinerary should be flexible so that in case of road blockade, you can plan your trip to that particular destination the very next day.

What can you visit in Ladakh in winters

Leh market, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Spituk, Kali Mata temple, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Sangam, Alchi, Lekir, Lamayuru, Pangong Lake, Thiksey Monastery, Shey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Stok Palace, Khardungla top, Nubra valley.

Photography, sightseeing, wildlife, snowfall sighting, frozen lakes, experiencing local culture, chadar trek, winter trek, snow leopard sighting.

Check out some popular Ladakh Packages: https://discoverlehladakh.in/packages.htm

Manali – Ladakh Jeep Safari Tours || Best Time To Visit Ladakh || Srinagar – Ladakh Tours by Road

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Ladakh Paradise: A Traveler’s Handbook for the Winter Explorer

Posted on November, 16, 2023

A winter trip to Ladakh may have looked impossible a few years ago, but not today. It is now open for tourism all year round. You will have little trouble finding lodging, hiring a taxi, and even renting a bike for local touring. Your Ladakh winter vacation itinerary can encompass all there is to see in Ladakh, with the exception of a few destinations we will explore in this post. There are various options you can easily research the best deals for international flights from USA to India . It aims to find convenient and affordable options for your upcoming journey.

One popular misconception is that Ladakh closes down entirely in the winter and is covered with snow everywhere. Still, practically all of Ladakh’s internal roads are open, even when it’s the middle of winter. When severe snowfall blocks the high-altitude passes, BRO (Border Roads Organisation) clears the route as soon as possible. In reality, parts of the two routes heading to Ladakh are still open to Army vehicles. Civilian transportation is the only thing that comes to a total halt due to safety concerns.

Leh Ladakh in Winter

In the winter, a road trip to Ladakh is out of the question. The only way in and out is by plane. You can take a road trip as early as late April and as late as late October. From November to mid-April, the sole alternative is to take a trip to Leh.

When you arrive in Leh, you can hire a taxi to show you around. The weather will be cold, with temperatures plunging as low as -25 degrees Celsius at night. As a result, you must ensure that you are properly prepared to deal with such extreme cold.

Some people consider renting a local bike for sightseeing. This is only a smart move if you have enough biking experience and know how to handle a bike on slick roads and snow. If not, you should take a local taxi.

Can You Visit Pangong Tso in Winter?

The answer is that you absolutely can. The road from Leh to Pangong Tso is also open in the winter. Snowfall can cause the Chang La Pass to close at times. Even if this occurs, the route will reopen as soon as BRO is able to clear the path.

During the months of January and February, Pangong Lake is entirely frozen, strong enough to support the weight of an SUV (believe me, this is genuine). This is likely to be the most gratifying vista of your journey.

You can either leave early from Leh and return by midnight, or you can make it an overnight trip. However, there will be no camping on the banks of Pangong. You will need to stay at Tangste, Spangmik, Man, or Merak.

Food and facilities will be quite basic at this time, but the locals will offer you hot water and a gas heater for your accommodation. You don’t need to search tirelessly for cheap tickets to India from USA , you can find multiple affordable options for upcoming travel plans.

Can you visit Nubra Valley in Winter?

Nubra Valley is also open throughout the winter season. The sole exception would be if Khardung La were to close momentarily owing to excessive snowfall. If this occurs, you will have to wait for BRO to clear the route before proceeding to Nubra Valley.

You can either visit Nubra Valley and return to Leh the same day, or you can stay in the valley for a day or two. Accommodation will be limited during the winter season as most hotels and guesthouses close their doors at this time.

You should stay in either Diskit or Hunder. In comparison to the rest of the valley, they are the most suitable option for finding a place to stay. You can have a chance to witness all these mesmerizing places with cheap flights on Tripbeam.ca for your next trip to India.

Can you Visit Tso Moriri in Winter?

Once again, the answer is yes. Tso Moriri can be reached in winter via one of two routes: Leh to Tso Moriri or Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri.

Moriri, like Pangong Tso, is totally frozen in winter and makes for a spectacular spectacle. Unlike Pangong Tso, which is a saltwater lake, Moriri is a sweetwater reservoir with a lot of vegetation and possibly even fauna. It is both a migratory bird sanctuary and a wetland reserve, so it is well worth the visit.

Other Places to visit in Ladakh in Winter

Apart from the tourist attractions We described above, there are plenty others that you can visit. The Srinagar-Leh highway journey is highly recommended. You can do it as a day trip or travel as far as you can and return to Leh in the evening.

If you have the time, you may even make it a two-day excursion with an overnight stop in Kargil. During the winter, the route between Leh and Kargil remains open. So getting to Kargil should be no problem.

Other attractions along the Srinagar-Leh highway include Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, and the Indus-Zanskar confluence. Leh Palace, Shey Palace, and Shanti Stupa are all worth seeing while you’re in Leh. You visit a number of monasteries on the Srinagar-Leh highway as well as those in Leh. It is recommended that you should always keep an eye out for cheap flight tickets from USA to India . You need to search for the best deals to plan your next international journey.

Also Read: A Journey To Heaven On Earth, A Journey To LADAKH

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Embracing the Frost: The Unmatched Magic of Ladakh in Winter – An Insider’s Guide

Winter is a magical time in Ladakh. The scenery is breathtaking, with snow covered mountains, frozen lakes in Ladakh, and clear blue skies. Temperature of Ladakh in winter can drop to -30°C, but the cold weather further adds to the region’s appeal. Ladakh’s winter season usually begins in November and goes on until March.

The famed Chadar Trek is one of the main draws of visiting Ladakh in winter. The Chadar Trek is one of the most thrilling and difficult trekking spots in Ladakh because it crosses the frozen Zanskar River. It is a strenuous trek that calls for a high level of physical fitness and is not for the faint of heart. When the river is completely frozen in January and February, the trek is typically undertaken.

Ladakh is also abode to some of the world’s most aesthetic monasteries. These monasteries are an important part of Ladakh’s culture and heritage, and their beauty goes up a notch in Ladakh in winter. The Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, and Diskit Monastery are three of most famous monasteries in Ladakh and must see during the winter season.

Ladakh in winter also gives the travellers a chance to gain an insight about Ladakh’s culture and traditions. During the winter season, the Ladakhi people celebrate a variety of famous festivals in Ladakh , including Losar which is the Ladakhi New Year. The festivals recognise and celebrate Ladakh’s rich culture and heritage and provide a glimpse into the local way of life.

Ladakh in winter also has an essential assortment of places to visit which must be covered for an experience like no other. So, scroll through and check out the places to visit in Ladakh in winter.

Places To Visit In Ladakh In Winter

1. nubra valley.

Nubra Valley is approximately 150 kilometers from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The journey itself is a testament to the rugged beauty of Winter Ladakh. The route takes you through Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes, offering stunning views of snow-laden peaks and valleys. The chilly winds whipping your face as you traverse the pass is your first taste of Ladakh in winter, setting the tone for the magical experience that awaits.

In the heart of the valley lies Diskit, home to the colossal Diskit Monastery. In winter, the monastery is surrounded by a serene blanket of white, amplifying its ethereal charm. The tranquility of Winter Ladakh is palpable here, as you listen to the distant murmur of monks chanting prayers, the sound resonating with the solitude of the season. This peaceful ambience is an invitation to introspection and meditation, a chance to connect with the spiritual essence of Ladakh in winter.

A winter trip to Nubra Valley would be incomplete without tasting the local cuisine. The valley offers an array of Ladakhi dishes that are comforting in the biting cold. From Thukpa, a hearty noodle soup, to Skyu, a traditional Ladakhi pasta, the food is a delightful exploration of the local culture and a highlight of Ladakh in winter.

2. Hemis National Park

Hemis National Park, named after the famous Hemis Monastery, is spread over 4,400 square kilometers of rugged terrain, encompassing numerous valleys, rolling hills, and towering, snow-covered mountains. This vast and spectacular wilderness is a sight to behold, especially during Ladakh in winter when the park is draped in a blanket of snow, turning it into a real-life winter wonderland.

One of the main reasons that draw visitors to Hemis in Winter Ladakh is its inhabitants – a rich array of wildlife that has adapted to thrive in this harsh, icy environment. The park is home to several rare and endangered species, including the elusive snow leopard. Known as the ‘Ghost of the Himalayas’, these magnificent cats are extremely hard to spot due to their elusive nature and exceptional camouflage. However, during Ladakh in winter, as the snow covers the high-altitude terrains, snow leopards descend to lower elevations, increasing the chances of sightings.

The experience of Ladakh in winter extends to the local villages around Hemis National Park. Here, you can witness the traditional lifestyle of the Ladakhi people, their unique customs, and winter festivities. Their hospitality and the warmth of their smiles are heartening, a stark contrast to the freezing temperatures of Winter Ladakh.

Winter in Kargil is a sight to behold. The mighty mountains are wrapped in a thick blanket of snow, and the skies display an enchanting array of colours at sunrise and sunset. Ladakh winter offers a unique beauty, and Kargil is no exception, with its snow-draped houses and frozen Suru river painting a captivating picture.

The allure of Kargil extends beyond its scenic beauty. Ladakh in winter is a testament to the resilience of its people, and Kargil is a shining example of this. Despite the harsh Ladakh winter, the locals embrace the season with great enthusiasm, evident in their winter sports events like ice hockey and snowboarding.

Kargil’s history and culture also come alive during Ladakh in winter. The town’s war memorials stand as silent sentinels, more profound under the winter sky. The local cuisine, specially crafted for the Ladakh winter, offers a heartwarming gastronomic experience.

To know more about Kargil during winter you can also check out our Kargil travel guide for a deeper insight into the region.

4. Pangong Tso

During Ladakh in winter, Pangong Tso undergoes a magical transformation. The azure waters that characterize the lake in summers give way to a thick sheet of ice, turning it into a vast icy playground. This unique phenomenon is a testament to the beauty of Winter Ladakh and offers an unparalleled opportunity for ice-skating and ice-hockey.

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the lake is a sight to behold in the winter. The tranquillity that fills the area is only interrupted by the occasional sound of the wind, making Pangong Tso a perfect retreat for those seeking solitude in the heart of Winter Ladakh.

Despite the harsh conditions, the lake attracts a variety of migratory birds, adding a splash of life to the otherwise frozen landscape of Ladakh in winter.

5. Leh Palace

The journey to Leh Palace is an adventure in itself. As you ascend the winding pathways, the chilling Ladakh winter wind brushes against your face, intensifying the thrill of exploration. From the top, the panoramic view of the snow-covered Leh town and the surrounding Himalayas is simply mesmerizing, making it a coveted spot for photography enthusiasts.

Within the palace, each floor unfolds a new chapter of history. The palace houses a museum displaying an array of artefacts, including royal crowns, ceremonial dresses, and jewellery, offering a fascinating glimpse into the royal life of the bygone era. The ancient murals and paintings adorning the walls bring to life the spiritual and cultural heritage of Ladakh, making it a cultural hotbed even amidst the biting Ladakh winter.

As the sun begins to set, the palace is bathed in a soft golden light, its silhouette standing tall against the backdrop of the darkening winter sky. This sight of the illuminated palace against the stark winter landscape is truly enchanting, making it a cherished memory for anyone experiencing Ladakh winter.

These are just a few of the places which you must explore during your visit to Ladakh in winter. Scroll through and check the things which you can do in winter Ladakh for an unparalleled adventure.

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Things To Do In Ladakh Winter

1. chadar trek.

The trek spans approximately 105 kilometers and takes you through breathtaking frozen waterfalls, ancient caves, and rustic hamlets. The trail often changes, dictated by the whims of the weather and the river, making each journey unique. Walking on the frozen river with the towering snow-clad mountains around is surreal, providing a sense of tranquillity and awe in equal measures.

The journey begins from Leh, a town that itself is a winter wonderland. As you traverse the icy terrain, you are likely to encounter locals, who have been using this route for centuries to connect with the outside world during winter. These interactions offer a fascinating insight into the resilient lifestyle and rich culture of the Zanskaris.

2. Relishing The Delectable Cuisine

Ladakhi cuisine is a delightful gastronomic journey, a blend of Tibetan and Central Asian culinary influences, adapted to the region’s harsh climatic conditions. During Ladakh winter, the food takes on a more hearty and warming character to combat the freezing temperatures.

Starting the day with Gur Gur Cha, or butter tea, is a ritual in Ladakh winter. Made by boiling tea leaves with yak butter and salt, it’s not just a drink but a source of vital energy and warmth. Thukpa, a hearty noodle soup with meat or vegetables, and Momos, steamed dumplings filled with meat or veggies, are other winter favourites that provide much-needed warmth and nourishment.

The star of the winter cuisine, however, is Skyu, a traditional Ladakhi dish made of wheat dough cooked with meat and vegetables. Its high-calorie content makes it ideal for the harsh Ladakh winter.

Trying out the local Ladakhi cuisine is an essential part of experiencing Ladakh winter. The food here not only satiates your taste buds but also offers a warming embrace, making you feel at home even in the frosty weather. So, as you plan your Ladakh winter journey, don’t forget to add a culinary exploration to your itinerary.

3. Snow Leopard Trek

On this trek, patience is a virtue. Snow leopards are extremely well camouflaged and can remain unnoticed even at close quarters. But the prospect of spotting one in the wild is an unmatched thrill. The sight of the majestic cat manoeuvring the steep, snowy cliffs with grace and agility is a sight that is worth every bit of the wait and effort.

Apart from snow leopards, the trek also offers sightings of other wildlife like blue sheep, Tibetan wolves, and a variety of birds. Staying in the homestays of local Ladakhi people also provides a glimpse into their simple yet fascinating lifestyle.

4. Attend The Losar Festival

Celebrated in the eleventh month of the Tibetan calendar, which usually falls in December or January, Losar marks the beginning of the New Year and is a symbol of renewal and hope. The festival is a spectacular blend of rituals, performances, and feasting, infusing warmth and life into the harsh Ladakh winter.

The initiation of the celebration includes making special meals and cleaning and decorating homes. People visit the nearby monasteries, dress in traditional apparel and offer prayers for a fruitful new year ahead. The sounds of traditional music and folk dances, which are performed in front of the public foster a sense of community and unity and fill the air.

To conclude, Losar is not just a festival; it’s a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Ladakhi people. It’s a celebration of life in the heart of Ladakh winter, a time when the region comes alive with warmth, joy, and hope. If you’re planning a visit during Ladakh winter, witnessing Losar is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss.

After getting a glimpse of the things to do in Ladakh winter, it is now time to get a piece of even deeper information about Ladakh in winter, like the best places to stay in Ladakh Winter.

Best Places To Stay In Ladakh Winter

The Grand Dragon Ladakh: This hotel is one of the few luxury accommodations in Ladakh that stays open throughout the winter. It offers well-heated rooms, breathtaking views of the snow capped Stok Kangri mountains, and is well equipped with modern facilities like Wi-Fi, Television, Heaters and much more for a comfortable stay.
The Zen Ladakh, Leh: Another luxury option, The Zen Ladakh offers cozy cottages and luxury suites equipped with heated floors and modern facilities. Its indoor heated swimming pool is a unique feature in the cold Ladakhi winter.
Hotel Ladakh Greens, Leh: A mid range option, Hotel Ladakh Greens offers comfortable rooms with heating facilities and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Its local cuisine is also worth trying.
Ladakh Sarai Resort, Leh: Staying in this resort gives you an opportunity to experience traditional Ladakhi architecture with the comfort of modern amenities. The resort’s insulated ‘Yurts’ or circular tents are equipped with bukharis (wood-burning stoves) for warmth.

These are just a few of the places which are opened throughout the winters, overall the region has many more hotels which offer comfortable stays during the winter months of November to February.

Well, we’re not done yet, before we bid adieu to you it is now time to know more about the myriad of ways to reach Ladakh in winter.

How To Reach Ladakh In Winter

Flights to Ladakh operate throughout the year. Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, one of the highest commercial airports in the world, is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Airlines such as Air India, GoAir, Vistara, and IndiGo operate regular flights to Leh.

As the curtain falls on our journey through Ladakh in winter, one can’t help but reflect on the unique experiences this region offers. From the solitude of the snow laden landscapes, the thrill of winter treks, the warmth of local cuisine, to the festive spirit of the Losar festival, Ladakh in winter is a world far removed from the usual.

This winter wonderland, tucked away in the Himalayas is a testament to the resilience of life against the harshest of climates. The experiences you witness here, the stories you gather, and the memories you create will be there with you till eternity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q: 1. how cold is ladakh, q: 2. is khardungla pass open in december, q: 3. is a ladakh tour by road a good option in winter.

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Ladakh in Winters – Most Common Itinerary

When the winters set in Leh Ladakh, the most important question for lovers of Ladakh becomes “ How to travel to Leh Ladakh in Winters?? “. The roads to Ladakh are closed in winter.

Traveling on the Srinagar – Leh Highway and Manali – Leh Highway gets very risky as you enter the end of October owing to snowfall at passes, black ice on the road which skids the vehicles making driving hazardous and above all extremely harsh cold conditions with not much shelter, and food at disposal, especially on the Manali – Leh Highway.

Hence, the only option to travel to Leh Ladakh in Winters after October is to directly fly to Leh from Delhi and then travel within Ladakh.

Leh Ladakh in Winters - A Day by Day Plan for the Trip

Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Leh Ladakh Winter Trip day-by-day plan infographic guide. If, you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

Winter Tourism & Responsible Travel

Winter tourism in Ladakh is always special but lately, it is rising like anything. Many senior travelers and lovers of Ladakh, including me, who used to love this once-upon-a-time remote place named Ladakh, now see much filth, garbage, and litter in the season time. Hence, many are trying to avoid visiting Ladakh in the summer.

Especially, owing to the rise of domestic tourists (forgive me for saying the bitter truth, but you know it is true, don’t you?? 😥 ) who litter like anything on the shores of pristine Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri , at remotest passes, in remote corners and where not they throw those plastic bottles out of their moving cars or those wafer packets which such morons eat, open the window and throw out – disturbs the ecological balance, flora, and fauna just for the mere show off of the 4×4 capabilities their supercars posses, for few 100 likes, smileys, RTs in Social Virtual Media???…

Does traveling to Ladakh in winter help?

Well to be very frank even winters are no longer that rosy and you will get such people in winters too nowadays. All thanks to the uncontrolled mass tourism and the age of Instagram. Confronting such idiots means getting into trouble, spoiling your mood, sometimes taking on punches, and spoiling your trip as locals have closed their eyes in the name of development, and they don’t come forward to beat the shit out of such morons… Aah, my heart bleeds as I write all this and more but anyway , let’s come back to topic 🙂 🙂 …

Still, do not believe me?? Read yourself in the article about how Ladakh is turning itself into an environmental disaster .

Dheeraj Sharma

Many Responsible travelers who respect mother nature are ready to take on the hardships of Ladakh in winter to see this heavenly land not getting polluted in front of their eyes at every corner or not getting noise polluted by any drunkards playing loud music on the holy shores of such nature conservation land, I thought of completing the DoW Travel Guide of Leh Ladakh by adding the chapters on Leh Ladakh in winters. In the last article, I shared some important tips on making a winter trip to Leh Ladakh .

PS : You can help save this beautiful heaven from this filth & littering by learning, sharing, spreading and educating these key pointers about responsible travel in the Himalayas

Is Flying to Ladakh in Winters Safe?

Flying directly to a high altitude place like Leh (3500+ Mtr) can cause serious issues sometimes if proper care is not taken for Acute Mountain Sickness.

And when it is winter, there should be extra care that needs to be taken in order to help your body fight & cope with extreme cold plus high altitude together.

Hence, one must always be at least aware of the importance of Acclimatization and tips to better acclimatize to some extent before venturing to further high altitudes.

7 – 8 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh in Winters

I would like to sketch below one of the most common itineraries or travel plans for Ladakh in winter that you can follow on your adventures of snow-white Ladakh in winter.

This itinerary covers two of the three major tourist destinations of Ladakh including Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso Lake. The plan for Tso Moriri is provided as optional.

When you fly to such high-altitude places like Leh, you must give your body a chance to acclimatize a bit before actually getting started with sightseeing on distant high-altitude places in Ladakh. That is the precise reason why a road journey to Ladakh from Srinagar Leh Highway is more fun because it allows your body to adapt to the increase in altitude gradually. Hence, you acclimatize to the raising altitude day by day.

But, in winter the highways to Ladakh are closed, and hence, flying to Leh in harsh cold conditions is the only option one has on disposal. So, let’s take a look at how one can plan this, not so easy, adventure journey to Leh Ladakh in winters and also maximize the chances of enjoying the trip rather than just merely surviving on it.

Needless to say , you will need to carry proper heavy woolen clothing for the winter trip to Ladakh .

Day 1 | Delhi – Leh, Rest & acclimatization (By Flight)

Check-in at the Hotel. Some hotels provide free pick and drop from the Airport. Ask while you book them.
Take Ample rest as well as water or anything that keeps your body warm and hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE.
Do not overexert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in its entirety, if possible.
After 5-6 Hrs of rest, you can visit Leh Palace and see what is open in the Local Leh market. A little slow walk helps in acclimatization too.
If you feel exerted, go back to the hotel, have dinner at the Hotel and take a rest. Avoid any exertion and getting hit by the cold.
Go back to the hotel for an overnight stay at Leh.

Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing

Starting in 2021, you DO NOT need any inner line permits for Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley
Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you. You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
Take the driver’s inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suit you best.
Ask him to be with you guys starting the first day itself if required else do it on your own.
Again DO NOT overexert and take little steps and slow walks only.
If feeling OK then do Local Sightseeing in Leh Town
Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
Overnight at Leh

Day 3 | Leh – Sham Valley Tour – Leh including Chilling

Sham Valley includes Alchi , Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, and Gurudwara Pather Sahib.
Check my complete travel guide of Sham Valley .
In winter, especially in November & December when there is dry cold in the absence of snow, the acclimatization of the body is a bit hard process in comparison to when things are much more favorable to the body in summer. Hence, you must keep this extra day for the Sham Valley tour so that you acclimatize much better before going to Nubra Valley.
Take the road opposite Confluence towards the Zanskar river and travel to Chilling too. In case you visit in January or February, you can walk over the Zanskar River on this route as some part of the famous Chadar Trek where people walk over the Zanskar River as it freezes in winter from Padum in Zanskar Valley to travel to Leh.

Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder

Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
On the way enjoy a cup of soup, if available in winter, which I doubt, at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
Diskit has monasteries with the tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari

Day 5 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh

Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs

If you have an additional day at hand, you can visit Turtuk Village in Nubra Valley as well.

Day 6 | Day trip to Pangong Tso

Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso as it will be very very cold up there and there will not be any place to stay around Pangong Tso except Tangste about 34 KMs away

Day 7 | Fly back home / Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour and fly back home on Day 8

Monastery tours may include Hemis, Thicksey, and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing a day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only.

Or those who have 8 days in hand, can make a Day trip to Pangong Tso as below but that makes it a bit rushed / hectic.

Day 6 | Leh – Hemis – Karu – Chang La – Tangste, 34 KMs before Pangong Tso

Checkout Hemis Monastery on the way to Pangong Tso
Since at Pangong Tso it will be very very cold almost unsurvivable and there will not be any place to stay as well around Pangong Tso except homestay, it is better to stay at Tangste about 34 KMs before Pangong Tso.
If you have time in the day left, you can go towards Harong Wetlands from Tangste on Erath – Nama – Chusul route from Tangste to explore some nice landscapes around there.
If you are not interested in exploring Harong Wetlands then you can spend some time at Chemmery Monastery near Shakti and one more monastery near Tangste as Sasakul Monastery

Day 7 | Tangste – Pangong Tso – Tangste – Thicksey – Shey – Leh

Cover Thicksey Monastery and Shey Palace while coming back from Pangong Tso

Day 8 | Fly back home / Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping and fly back home on Day 9

Can I visit Tso Moriri in winter, too??

If you have a couple of more days at hand or in case Chang La Pass is snowed, you got yourself a couple of days then you can visit Tso Moriri as well. Please remember the order of visit must be like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and then Tso Moriri, in any case, to best acclimatize yourself.

Since there is no high mountain pass on the way to Tso Moriri from Leh, this is far more approachable but being very remote and lacking basic facilities, especially in winters nearby Tso Moriri, it is best avoided unless you are a serious hardcore traveler and enjoy such harsh cold conditions as an adventure 🙂 🙂 …

Day 1 | Leh – Karu – Upshi – Chumathang

Chumathang, about 83 KMs from Tso Moriri is the place where you will need to stay as Korzok village will only have homestays to stay, but at 4500 Mtrs, the cold will be too much to survive easily with basic homestays, I believe. Though you may be lucky with Bukhari enabled room, if you are acclimatized well.
Chumathang has a hot water spring, is low in altitude, and provides better resistance to cold even though the stay here as well is quite basic. There is a Chumathang Hot Springs Resort for a stay in winter near Tso Moriri.
You can cover any of Hemis, Thicksey, Shey, or Stakna on the way to Chumathang in case you missed in previous days
Overnight at Chumathang

Day 2 | Chumathang – Tso Moriri – Chumathang – Leh

It will be quite a long drive but once you reach Chumathang after visiting Tso Moriri, the road is well paved all the way to Leh. So, this day is doable enough.
In any case, the visit to Tso Moriri will be short and quick, owing to long day travel.

Video – Tips Ladakh In Winters

You may check this less than 3-minute video on Discover With Dheeraj YouTube Channel to know more on the 6 Special Tips for a Winter Trip to Ladakh. If you like my video, please do not forget to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel.

LAST UPDATED: Dec 2023 This article has been updated with the latest information about making a winter trip to Ladakh. It is kept up to date every season to reflect the current status. Feel free to suggest any further updates you deem fit that I may have missed.

I hope this travel plan or itinerary for traveling to Ladakh in winter will be useful for you in planning your adventure trip. I will look forward to any questions or doubts in the comments section of this article.

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions on traveling to the Himalayas.

In case you have made a winter Ladakh trip and have any suggestions that can help other fellow travelers. Please feel free to share them with me, and I will be happy to put them in the article. Do not forget to share this article with your friends and family who are planning their upcoming trip to Ladakh in winter.

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly.

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Hello Dheeraj,

me and my wife are bit travellers, we are planning to visit leh in the month of feb 2019, can I see pangong tso, nubra, khardhungla and all at that time? can I get taxi and accommodation at that time in leh and tansgte ? and will it too much costly all the homestay and resorts? please help me

Hi Dheeraj,

REALLY helpful blog/guide! Planning on making the most of the above in my trip to Leh in Late October/Early November this year. Just a quick question, is the Srinagar – Leh highway open late October for us to drive into Leh or is it likely to be closed?

About Zanskar River, is it going to be frozen by then or will it still be flowing? Would you recommend visiting it then?

Srinagar Leh Highway is mostly likely be open in later October and early November. As there will be ice on roads, please drive with caution and care.

No, Zanskar river starts to freeze in February

Hi, I am Planning to go Leh in the month of October 17-21.From Leh we will visit Pangong and Nubra ,what is your opinion and any piece of advice.

You can surely plan to visit Leh in October by air and also you should be able to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso. First two days you can rest in Leh after flying and then you can do a 3 day trip to Nubra Valley and PAngong Tso

Dear Dheeraj

I have visited Ladakh in Summers long back and I always wanted to be there in winters. I am flying to Leh with my wife on 25th Jan on a 4 days trip. Here is my itinerary:

Day 1: Land in Leh and take rest for whole day. Day 2: Local sightseeing. Magnetic Hill, Zansakar Indus confluence, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, etc Day 3: A day trip to pangong. Get back to Leh by sunset. Day 4: Visit Khardungla and nearby monasteries.

Have few questions: 1. Is it safe for a couple to travel alone to Pangong and nearby areas? 2. Do you recommend any change in the itinerary?

Thanks in advance. -Himanshu

Sorry Himanshu, for missing out on it. It has been quite number of things going on in life, so could not reply to all questions

It’s okay Dheeraj. I had figured out things there. Booked a cab from Chamba on your recommendation and am not totally satisfied. No doubt he is very friendly and accommodating but we couldn’t visit Pangong as the cab he provided was not good enough to drive even on a micrometer of ice. The driver was not experienced driving in winters. He didn’t know how to put a chain on tires. We had to return from few kms from Chang La while all other vehicles easily crossed a small stretch of bad road where we were stuck for an hour while the driver was trying out useless stuff. My whole trip was ruined as the one of the big reasons to visit Ladakh in winters was to witness frozen Pangong.

That’s really sad to know Himanshu, you should write this review in the DwD Community too so that others learn from it and take caution or check for the tires before confirming the taxi. I will keep in mind to suggest people about taxi too. In case the driver is untrained, well, it all goes by the feedbacks one had with them.

Dear Dheeraj,

Planning another Leh trip in this February. (knew the weather condition :D, this is the first winter visit and unfortunately short.)

February 3: Reaching Leh Airport and local sightseeing (just random walks, nothing much) February 4: Leh – Pangong February 5: Pangong – Leh February 6: flying back

Is it possible to get any staying option there in Pangong? What about the availability of drivers during these periods?

I knew that you might have answered these questions multiple times. But still.

I will not recommend going to Pangong Tso directly on the second-day bhai and also it wont be possible to sleep at Pangong Tso in the month of February. Drivers will be available, that’s of no issue. It is a bit impractical and risky to attempt such a trip.

thanks for the reply Dheeraj.

What will be your suggestion then? Leh-Chumthang-Tso Moriri-Chumthang-Leh? or something else

Jishnu, maximum I can suggest you is Lamayuru trip and sham Valley. Both Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso should not be attempted on second day of the trip and that too in winters when there will not be any facilities.

Hi I’m sahil from mathura in uttar Pradesh Me and my family wants to go to the road trip to Shri Nagar to ladakh in December

Sahil, the roads to Ladakh are closed now and it is not recommended to travel to Ladakh by road now. The roads will again open in month of May and June.

Hi Dheeraj, I will be in Leh from 4th Feb to 10th Feb after completing Chadar trek. Just want to know if bikes will be available during this period? If not can I hire taxi ? And is it recommended to book hotels beforehand?

Some bikes are available at times but not 100%. It will be quite cold for the bike ride though and you may only be able to use them for local sightseeing. Hotels you should be searching upon reaching there as over phone you may get high prices. Check basic home stays if you are OK with basic facilities.

Hi. You have mentioned about Chadar Trek in your post. I am planning to do this trek this winter. I am thinking of booking with Bikat Adventures . Any other good trek operator you might recommend?

Check this out too: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/question/chadar-trek-2018/

Your guidance is commendable. Your website and articles have been the main source for research for me and after reading everything, I have decided to write a comment asking for some help.

I am 37 and am planning a solo trip to Leh on the 28th November to 7th November. In the past I have experienced Winters and Snow in UK and Europe but nothing close to -20 degrees as this number keeps coming up. I have also done the Deoriatal Chandrashila 5 day Trek last year. I will be flying in and out of Leh.

1. If I am a single person, what would be the best option to follow your 8-day itinerary without breaking the bank? I am aware it will be extremely cold, is there a possibility, I can take the gear and try riding a bike to visit places or will this be outright foolish?

2. If the bike is not possible, what could be the next possible option to get around and see places that are listed on your itinerary?

3. I can hardly find any accommodation around Rs. 1000-1500 mark, even the accommodation you listed as 1000-1500 come up as 4000+ online. Will they offer such difference if I call them? I will be doing that right after this comment.

4. Should I book all my accommodation in Leh itself? I have read that booking can be done on the spot, how does that work? Do I take a cab from the Airport and ask him to take me to the best accommodation? Isn’t that how we used to get ripped off in the good olden days?

5. For your suggested 7 – 8 Days Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh in Winters, how much would it cost approximate apart from the air tickets, if possible and if you know it instantly, please give a figure, else, please don’t take the trouble of taking out time for this point. It would be nice to know approximately how much I will need to spend.

I have a million other questions but I will stop here. I have to thank you for the time you put into this website to inform travelers. You can only do this out of passion and not for monetary gains.

Thank you, Jeewan

For better tracking, I posted it under Q&A section and replied as well: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/question/solo-ladakh-trip-in-winters/

We are planning for a 5 day trip in the first week of November. The plan is to land in Leh on 4 November at 10 am. and depart on 9 November at 10.am. Please suggest itinerary for the same including pangong lake and magnetic fields.

Will all routes be open for this? And will we find any place to stay during that time at those places?

I will suggest you refer: How to make trip to Ladakh in 5 Days?

We are planning for a 5 day trip in the first week of November. The plan is to land in Leh on 4 november at 10 a.m. and depart on 9 nov at 10 a.m. What can be the suggested itinerary including pangong lake and magnetic hills ?

Replied to your other comment.

Thanks Dheeraj for the itinerary, it’s really helpful. I still have one more question unsolved ” are all routes open for travel during this period ?” And “whether it is suitable time to visit Leh ? “

All the routes within Ladakh remains open all round the year barring few days of heavy snowfall. In case it is snowing on passes that very day, the route will be closed else open. It will be quite cold and dry, so go prepared. Do go through: Tips for Carrying Clothes for Ladakh Trip

Hi Dheeraj, Your article is really helpful. I am planning a solo trip to leh around 10 of December .from where can I get a complete package so that I don’t have to worry too much about the planning part .

Tejas, are you planning to fly to Leh? Because roads are closed. if you want to get in touch with tour operator, better connect with [email protected] than going ahead with some copy cats who may dupe people by copying names similar to other established brand names like ours.

Sir I want to experience extreme cold conditions in January Which place should I visit spiti valley or ladakh I had visited Russia in December in -25 degree

Both will be able to provide you extreme cold conditions Ladakh as well as Spiti valley.

It is the best post I have read about Leh-Ladakh itinerary. Thank you!

Hi dheeraj…. We are visiting ladakh in december 2nd week…and we want to have a bike ride there….will we be able to hire a bike there in december???? We have planned a 8 days trip

I really doubt any bike rental will be open in the month of December, peak winters. Even if they are open, are you really sure to ride a bike in sub zero conditions?

Yes ..we really want to drive in bike there..

Well, then you may have read the plan above and the tips for making a winter trip to Ladakh. Let me know inc ase there are any other specific questions.

Hi Dheeraj; would Turtuk be open in mid/end of October and would accommodation be available there for a night stay. Thanks..

Yes Nikunj, Turtuk remain open all round the year and yes, stay options will also be available. Most places in Ladakh, home stays are open almost all round the year including peak winter months.

FIrstly, let me tell you that you are doing a commendable job helping people out with your fantastic advice (especially, for first timers like me). I am getting married in February next year and would love to visit (by flight) Leh-Ladakh with my better half for our honeymoon between 8th to 16th February next year. I read all your posts above with regards to the schedule and transportation in winter. Just wanted to ask you if you would recommend this trip in Feb. I love the snow and have thoroughly enjoyed my bouts with it in various parts of Sikkim, Himachal and Uttaranchal. But, I have concerns regarding the good sightseeing places in and around Leh becoming inaccessible due to snow, the colours of Leh not being there, most of the decent hotels and eateries being closed and the scarce resources in terms of food etc. Also, the chances of flight cancellations are there as well. That’s a concern since it’s our honeymoon and cannot be rescheduled. Please throw some light on these constraints. Also, all in all, what would I be missing or gaining (in terms of the pros and cons) apart from the colours in Leh if I choose to visit the place in mid-Feb rather than in the tourist season (not very fond of loud and noisy crowds littering their way to hell and spoiling the sanctity of these mesmerizing places). Would love it if you could advise me on the same so that I can take a well-informed decision.

I will not recommend at all planning a honeymoon trip to a harsh and unforgiving place in winters. There could be 100 things that can go wrong on a winter trip to Ladakh and I am sure honeymoon trip is not the one you would like to associate and then crib the whole life after. Honeymoon trip only happens one you know 😉 … I will recommend planning this adventure trip to Ladakh some other time and make a trip to more accessible place in mid-Feb which either offers comfort or comfort mixed with little adventure in case you are really interested in the adventure part of it.

hi , I visited leh on 17th may this year for first time. Had a breath taking experience i landed in leh visited nubra and pangong via agham and then to leh via changla. and leh to srinagar via road. Now I feel i wanna visit leh again during winter. Leh srinagar is closed at that tym. I plan to visit only leh if nubra and pangong are open will give a visit. My questions are

1. Is hotel accomodation available at that time ? 2. Shoudl I plan early december or last week of december ( i am free whole december) 3. If nubra pangong open hw can i visit , by hiring taxi or two wheeler ? will those be available 4. Is the cost of bike rent hotel same as summer or higher ? I plan to stay for 10 days

1. Yes, hotels are available and Nubra only home stays and small guest houses run including the Habib Guest House. At Pangong Tso, it is recommended that you stay at Tangtse where accommodation will be available. 2. Late december will mean chances of snow, I will prefer on it. Coldwise it does not make much difference. 3. You need to hire taxi. Please read the article above 4. Cost of hotel is a bit more in winters or more or less same. More due to heating charges.

I’m planning to visit Leh in the month of February with my family & 7 year old son. Can you please suggest me the Itinerary & feasibility for the same.

Itinerary is already suggested in the article above along with the tips for traveling in winters to Ladakh.

Hi, Sorry but I still dont understand the reference to winters in ladakh because there is no reference to when it starts. I am planning a leh trip on December 23 to december tp 28 th. Would it be possible. Also would there be snow at the end of september or first week of October

Hello Priyank,

Winters in Leh – Ladakh starts as soon as the season ends in late – September to mid October. Once, you cross mid – October mark, all hotels in Ladakh in remote places close and people either go to lower hills, cities or go to Leh or go back to their villages. Spending nights at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri becomes very harsh and unforgiving. Late December is a time when dry winter is present in Ladakh. There will be no snow in end of September unless it snows a day or two around your trip only.

Hi Dheeraj Ji, I wanna some information about timing of leh shri Nagar road. After this I wanaa go to Murgo & daulat beg Oldi(DBO). Is it impossible ? If it is possible then please mention the idea.

Ashutosh, those places are not possible to visit unless you have some army connections and they allow you to permit your visit. What do you mean by timing of Srinagar – Leh Highway? If Zojila pass one way traffic, it is decided every season when road opens.

We are planning for a 5 day trip in the first week of May. The plan is to land in Leh on Day 1, head to Pangong on Day 2 and spend the night at Spangmik, head to Hanle and spend the night somewhere around there on Day 3 and back to Leh on Day 4. Return flight on Day 5.

Sriram, please DO NOT undertake such a trip to Ladakh as you may end up in the hospital. Your body will not be able to cope up with such ahigh altitude. You have to take complete rest in the first two days after landing in Leh by flight. Post that you should make a two day trip to Nubra Valley and one day trip to Pangong Tso.

Sure, point noted. We felt the same too. Plans changed. 🙂

Good, best wishes for the trip. Feel free to share any further questions you may have for this trip.

Dear Dheeraj , I have been following your posts for 3 days now. Have read from a-z by far I found your articles to be the most helpful than any other glittery articles on internet. I am 26 years male traveling solo to leh in March 14-25 by flight. Kindly suggest me a travel itinerary (would love to include turtuk as well apart from usuals) also please give some valuable advice as this is my first solo trip. Your valuable advice is awaited.

Thank you Syed !! 🙂 🙂 .. You made my day 😉

March is pretty harsh in Ladakh and I am sure you might have gone through the above article for winters trip to Ladakh. You can add days for Turtuk in the plan presented in the article above when you are in Nubra Valley. Being solo the challenge will be to find transport to these places as in March only few option will be available.

Great job. The way you help the fellow travellers to plan their Himlayan trips is really amazing.

My wife and I want to visit Leh-Ladakh in the month of April (14th to 23rd). I’ve been to Leh once, but my wife is a first timer. We have about 10 days and we start from Bangalore. Could you please advise if it would be very cold in April? Also would it be possible for us to follow the itinerary in the article above and be able to vist – Leh, Pangong Tso/Tso Kar, Khardung la – Nubra valley, Sham valley, the monasteries? Is it possible/advisible to stay overnight at Pangong in April? We plan to fly to Leh and hire a cab to go around. Your advice would be of immense help. Thanks in advance.

– Jagadish.

Hi Jagdish,

Yes it will definitely be cold up there in April so go preaprely. Pangong Tso night stay will not be possible and better stay at Tangtse at that time of the year. You can follow the itinerary in the article above as it is meant for winter trip only which April mor or less is.

Can u lease guide,when does the lakes start melting.

Lakes start melting by end of April, first week of May. By mid of May to third week, they are melted almost fully.

Hi Dheeraj Me 50 and my wife 46 have been twice to Leh with your guidance in June and August by road. Now we have booked our tickets from 26 to 31 Jan 2017. Please suggest the necessary preparations and clothing required Harish

Sir, breif itinerary has been suggested in the article above. You can take it as two days complete rest in around Leh, followed by a trip to Nubra Valley and then finally if weather permits, a day trip to PAngong Tso. Rest please read: 6 Special Tips for a Winter Trip to Ladakh

Dear friend Dheeraj,

I have done a kishtwar Khillar, sach, keylong on a bike during October in snow and found it mesmirising. Have been dreaming of a bike trip in feb end to Khardungla, Nubra, sasoma, ODB, Pangang tso and tso mori. Am physiclally fit and feel confident of doing the trip. Are the army guys very insistent and strict about the permision for a bike trip through khardungla. Have heard from a friend that some army friends of his have done it on bike in FEB last year through the mentioned places.

Kumar, they do not allow biking over Khardungla and Changla when it is snowed. There had been numerous incidences and mishaps and hence, AFAIK they have completely stopped it. They don’t even allow in April-mid type too unless the roads are less slippery. There is a difference between riding in snow in October and riding the snow in Feb. You get hard ice snow in Feb which does not provide you any grip. Also, the places you ae talking about does not stand fatal as compared to the places you gonna attempt the bike ride now. Sach Pass cannot be compared to the altitude of these places. If you have to drag a bike for few feet on Khardung La, you will be gasping for breath in the lack of oxygen zone, which makes conditions worse.

Thank u Dheeraj for the prompt and correct advice. I will take the advice and postpone my trip to end of Nov as the beauty of seeing the valley cover in all white through a bike trip is unique and a fantastic feeling i believe.

November wont be having tons of snow. In case you want to see snow plan in March / April

Hi Dheeraj, great blog. I am wondering if it possible for to go to Leh-Ladakh in February, and what is the estimated cost (backpacking style) per person to travel there? Im a solo traveler with limited budget.

Sha, you should refer 6 Special Tips for a Winter Trip to Ladakh . If time is not a constraint, well, yeah in that case the trip can be managed mostly by shared transport as now a days you get to see tourist footprints in good number in Ladakh in winters. And since if time is not a constraint you can shift/adjust your schedule based upon public transport available during those days.

Hello Dheeraj, Is it recommended to rent bikes in mid February? I have planned Chadar trek from 2nd Feb to 9th and I have booked my flight from Leh on 12th, so was thinking of renting a bike there!

Well, bike may be available on rent but riding a bike in such cold conditions may not be practically feasible. Plus BRO will not allow you to travel over passes with snow on the roads as conditions are dangerous and slipper to ride a bike.

Best wishes for your trip 🙂

With your help i have already done LEH Twice 🙂 🙂

Need your help again. We are planning again for LEH in March End or April Start. Is it a proper time to visit considering many of the guys with me are first timer and want to see the beauty of leh ?

Are Bikes available in Month of April or we compulsory need to hire cab ? and last but not the least, are all the places like Hunder, Pangong, Tso Morriri , Khardungla Open at this time of Year?

Please help me on this

–Vikram Sharma

Vikram, if most of the are first timers, then I will not suggest as it wil be extremely cold in March and all the lakes will be frozen, hence they will miss the colorful beauty in Ladakh. Bikes are available but you wil mostly be limited to take them for a ride around Leh only because with snowy/skiddy roads BRO will not allo you to cross passes or even go towards passes on bikes.

You are doing a tremendous job updating this site with so valuable information. I was planning to land at LEH on 13th Dec 2016 and return by 17th. My aim is not to explore entire LEH in 4 days but to experience snow, extreme cold (I have been in srinagar at -6 degree) and specially witness the frozen lakes 😀

Also, I would be interested in admiring as many landscapes as possible with my 4 day journey. Should I miss exotic places (which I may for sure, considering I ll be there for just 4 days), I ll plan to visit LEH again in april 2017 by road (preferably SRI Nagar-LEH highway).

Would you advice me to gear up for this mid december? Considering the fact I just want to BE there and experience winters, frozen lakes and landscapes.

~Mohammed Obaid

Lakes freeze in January – Feb period only, extreme cold will surely be there in mid December and passes will have tons of snow. 4 days is too less to explore much in Ladakh as you will be fighting with AMS for first 2 days and cold does not help the cause with AMS as body needs more time to do so.

Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight) — Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them. — Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home. — Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible. — After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa . — If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and, — Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road. — Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh. Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization — Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you. — Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali — Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best. — Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own. — Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only. — If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh — Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more. — Overnight at Leh Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La — Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs — Overnight at Leh

Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh — Make a Day trip to Pangong Tso — Overnight at Leh

Thanks a tonne for your kind attention and detailed response. Without which, I would have been in assumption that lakes freeze during December and probably be disappointed. After reading your reply, I have postpone my trip to mid Jan’ 2017 and also make it a 5 day trip and not 3. Thanks once again for this detailed response.

BTW, is it possible to rent self driving Bikes OR Cars in LEH? If so, can you please help me with relative information if you have any. 😉

No Obaid, bikes are not at all recommended during that time of the year and self drive cars are not avaulable. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2016 – 17 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here . You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.

Replied you on the other comment.

I take pleasure to let you know that with your guidance, I along with 7 friends have booked flight to LEH, scheduled to land at IXL by 7:15 am of 16th JAN and will be there for a week.

I have no idea how this is going to turn out 😀 😛 as I have been hearing news related to heavy snow fall up in North (manali, simla and places).

I am feeling ashamed to seek your help again and again but I have no other option through which I can get relevant and useful information (other than Dheeraj the devil 😀 )

Do you have any of your friends or blog users who are currently in LEH and can let us know weather status. Is it like snowing HEAVY there blocking internal (local) routes OR are they good for Car transport (hope they are good for car travel)

Also, I have been through the drivers phone numbers and names and would like to know is there anyone in specific whom I can reach first to help us pick from Airport OR are all equally good? Also, can you help me with contacts were I can stay as paying guest (as I heard that the hotels will mostly be closed during winters) 🙁

It would be of GREAT help to me, if you can, with your experience, provide advice/guidance with respect to hotels/car drivers/current weather updates/car travel availability/clothes to be carried/boots and misc information that I am not even asking (due to lack of experience and relatively less knowledge about LEH)…

** Because, I hope we will not be sitting ducks in hotels / guest house due to harsh weather conditions and instead Enjoy our Trip to admire LEH freezing lakes/ freezing winters. 😀 😀

Wish me luck… and, special thanks in advance for your work ‘KUDOS’

That’s totally fine. We are here to help only 🙂

Right now 3 core team members of DoW are in Leh since last week and there isn’t much pouring in up there as snow but yeah snow is around places. They went to all the places within Leh and Tso Moriri is totally frozen as the pictures they sent in morning. They have been roaming in Leh.

Ringzin, Chamba, Sonam are all good drivers. Get in touch with Laksdup Guest House at Nawang: 09906806066, 9419988807.

Clothing: Tips for Carrying Clothes for Ladakh Trip

Hello , I’m planning for Ladakh in mid november for about 10 days , I want your detail suggestions on this trip and please give some details about good but bit cheaper hotels .

The above article explains alot about plannign a trip to Ladakh in winters. Let me know what more details do you need?

I was just going through the internet and could not found another update better than yours on leh and Ladakh, seems you are the true enthusiast for Himalayas.

Kindly help us so that we could also enjoy our planed trip.

We are a group of 4 people all aged 24 from Delhi. We are planning to visit Leh – Ladakh on 25nov 2016(start) – 29 nov 2016(return) Via Flight. We have never been to this place before. We have wish to visit Khardung La and pangyong So during this trip. Could you please suggest us the itenary for this trip and also the Do’s and Dont’s so that we can plan accordingly.

Also we have no idea of any good Hotel (cheaper option welcomed), kindly suggest the same and how would we travel there inside the leh(Khardung la and pangyong so) city to visit various places.

What would be the approx expenditure combined for 4 of us.

Will it be good to visit to this place on the mentioned days.

Kindly Help us and suggest the best option available.

Thanks and Regards,

Himanshu Dahiya

Himanshu, you just have 5 days in hand and in winters it will be too less to combat the cold and acclimatize yourself to easily visit places in Ladakh.

Still, you can try to follow below plan:

Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight) — Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them. — Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home. — Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible. — After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa . — If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and, — Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road. — Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh. Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization — Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you. — Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan. — Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best. — Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own. — Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only. — If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh — Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more. — Overnight at Leh Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La — Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari

Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs — Overnight at Leh

Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh — Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only. — Overnight at Leh

In case you flying out on Day 5, then make just day trip to Khardung La on Day 3 and Day 4 make day trip to Pangong Tso. Please note that going over to Pangong Tso requires traveling over Chang La pass which in winters can close due to snowfall for a day or two. You might have to miss the flight in such a case. So, check weather forecast before leaving from Leh to Panogng Tso.

I must thank this site which is a beautiful creation of yours. It helped me deal during my journey. Sorry, coz you had advised not to go from Srinagar side owing to curfew and stone pelting situations, but you won’t believe we made it. Kashmir is such a beautiful place and i hope the rage ends soon so that bikers like me can enjoy 434 km ride again. Sad to say that only me Classic 350 MH-12 ME 6434 was the only bike on Srinagar-leh road.

The journey was a memorable one and thanks to DOW again for guidance.

Saket, that is awesome to know and glad to know that you had a safe and memorable trip. Always feels awesome when someone of the fellow travellers suggests that the info. present on the dow helped them plan their memorable trip 🙂

At the onset, I would like to express by thanks for the most comprehensive and wonderful detailing of trips. Haven’t seen any site till date which can match up to DOW! Congrats!

Based on your experiences and recommendations, I planned a trip to Leh in 2nd week of october..We are a group of 4 arriving manali on 10th and will be taking bullet on rent and start our journey on 11th…Will Take the first stop at pang…I hope there would be tented accomodation available at that period of time..The next day planning to drive off till leh…Rest some time and visit local market and other sight seeing spots…On 13th planning to go to Nubra Valley and take a Stay there itself…After that moving on the next day i.e. 14th to Pangong Lake and having a stay there…On 15th Will drive off to tso moriri and also planning if we can reach Pang the same day…On 16th Drive off Back to Manali…

Need your help for suggestions and any Upgrades if needed..

Also Need to Know… 1) Is accomodation easily available in leh,nubra valley,pangong & pang or should i book it in advance to avoid any mishapp…

2)How would be the road conditions there depending upon the weather ???? Is it possible to drive on bike ???

3)And Whether Manali Regd. Bikes can be used to Travel in Leh and other places i.e. Nubra Valley Pangong,Etc (V Imp)????

4)Any extra Things Required Apart from the List of things Post

It would be a great help to plan my road trip…Thanks In Advance

Hi Saurabh,

Thank you for warm words of appreciation.

1. Yes, stay options in off season should be available. 2. Roads will be in best state as compared to whole season. 3. No, you will need to hire Leh bikes for sightseeing

The stay at Pang is highly not recommended at all and that too such late in season. Secondly, traveling back from Manali – Leh Highway again that late in season, I never recommend. Please read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October

I am really grateful for your super useful blog, which provides me tremendous information about Ladakh. I and my friend will fly to Leh from New Delhi on 10 Oct and fly back on 23 Oct in the morning. So we have 13 days in hand. This is the first time we’ve been India in general and Ladakh also :). Could you pls help to suggest us a suitable itinerary based on weather during that time in general? We’d love to visit all special places which can not missing once being Leh. We’re travellers with cheap budget, so very much appreciate if you can recommend the best economical guest house/homestay and mode of transportation.

Thank you so much Nhan

Hello Nhan,

You are choosing a period when it is off season, though you will get the stay options cheaper but there will be difficulty in finding the shared taxis and travel partners. The cost of private taxi is very high in Ladakh and with just two people it will dig deep holes in the pocket. Are you OK to spend about 40-45K on taxi split among both of you? If yes, I can provide you the itinerary and how to go about the trip in 13 days.

Thanks for your very quick feedback. We can’t afford for that cost on taxis. In case of being unable to find shared taxi and partners, we’re expecting to get a bike ride (maybe a Scooty will fit for us). Is it safe during this time. We very much need your advice and itinerary as well 🙂

Well, it is safe but it will be very cold out there during that time of the year. IT is matter of taking a chance in that case.

Maybe we should consider to take some days on taxi trip. We’re rather flexible in time, so if luckily, we can find some traveler partners hihi. Ok pls help us to plan a 13 -day itinerary. Thanks in advance

Alright, then I will suggest you the flow and you can shuffle them as you like. Make sure you do not land in Pangong Tso or Tso moriri without going to Nubra Valley.

Day 1 | Fly to Leh and rest for the whole day. Drink plenty of fluids. It will be cold, so drink plenty of warm water including black tea Day 2 | Rest, Local Sightseeing around Leh and get your protected area permits Day 3 | Leh – Nubra Valley (Hunder, Deskit) Day 4 | May be a day trip to Turtuk Day 5 | Back to Leh Day 6 | Leh to Lamayuru covering Alchi Day 7 | Lamayuru to Leh covering Likir, Magnetic hills, Confluence Day 8 | Leh – Shey – Thicksey – Chang La – Tangtse (34 KMs before Pangong tso where couple of guest houses will be open) Day 9 | Pangong Tso and come back to Tangtse by evening or else you can go back to Leh as well in case there is nothing much to do in the day due to cold Day 10 | Leh (Hemis and Stakna monasteries on the way back from Pangong Tso) Day 11 | Leh – Upshi – Chumathang Day 12 | Chumathang – Kiagar Tso – Tso Moriri – Leh Day 13 | Rest day at Leh

Depending upon the vehicle availability and shared taxis or other transport you can move the days around.

Just replied to other comment.

I am planning a solo trip to Leh as I had always wanted. I started following your blog recently and needless to say you have been a great source of inspiration. I’ve booked flight tickets to Leh from Delhi on Sep 30 and from Srinagar to Delhi on Oct 10th(meaning I need to leave Leh on Oct 9th). I couldn’t make a proper itinerary yet and is kind of confused now on what all places I would be able to cover over these 10 days. I am hoping you could help me out here. I would definitely want to visit Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Diskit Monastery, Lamayuru, Magnetic Hill, Stok Palace, Hemis Monastery, Tso Kar, Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso lakes. It would be great if you can suggest me a day to day plan so that I would be able to visit and spend enough time at all these places. You could also suggest me some other great places if I am missing out on any. Also since I would be travelling solo, are there any specific things that I need to take in to account? Expecting a reply from you. Thanks in advance.

Hello Nirmal,

You can refer below plan of 10 days. Make sure that conditions in Kashmir are fine when you travel.

Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar — Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well — If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden. — Overnight at Srinagar

Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil — Enjoy the vistas enroute — Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil — Overnight at Kargil

Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh — Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes — On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu — Overnight at Leh

Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization — To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh — Overnight at Leh

Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La — Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari

Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs — Overnight at Leh

Day 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh — Day trip to Pangong Tso — Overnight at Leh

Day 8 | Leh – Kargil — Stay overnight at Kargil

Day 9 | Kargil – Srinagar

Thanks for your reply. But I guess you misunderstood my flight schedule. I am actually flying in to Leh from Delhi on Sep 30. On my return journey I am travelling to Srinagar and boarding flight from there.

Aah, oki, sorry about that. in that case you can rest and acclimatize for first two days and then venture to Nubra Valley and include Turtuk in your plan.

So that means we cant travel from manali to ladakh via road trip in winters ? So, could you please tell me when can i have a road trip from manali to ladakh such that there would be snow and ice asides ? And can experience visiting that frozen lake in ladakh ? When ll be the best time for the mentioned experiences ?

Yes, you cannot as the road from Manali to Leh closes by October end. You cannot do both things at one time. Lake starts to melt in late April and Manali – Leh Highway only opens around late May or first week of June. Best time to see snow around Manali – Leh is to start the trip as soon as the road opens in late May or June.

Your quick response is worth appreciating (y) ! So, some more ques i ve regarding this trip – The best time to see snow will be late may or early june .. that means snow is not seen evn in the closing months like sep and late october ? Andto see that frozen lake i ll have to go there through flight ? So when will it be the best time to see that frozen lake ?

Yes, snow is not at all present in the closing months of September and October. Yes, to see the frozen lake you will have to make a trip in February / March, which will be best time to see it in frozen moment.

Okay then um gonna make this trip next year !

Yeah, that will give you time to preapre s well for ladakh trip.

Hey, I was planning a trip from 27th dec and have new year in the moutains! Do you think chaddar trek can be done and lakes will be frozen by then?

Time to say a big thanks for sharing everything related to Ladakh trip. Followed your blogs thoroughly to prepare my itinerary for Leh Ladakh trip during end of April 2016. And it was awesome. We were prepared for everything as everything is there in this blog. Chamba arranged our cab and we had a get time on road while Oriental guest house was more than a home at Leh. Got a great deal even without asking for it. Sure I’ll be a better person like you if get a chance to spend more time with people of Leh/Ladakh 🙂 Thank you once again.

Thanks a lot Joyedeep. That is so glad to know brother, keep traveling and keep spreading smiles in Himalayas 🙂

I have a few questions with regards to the bike ride we are doing in the first week of July this year.

1. Is the route from Hunder to Spangmik (over Wari La) doable in one day by motorcycles? If yes, how much time would it possible take? Are there basic food options on this route? 2. If it seems difficult to do in a day, would Sakti be a good place to stop over night? Are are enough stay options here? We are about 10 friends. 2. Does Wari La need any permits for Indians? 3. Is the direct route from Pangong to Tso Moriri (over Chushul- Nyoma) a straight affair in terms of obtaining permits? Is there any way we can take the short cut instead of Kaksang La instead? 4. Also, this direct route, can it be done on motorcycles in one day, or would you recommend we stay the night at Puga maybe? 5. One last thing, does it still hold true that we cannot take bikes hired in Chandigarh to these areas mentioned above, and into Nubra? We have spoken to a rental agency in Chandigarh but he did not mention a thing about the same. So wondering.

Thank you so much in advance!

Hello Shubra,

1,2. Yes, route is doable in one day over Wari La but will be hectic. No food or help which will be there on the route in case you are stuck 3. No permits needed for Wari La. 4. May be straight in getting permits but army still send back lot n lot of people from Chusul. No shortcut. Also, DO NOT attempt Kaksang La on bikes unless you have backup of repairing the bike in case of break down. No one travels that route, so even if army allows you to take that route, consider twice. 5. Yes, you cannot use outside rented bikes in Ladakh for sightseeing. That guy in chandigarh is fooling you, dont fell in trap.

all the details about the direct routes of Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri and Nubra to Pangong Tso along with tips and risks which they pose are detailed under the articles:

Tips for Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso Direct Route AND Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route

Please read these articles and based on the details/risks highlighted, take a go-no-go decision.

Hi Dheeraj, Thanks again. for describing details for a winter trip to Leh. (Again because, In July/2015, I was on solo visit to Leh. Most of my journey on public transport. And info on DoW was very useful).

I visited Leh again (25th/Dec/2015 ~ 3rd/Jan/2016) This time again, I could visit Tsomoriri, Pangong tso. (on clear and sunny day). Also K-top. And spent few relaxing days in Leh. Got the chance to talk to many people(localites), as they really had enough time.

I stayed in Raiwa guest house on upper changspa(contact: +91-1982253206). I was the only guest. I could have different types of local food in the guest house. In summer too, I was staying in this same home stay. There were mostly foreigners.

It was little expensive trip(Not for the stay), but I had to take a taxi just for myself and couldn’t share. Thanks to the list of drivers you have provided.

And I just wish, at least once, I will get a chance to visit Ladakh or some other places like Spiti, with you. So that, I can really listen to all your travel experiences 🙂 Thanks 🙂

Rohith, wonderful to read about it brother and yeah for sure,if god permits, we will travel together on one of the DoW Mega Meets we have annually for spreading the smiles in Himalayas 🙂 🙂

Thanks for sharing the review, I will put it under the list of good guest houses.

we r 3 in no……booked our tkt to LEY on 3 rd Jan’15 Return on 13 th…Can u please help me by making an Itinerary covering Psomorari;Panggong;Nubra. adx approx budget ……we r having experience in high altitude trekking(but no chadar) this time.

Amit, the plan shared in the article above is best suited for winters in Ladakh. You can add rest days in between in above plan to make it more easy for you as I see you have few days more.

thanks for ur information

Whatever someone can think of Leh Ladakh trip is already penned down here by you. Amazing! I am planning to visit Leh during mid April 2016 (hoping less crowd) for around 8 nights. Can I add Nubra valley to the itinerary presented by you. Would be really helpful if you can give some outline on the places that should be covered. Another thing, should I contact any driver and hotel now or can be done after reaching there.

Thanks in advance for all your help. Joydeep

Thanks Joydeep, the above plan does have included Nubra Valley Day 4,5 in it. It covers most of the places you will be able to cover in less Winter month of April in Ladakh. You can follow the above plan by adding rest days beteen.

Thanks much Dheeraj. One quick question, is it feasible to have a night stay at Pangong Tso during end of April?

No Joydeep, it will e extremely cold to stay at Pangong Tso in April during that time of the year as the lake will surely be partially frozen if not fully frozen. You can opt to stay at Tangste as I did in april which was much warmer and ok to survive 🙂

Hi All! I have a project in Tsokar in December, I am plannning to take a flight to Leh on 8th Dec. But, can someone suggest what should be the best option or is there such option available with me?

Your Comment hi dheeraj. we r planing to visit laddakh next year.I want to visit rejang la…so can u guide us route to there..?? and also we r planing to visit siachin base camp after hunder…do we need any special permission to visit there and also have u been there…?

In order to visit Rezang La route, you need to take permission of Chusul route from DC Office in Ladakh. The permits will be available in Leh from DC Office and you need to get a taxi driver ready to drive you on that route. Here is the entire detail of process on how to apply permit: Ladakh Inner Line Permit Updates on Process & Download Form

For Siachen base camp, you need to get permission from Army Headquarters in Leh AFAIK.

Hello, I am fan of Devil on Wheels as you guys have so much of information. Last year i had gone on a road trip from Udaipur (Rajasthan) to leh and back . I had got so much of information about roads , weather and place to stay . Really hats off to you guys.

Now again i am planing to go to leh but with my parents ( senior citizens) and my extended family .

We are planing as follows . 2nd October 2015 -Reach Srinagar from delhi by air as flight reaches around 7 in morning . After breakfast leave srinagar for Kargil or Lamayuru. 3rd October 2015- Leave Lamayuru reach Leh covering the places on route and stay in leh for night. 4th October 2015 – Leave for Nubra and stay there for night. 5th October 2015- Leave nubra and stay at leh. 6th October 2015- Leave for Pangyong at stay there. 7th october 2105- Leave Pangyong stay Leh . 8th october 2015 – leave for Delhi by air in morning.

My Quires 1) Weather in first week of October at all the places we are visiting. 2) Road conditions between Srinagar and Leh ( Any snow or anything at Zozila Pass , Traffic (like one way or any other rules before Zozila Pass) 3) Changes in itinerary if any .

Waiting for your reply.

Thank you Gunvinder !! 🙂 🙂

Day 1 stay at Kargil at max. After reching Leh, stay in Leh for a day to acclimatize. Do not rush to Nubra. Then do two day trip to Nubra and two day trip to Pangong Tso. This means add one day to the overall plan. Road conditions are fine during that time but it will be cold especially very cold at Pangong Tso.

Hi Dear… Your information is very useful. Am planning a trip with a friend on 9th Jan 2016. Do you guys make package plan .. ??

No Hanish, Discover with Dheeraj is a info. sharing travel platform dedicated to Himalayas, we do not sell any commercial or profit making tours or activities for travel on this platform.

HI Dheeraj sir,

My flight tickets are booked for Nov 8 to Nov 15th . Can you please suggest some stay options for Leh , Pangyong and Nubra , which are on budget and have heating facility? How cold will it be during that time , will road travel to Pangyong and Nubra be any hindrance , which driver do you recommend. I will be travelling with wife . Thanks in advance

Himadri, You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here

Tso Moriri and Pangong tso stay will not be possible. Nubra as well some basic guest houses will be running. Pangong Tso, stay t Tangste about 34 KMs before the lake at Yakmik changla guest house or Dothuling guest house.

Hey Dheeraj, firstly I must say thank you and really a nice blog. My query is my trip starts from Srinagar. Itenary is as follows: 23 August : Delhi to Srinagar: Srinagar local sight seeing 24 August : Srinagar to Pahalgam and back to Srinagar 25 August : Srinagar to Gulmarg , gondola ride and back to Srinagar 26 August : Srinagar to sonmarg night stay at sonmarg 27 August : sonmarg to Kargil night stay at Kargil 28 August : Kargil to Leh and Leh local sight seeing 29 August : Leh to pangong lake and night at pangong 30 August : pangong to leh and rest 31 August : Leh to Nubia valley 01 sept – Leh to sarchu 02 sept sarchu to Manali via key long 03 sept Manali to Delhi

If I am hiring taxi from Srinagar for my whole journey would it be possible?? Or I have to change my taxi at Leh?? And Manali to Delhi by taxi would be preferable or Volvo would be a better option?? And if I want to cover both pangong lake and tso Moriri will it be possible?? Is the road from pangong to Nubia valley open?? And can I go directly from Nubia valley to sarchu without wasting a day at Leh?

Vaibhav, you have less number of days to do both Ladakh and Kashmir. I will suggest to dedicate the trip to either place rather focussing on both as you are more or less being just on road only and then as well not worth for me. Let me know which one would you like to focus?

Inspired by this post, planning a trip in the winters. Hope it is OK to travel in February. My itinerary is as below:

Day 1 Land at Leh and Acclimatization Day 2 Acclimatization and local sightseeing Day 3 Leh – Dah – Lamayuru Day 4 Lamayuru – Chilling – Leh Day 5 Leh – Turtuk – Diskit – Panamik Day 6 Panamik – Leh – Thiksey – Hemis – Thukje (Tso Kar) Day 7 Thukje – Tso Moriri – Puga – Hanle Day 8 Hanle – Chumathang – Leh Day 9 Return Flight

Pangong day trip seems too much effort and dependency on the weather. Is it possible to visit Dah village, Turtuk and Hanle in winters?

Mohit, Panamik to Tso Kar will be long in fact sorry not possible as Taglang La is not opened. You can travel from the other side I believe but not from Taglang La. So come to Leh. Then from Leh to Hanle and then Hanle to Tso Moriri and back to Leh. It will be extremely cold, so be aware 😀

Thanks Dheeraj, Will keep in mind and change the plan.

Dear DHEERAJEE,

We are planing for LADAKH on 2-13 th Jan’15. Can you please suggest me whether i could cover PANGANG,NUBRA,SO MORARI at that time. kindly suggest me any driver name and phone no. for this trip.

Amit, your plan shall be based upon the plan mentioned in the article above. Yes, you can visit all the places in Ladakh in winters as roads remain open barring few days of heavy snowfall

Hi Dheerej, First off, thanks a lot for your valuable posts, those are really helping us to prep for our trip for Leh. I would really appreciate if you could give your inputs on my query . We are working out dates on which all friends can get together and ride to Leh. As of now we have put together a plan to start our ride from Delhi on 30th Sep to Leh thru Srinagar (chose this route after reading your post on 5 reasons to chose Srinagar route) and return on 12th Oct thru Manali . I was wondering if both roads will be in riding condition during these dates; would you recommend this plan? If not what, should we reschedule our trip dates / chose alternative route ? We are slightly flexible in terms of dates; all of us will reach Delhi by 23rd Sep and riding on RE Electra 350 & RE Thunderbird 350.

Thanks a lot for your feedback,

Regards, John

October becomes a risky affair on Manali – Leh Highway, read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October

So, in this case either have couple of buffer days in case it snows ELSE do it in reverese so that you cover the tricky Manali – Leh Highway as early as possible before closure.

Your website DOW is simply awesome and it provides the perfect insight to any amateur planning a trip to Ladakh.

I am planning for a bike trip for a Leh in October. I will be reaching Leh by flight from Delhi and from there on I am planning to take a bike for roughly 09 Nights/10 days from 15th of October.

I would like to know how to should I plan my travel itinerary as I want to Cover till lamayuru on the west till TSo Morili on the South East and Nubra Valley and Panamik on the North of Ladakh. Also it would be great if you let me know what will be the weather conditions in Mid of October .

I am a bit confused whether I will find tented accommodations in Hundar Sand Dunes , Pangong Lake and Tso Morili Lake and also let me know from which shop I will find bullets in very good conditions and if you have any personal contact over there please share .

Plus if you could provide me some valuable tips for what are the things for a road trip in ladakh.

I will be waiting for a prompt reply form your end .

Regards Suvojit Roy.

Hi Suvojit,

You will not find tented stay at these places especially Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso. They wind up by last week of September. You will face quite cold conditions during that time of the year especially at night and early morning. Regarding plan to follow, please refer: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air

You can add one day to the Sham Valley tour and go to Lamayuru to stay. While going and coming back from Lamayuru you can cover sham valley too. So, above itinerary in the link can be adjusted to suit you need in this way.

Regards Dheeraj

Thank you for your Valuable suggestions and your prompt reply.

I am sharing below my travel plan, please advice whether this would be fine as I have 09 Nights/10 Days in hand from 15th Oct and I want to cover the whole trip on bike.Please suggest whether I have to take a detour from the trip that I have planned or any additions to this is possible on the given number of days:

Day 1 : Delhi to Leh by Flight and day to acclimatize and take rest.

Day 2 : Leh to Alchi and Likir and en-route sightseeing of Hall of Fame, Magnetic Hill , Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Sangam at Nimmu village.Back to Leh .

# Please advice whether Sham valley can be covered on the same day and we can get back to Leh.

Day 3 : Leh to Nubra Valley ( Hunder Sand Dunes ) via Khardungla and Diskit. Overnight stay at Nubra.

#Please advice whether tented or home stays are available near Hunder Dunes or have to stay in Nubra only and will this route be open.

Day 4 : Hunder Sand Dunes to Sakti Village via Diskit , Khalsar , Aagham and Wari La Top.

# Please advice whether home stays are available in Sakti Village and will the road be open in October.

Day 5 : Sakti To Pangong Lake – either to Spangmik or Man Village. # Suggest which please would be the best to enjoy the lake out of the two and whether home stays are available in these places since you said that tents wont be available.

Day 6 : Pangong Lake to Sakti via Tangtse and en route sightseeing of Harong wet lands.

Day 7 : Sakti to Tso Morili via Chumathang. # Suggest whether tents will be available or where can we get homestays near by Tso Morili.

Day 8 : Tso Morili to Leh via Pagu , Debring. Lato and Hemis. Overnight at Leh.

Day 9 : Local Sightseeing of Leh coverning Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace , Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastry.Overnight at Leh. #Please suggest anything more we can cover on this day or we can visit some other destination by skipping this place and start for a different place from Tso Morili on the previous day and come back to leh by evening on this day which would be a bit offbeat .

Day 10 : Depart Leh I will be eagerly waiting for your valuable suggestions once more and one request if you could answer my queries on day wise that I have asked it be very helpful as it will clear a lot of doubts and apprehensions.

Cheers, Suvojit Roy.

Suvojit, except your plan to take the Wari La route all seems to be fine. I will strongly advice you NOT to take that route that late in the season. Come back from Nubra Valley to Leh and then from Leh go to Pangong Tso. At Pangong Tso, if you fine with cold then stay at some homestay else come back to Tangste to stay there. Even at Tso Moriri, there will not be any stay option except homestays. Also, I will not advice you the route from Tso Kar lake that late in the season to come back to Leh from Tso Moriri. Better follow the chumathang route only.

Finally, you will be riding mostly desolated due to off season and it can get bad in case of any exigency as traffic inflow will be low to these places. Consider the risk and then plan this trip especially when you plan to ride alone.

Thanks again for your valuable advice.

I just have few more doubts so if you could solve my queries it would be great.

I have seen your article of tips of getting a bike in Leh and it throws a lot of light into hiring a bike in Ladakh.

I just wanted to know that the persons name whom you have mentioned for bike rental shops – Gurmat Namgial , Rinchen Olthang , Tsering Norboo….Specially Gurmat who knows you very well, so how much do they charge for security deposit and do they provide any biking gears as well( if we refer your name will he give some discounts of security deposit).

In case we want to hire a self drive car in Leh, is it available and in case of availability please share the details of rates and from where to hire if its in your knowledge.

And lastly I have listed down some stays in ladakh,please suggest whether we can go directly in October and book them on spot or we have to pre book them from:

Atisha Guest House, Leh

Yourdum Guest House, Hunder, Nubra Valley

Himalayan Wooden Cottages, Spangmik, Pangong Lake

Goose Homestay, Korzok, Tso Moriri.

Please suggest if any good home stays are available in Sakti village and what are the rates on double occupancy is in your knowledge.

I will be again waiting for your valuable suggestions and this is to inform you that I have joined DOW community.

Cheers, Suvojit Roy

Gurmat knows me through DoW only and same here. We do not have any special rates for the DwD Community member defined for it. You may give it a shot and seee as a courtesy if he can but there is no such protocol. I do not think there is any self drive car you can get in Leh. Best shot is to ask your driver allow you to drive and you guys tip him in the end. In October either hotels will be closed or will be available for you on the spot. No need of prebooking.

Sakti does have homestays.

At the onset, I would like to express by thanks for the most comprehensive and wonderful detailing of trips. Haven’t seen any site till date including tripadvisor, which can match up to DOW! Congrats!

Having said that, based on your experiences and recommendations, I planned a family trip to Leh from 25th April’15 to 2nd May’15. It was perfect, though due to certain reasons we had to curtail it by 2 days. We went ahead and hired the services of Punchouk, one of the XUV drivers whose name is mentioned and he turned out to be a gem. Recommend him highly, for his behavior, courtesy, knowledge and of course his car and driving skills.

Cannot comment much on hotels as we stayed in an Army mess in Leh, but did stay for the night at Hotel Pangong Inn, at Pangong Lake.

We experienced some variances in weather. Will about single digit temperatures in Leh in the morning to negative in the night and if it was windy, best to stay indoors. Also, please do not ignore suggestions given on acclimatization! We ignored suggestion from Punchouk to not stay for more than 10 minutes at Changa Pass, and we almost passed out after 20 minutes!

As they say, Leh is a cold barren desert. It is a major contrast from other hill stations one might have visited in the past. Rocky and will absolutely no vegetation except a smattering of some along the river, it is a sight to absorb.

Ladhaki people are very friendly and courteous and will not overcharge you. The food items available throughout were very limited….potato, onion, rice, Maggie. Though we did find a good restaurant on the last day…”Summer Harvest”, located in a small bi-lane on the main market in Leh, about 20 meters from J&K Bank’s main branch.

Dheeraj, once again, thanks for all the posts!

Cheers, Ankit

Thank you so much, that is quite a blessed compliment to get 🙂 🙂

Good to read about your experience and that you had a wonderful experience of Ladakh. Yeah, almost all Ladakhi people are gems and very true about the acclimatization part. A prime concern I always try to highlight every time in my posts or plans I suggest. It can get very ugly, very very ygly if ignored.

I must mention that though the taxi union rate may seem high, given the tough conditions and the erratic business, I found them to be reasonable.

Having covered a fair bit of India, elsewhere the guys are there to get you. Though our guy, Punchouk offered us a 15% discount, I did not bother taking it. Rather gave him a little extra. He was an important element in making our holiday great!

Also, would like to post some pics, if allowed. Please let me know how.

Hey Ankit, that will be just amazing. And thank you for showing such courtesy. I also never ask for any discount and even if I get try my best not to take it but many of them know me so have to try more harder. But, I get them some gifts for sure. Once, you reach there connect with the environment and people then only you can understand and respect why the prices are so high and the experience you get out of it keeps you always calling back again and again !!

Regarding contribution, it will be a great to have you in our DwD Community. Please JOIN DoW – Himalayan Travel Community and you can share your Himalayan knowledge and experiences with other like minded travellers too and help us materialize the vision to help a Himalayan life & help travelers travel with a difference in various parts of Himalayas. Do read about our DoW Causes and so far what we have done in the past couple of years to spread smiles in Himalayas…

This article is a step by step guide to help you post your first travel tale or photo tale: How to Write a Travel Tale or Topic with Attached Images

Looking forward to your pictures in the DwD Community 🙂

Dheeraj your help and comments are very useful. I am going leh for the first time . I am from pune and leaving on 30th apr 2015.

Replied to your comment here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/about/comment-page-10/#comment-323609

I am planning a trip to Leh with my husband end of April for 4N/5D. Its our first trip to Leh. Shall reach 24th April and fly back to Delhi on 28th Morning. Will be staying in Leh itself.

Would below itinerary be fine :

24th – Reach Leh around noon. Take rest 25th – Day trip to Either Khurdungla OR Nubra .. Any suggestions? 26th- Day trip to Pangong 27th- Any local mkt or monasteries you would like to suggest ? 28th- Fly back to Dellhi

Also, to travel around what would you advise- hiring a bike or cab or a local sightseeing tour?

Best Regards, -Nimisha

Nimisha, 4 days are too less for a trip to Ladakh where first two days are to be done as mandate as below:

Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight) — Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them. — Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home. — Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible. — After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa . — If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and, — Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road. — Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh. Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization — Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you. — Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan. — Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best. — Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own. — Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only. — If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh — Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more. — Overnight at Leh

You are left with just 2 more days, may be on Day 3 make a day trip to Khardung La and Day 4 make a day trip to Pangong Tso.

Appreciate your response very much !!

Regards, -Nimisha

Hi dheeraj , i m leaving for leh on 2nd may and we are 3 friends we are goin for jst 3 days on 5th v have flight from leh itself We ll arrive at leh aiport in the 2nd may early morning i hv few question to ask We are planning to hire bikes there shud we go for 3 bikes 500cc/350cc solo or shud we take 2 bikes 500cc for pilion and 350/500cc for solo and ny relaible person from whom we can hire bike ? In three days as i hv planned to leave from the first day itself to explore leh and stay in leh on 4th of may to catch nxt morng flight where should i start from shud i go to pangong lake or somewhere else ? Is there permit required now as early it was but now i dont knw ? Apart from pangong lake where else shud i go khardlunga pass or nubra valley ? Shud i carry extra fuel wid me on bike as i ll not come back to leh on 2 / 3 nyts

Shashank, you need to do comeplete rest as mentioned in the article above for first two days unless you do not love your life and are fine with taking a life risk 🙂 … Must remember, AMS can be FATAL and every year people die of AMS, at least I am seeing i for the past few years now 🙁 🙁

Appreciate your efforts on detail information, even an amateur traveller can start with confindence; after reading your blogs. Thanks for sharing.

Abdul, thanks for the wonderful words of appreciation, helps alot in keeping the fuel running 🙂

fantastic forum and such a great work …. kudos to you. we are group of eight families… age 40 to 6 yr range. Is it possible for us to do a ladakh trip with families first time around ?( may-june)) or Shall we ( all male) do the trip first (sept-oct) and then think of doing it with the family?

plan is to do the trip by road in our own vehicles and the time period is about 15 days. we will be strating from kolhapur (pune) maharashtra

Bhavesh, it is completely possible to do it with families and lot of people do it in June – July. In case you want to do it by road then mid June – July or September is the good time else by flight, you can do it from mid may to September any time. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh .

Hi dheeraj, In ur winter itinerary you havent mentioned lamayuru. Is it not recommended. Please let me know as i am planning next winter from now

Lamayuru isn’t something must do, in case you want to do it, then add a day as well. Day 2 and day 3 in that case will have a trip to Lamayuru and Sham Valley

Dear Dheeraj, I’m planning to visit ladakh from 1st April to 11th April 2015. Wanted to know if all d restaurants and hotels would b functional. Specially food availability is more concern. Will all d tourist spots b open n accessible? Will road to pangong b open? Possible to have night stay near pangong during that time? This is my first trip to Leh and I have selected the dates due to flight scheme. Hope to hear from u soon. Thnx in advance.

Anshu, I think I replied to you right?

Yes Dheeraj, we had talk on fb. Thnx for the reply.

Hi Dheeraj, I am Ankita from Pune. Actually we are planning a trip between 18th to 26th Apr 2015. So can you please provide some information on weather. Even wanted to know if we can go and come back on same day from Leh to Khardung la pass?

Ankita, are you planning in Ladakh? If yes, you can plan during that period of time. Weather starts to get a bit warm in April, lakes starts to melt too though it may not be completely melted by the time. It can snow too if weather turns bad one a day in April. All the routes will be open and you can easily do a day trip to Khardung La in April. You can read my travel tale from April starting from the article: My Never Ending Journey | Ladakh 2012

Hi Dheeraj!

First of all I wanted to thank you for such a thoughtful written article! I am travelling to Leh for 4 days in early March and it will be my first stop in India. I hope it is not to cold, I read somewhere it has highs of 7 and low of -10 for that time.

I was wondering if the monasteries would continue to function during winter. I am hoping to drop by for the morning prayers at Thiksey, would you have any other recommendations?

And would I be able to see yaks anywhere in Leh during winter?

It will still be quite cold in March up there in Ladakh. Yeah, -10 shall be there but the real challenge is chilly winds. Monasteries will be functioning and you can visit Hemis, Thicksey, Shey, Stakna, Stok, Phyang all in the near vicinity of Leh. You can also visit Alchi too.

Yaks, most likely yes, you will be able to see.

Hey Hi, my name is purvi, (from Mumbai), wanted to know few things about Leh. I am planning to visit Leh in Mid-September. My budget is too tight, so thought would take your help as to things to cover with in 7-8 days. I checked all your articles featuring Leh, must say are of great help. I am planning this trip with my friend and a total of about 6-7 ppl max, so would like to know what will be the estimate cost for an individual including staying (a decent guest house for 800 per person/ night), decent places to eat (lunch/dinner), hiring bike for nearby sightseeing, hiring taxi for Nubra Valley, Diskit, Pangong, and other permits if required. So I have not included the flight charges which is coming around 11k per person. It would be great if you could assist me with this query. Thanks. 🙂

Purvi, 11K seems too less a budget. You have to keep about Rs 700-1000 for food and stay per day for decent food and decent stays. This means in case of a 10 dy trip, 7-10K will be gone for stay and food. Rest your commute which is the most costly part.

Me and my husband are planning to visit Leh Ladakh in the month of May first week by flights. Can you please let me if this would be the right time to visit. I wanted to cover places Leh, Pangong Lake (with overnight stay), Khardungla Pass and Nubra Valley. Are there any chances to get now anywhere. Also, will it be better to take package or arrange everthing on our own.

Anubha, yeah, it shall be the right time to visit though lakes like PAngong Tso, Tso Moriri will be partially frozen. Also, Pangong Tso will not be having any options of sleeping at night and you may need to stay at Tangste, 34 KMs before Pangong Tso. There will be loads of snow at Khardung La or Changla.

I’m visiting Leh (mainly Hemis) in mid Feb 2015, not sure how cold will it be at that time. Need your advice on what to carry in terms of winter cloths. We are a group from Mumbai and this would be my second trip to Leh but first in Feb. So we all are unsure of what kind of clothing would be recommended.

Regards, Prashant

Hi Prashant,

It will be quite cold up there in Ladakh. December to February are the coldest months and cold is quite harsh up there due to the presence of thin air or say lack of oxygen too. Your body needs to react to both cold as well as high altitude change, so go prepared and rest for at least 2 days in Leh itself.

Regarding clothes to be taken, you can check: Tips for Carrying Clothes for Ladakh Trip

Regards Dheeraj Sharma

Dear Dhheraj,

Nice to read the information. I am going to Leh for Chaddar trekking on 22nd and it will be finished by 30th jan. I have 4 days with me for ladakh visit .Can u suggest an itinerary for me in less budget. it is written that TAXI fare is same in winter , but can i find some fellow traveler at this time.?

Sarad, it will be quite difficult to get some companions in winter months and hence will be somewhat quite expensive in case it is for couple of person. May be you should get in touch with the group or the company through which you are going on Chadar trek if they can combine few fellow travelers for a visit to Pangong Tso or Nubra Valley.

Planning to visit leh from 13th to 19th March, would you recommend booking a cab now onwards or should we book it upon reaching there… I have planned for a day trip to pangong Tso lake, however i am contemplating if i should go there if it will be frozen..Would Magnetic hill make us experience the magical phenomenon in March while it is under the thick blanket of snow? Awaiting your revert !! Thanks in advance

March is a lean season with only handful of people around, so you can book the cab on the spot too. There is no comparison between Magnetic Hill and Pangong Tso. Any day frozen Pangong will be much much beautiful than Magnetic hill 😉

our travel dates are-25 to 29 December to leh .We have booked a hotel which provides Central heating.. however i was reading somewhere that a sleeping bag is a must for winter trip to ladakh.. is it necessary even if central heating is available?

Also, can you advise as to how to keep the legs warm? will one pair of stockings – one pair of leg warmer and then jeans over it be enough?

Thanks in advance!

Tanima, If a central heating room is available and they provide enough quilts then it should be fine to travel up there. Sleeping bags are necessary in cases when people plan to stay at guest houses or home stays. However, keep in mind that it will be super cold up there, last day it was around -20

Hi Dheeraj great work…I really appreciate for your great work for guiding people in all possible ways and take lot of pain and time answering lots of peoples, thanks it find so useful guide traveling to leh… So Dheeraj me and my friends group are planing to visit leh from 14june to 20th June.is this the right time to visit? we have planned to come from Bangalore to Chandigarh via flight and then Chandigarh to manali by Volvo.And From manali to leh One way 2 Bikes and 2 Jeeps.Is it possible to get an open Jeep for rent from manali till leh?. And after that planning to take a tour package from leh, from 16th to 19th June.Kindly suggest a better tour package for 3 nights and 4 days.and from leh to Srinagar.one day tour to Srinagar and we will book a flight from Srinagar to Bangalore on for 21st June. Kindly help us out with your better suggestions.

Sholden, thank you so much for all the appreciation, good to know that always people like you appreciating the efforts put in here 🙂 🙂

June is good time to visit Ladakh, however, the number of days you have in hand is a bit less. It takes 3 days to reach Leh from Chandigarh at minimum from Manali side and on stretch from Srinagar side provided you can make it to Srinagar on Day 1 itself which is difficult and long drive/ride. So, considering your plan you will reach Leh on 16th and then you need one day rest for acclimatization due to high altitude on 17th, you have just 18th to explore anything in Ladakh because on 19th you need to reach Kargil and 20th back to Srinagar to take flight on 21st from Srinagar.

Are you sure, you OK with such a plan?

Hi Dheeraj, We are group of 6 planning for Chadar Trek in mid Jan 2015. Can you please let me know what options we have in travel to reach Leh. By any chance, will it be possible to reach Leh by road from either from Manali or Srinagar? or only option we have is to travel it via air.

Thanks in advance for your reply, Kumar

Kumar, both Manali – Leh Highway and Srinagar – Leh Highway are closed. The only option is to fly in to Leh.

Reg. the plastic waste, you spoke my mind Dheeraj bhai. Chips packets near all the passes and plastic bottles in Pangong. Now I know, how the tourists treat the popular places and probably why the yesteryear hill stations no longer have any charm.

Modi ko leke jaana hain … Swach Bharath ke liye 😛

Ha Ha , yeah Sai bhai, you are very true about it. It is getting spoiled with each passing year.

Sorry forgot to mention the dates 6th Nov to 12th Nov

Thanks, Gaurav

Replied considering you are focusing on Winters travel in this article 😉

gaurav….we shall b also there ..we are two brothers….whats the taxies cost you are paying….as mentioned in mine i shall be paying arround 18000 from 7th to 12 drop…

Thanks for the advice Dheeraj.

Satish yes same around Rs. 18,000 for the 6th to 12th Nov

Hi Dheeraj, Could you please help us , a group of youngsters 25 to 30 years whether below Itinerary is fine ?

Day 1 – After landing at Leh rest for few hours then explore local leh Day 2: Sham Valley with Alchi and Likir Day 3 – Leh – Khurdungla – Nubra (Night stay at Hunder, Habib Guesthouse) Day 4 – Nubra to Leh Day 5 Leh – Pangong – Leh Day 6 Leh – Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey and Shey monasteries – Leh Day 7: Leh to Airport drop

Its similar to yours just that 3 Days of your suggested Itinerary is clubbed in the first 2 Days, will it be fine ? Thanks, Gaurav

Gaurav, it is fine enough. Just that follow the instructions given for Day 1 and Day 2. Also, you may like to sway the Day 2 with Day 6 because Sham Valley tour will be more tiring & longer than Monastery tour and your body might not do well with it initially. Also, please do not take too much stairs or climb too much.

dheeraj can you suggest the best type of sleeping bag to have in leh…besides hows the conditions in hotel driftwood thongsal..i have booked the hotel…

Thongsal is quite a good hotel if it suits your budget. They will be having heating system in place, so no worries on that front and hence, sleeping bag will only be required for other places. You can check this sleeping bag: Quechua S0 Light Right Zip Adult Sleeping Bag

deeraj great work….you take lot of pain and time answing lots of peoples, thanks find so useful guide traving to leh…it looks now i have someone to guide and this tour will be a good one..thanks dow…..

Pleasure is all for DoW, glad it is proving useful to you 🙂 🙂

Another useful & excellent article. Polluting The Himalayas is indeed a worrisome & non-human act. Nowadays, anyone who pollutes the earth seems like a poison to me. I will share one incident. I was in Ooty on bike, one sumo was coming from front with full pace & on my (wrong) lane. I was just getting to the extreme left to make her way But suddenly one bike in my lane in front of me stopped his vehicle. I salutes the man gut as the sumo was wrongly overtaking on speed & coming towards him but later stopped & got back in his lane & then the man moved forward. This man stood in b/w on busy morning to teach him a lesson & corrected his way But usually we all are in so hurry & we let these poisonous people pass. Everyone should stand still on that very instant & teach these people a lesson. We chase them, stop them but do not let them pollute or do any wrong doing.

Bhuvan, very true and I agree with your words. But, without local support any aggression or confrontation is of no use. Unless outsiders like these morons do not have fear of locals who will beat them up if they litter their home, nothing can be sorted out, IMHO and they will continue to litter the homes of others as much as they can because they just don’t care.

Good article and useful to me .I am travelling to Leh next week ^_^.

Best wishes for the trip, do let us know which hotels you found open in Winters and if they run all around year? It will help many others too.

Excellent article, just one thing to add

Accommodation will be expensive during winters. Checked with Salim of hotel panorama, he quoted Rs 2,500/- for the room we paid 800/- during September 2013

Gagan, thanks a lot for highlighting this point as I forgot. Added couple of more points into the tips. Hotels does charge more because there is demand as compared to functional hotels in Leh as well as they provide the heating facilities, some with central heating systems as well that comes at a price. Also, many a times hotel offers food/meals as well because it is not possible to walk in winters to nearby restaurants as most of the restaurants are closed. So, check with Salim if he is offering food in it or not? 3 times is outrageous if it is just room 😀

Don’t think meals are included and even if he does won’t be any good because you won’t be in the room all the time. He said in winters there’s snow leopard trekking happening so lot of foreign tourists are travelling. He can offer rooms for same old price but without hot water & heater and that’s a suicide!

Taxi for pangong will be around 6-8k

Flight ticket was very economical around 11k for two people in January & April on fixed dates so I thought of travelling will only finalise if I find a better deal for accommodation.

Hmmm that is fine in that case Gagan but in night you have to get the meal up there and in morning too as times. I faced a lot of issues in April for breakfast and dinner, it was super damn cold all the time in morning and evening, with no food in guest house, it was quite tough 😀 😀

If you are fixing the deal in April towards end of it, then it should be fine and there is no need of heaters even. Just carry good sleeping bags and goo winter clothes. It should be fine in April without much issues. December to March is particularly tough up there and without heater, it wont be possible. Still, try to negotiate it better way. Talk to Shanti Guest House, the one just aside the Panorama Hotel else find on the spot up there with the help of drivers. I will suggest that you talk to Rigzin for taxi and ask him which hotels / guest houses will be operational. He will be able to help you a lot. His name is first in the drivers list link.

hi Dheeraj , planning to visit in April ,

1- any chance of snow fall that time ? 2- I am thinking below itenary Day 1 – after landing at Leh rest for few hours then explore local leh Day 2 – Leh – Khurdungla – Nubra – Leh Day 3 – Leh – Pangong – Leh Day 4 Leh – Tso Morari – Leh Day 5 return flight

Hope this is doable ?

Pawan ji, this is not at all recommended. If will be quite tough as you land up there by air body will crave for acclimatization. You must spend at least couple of days within Leh to get used to the high altitude else you might suffer with AMS badly, due to cold around too. Then, you can make a day trip to Khardung La or Nubra Valley which ever you are comfortable with, though I will suggest stick to just Khardung La and finally a day trip to Pangong Tso. Tso Moriri day trip is not feasible any day, it is about 240 KMs from Leh one side.

You should be able to find plenty of snow right from South Pullu to Khardung La pass but for snowfall, all depends upon the luck. We did got snowfall towards the end of our trip in April and on passes too.

Another excellent travel article with some very useful tips and bits of advice. I agree that with the ever-increasing number of tourists in Ladakh during the summer tourist season and the fact that some of them, unfortunately, seem hell-bent on leaving behind a right royal mess everywhere they go, a winter visit may soon become the only option to savour the tranquil serenity of the Ladakh we all so love.

Thank you for this article and I’m sure it will serve as a very useful resource, as all your articles are, for those seriously considering a winter visit to Ladakh. Though of course, I suppose one needs to be a hardy soul to be able to deal with the harsh weather conditions there during winters but the rewards of such a journey would I believe be well worth it.

Just one small thing in this article that you may want to quickly check – the link to the article “Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh” does not seem to be working. The page does exist but the URL has a double-quote (“) symbol at the end because of which when you click on it you get a 404 Page not Found error.

Best regards, Hatim

Thank you so much for echoing the words and feelings and above all pointing to the incorrect working link, it is fixed now. I hope endeavors of DwD Community in promoting Responsible Travel in Himalayas may reap the fruits one day but to make it happen we need support for many more souls who can get educated of such practices and thereby spread them forward.

Awesome Dheeraj. Taxi charges will be on higher side in winters I guess.????? Any idea abt the fare

Thank you Pankaj, added couple of additional tips too for hotels and stay. Regarding taxis, they are not really costly even in winters. In any case they cannot charge beyond Taxi Union Price which is fixed for the year no matter what conditions. You can always complaint in taxi union if driver charges more from you or ask more from you. You should be able to get 15-20% discount I believe in winters, if you directly talk to drivers mentioned in the list above, try and get in touch with Rigzin as he is most famous for all winter excursions 😀 😀

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Winter Season

Winter Season in Ladakh

The winter season in Ladakh starts from October and continues till February. During this time, the entire region receives snowfall. Places like Kargil experience harsh winters, while Drass becomes one of the coldest places in the world. Even though the heavy snowfall leads to the frequent blockage of roads, Ladakh is still accessible via flights.

How to Reach
Places to Visit
Things to Do

About Winter Season in Ladakh

Here is the detailed info on the Winter Season in Ladakh, along with temperatures.

Winter in Ladakh (late October to February, Temperature -5°C to 10°C)

The winter season in Ladakh starts from late October and lasts till February, with the temperatures dropping as low as 10°C. Snowfall occurs heavily during this time, and causes frequent blocking of roads. Some of the reasons behind planning your holidays in Ladakh during winters is enjoying the fabulous icy landscape, taking the famous Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River and attending the festivals, many of which are held during this time.

Best Places to Visit in Winter Season in Ladakh

Best Selling Ladakh Tour Packages

5 Nights - 6 Days

Best of Ladakh Honeymoon

16 Nights - 17 Days

Eternal Romance with Himalayas

6 Nights - 7 Days

Ladakh Photography Tour; Capture the high mountains of Ladakh

12 Nights - 13 Days

Glimpses of Ladakh

9 Nights - 10 Days

Manali to Leh Jeep Safari Tour

13 Nights - 14 Days

Manali - Leh overland Motor Bike Safari

11 Nights - 12 Days

Whispers of Secrets of Himalayas: Ladakh with Zanskar Tour

4 Nights - 5 Days

Ladakh Spiritual Tour

Sindhu Darshan Tour

Our latest informative travel blogs.

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Top 6 Treks to Explore in Ladakh That Will Leave You Spellbound

Top 15 Places to Visit in Ladakh That Will Leave You Spellbound

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A Travel Guide To Visit Ladakh In Winter in 2023

Rahul Arora

Ladakh is situated in the state of Jammu & Kashmir of India and is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan range, Karakoram Range, and the beautiful Kunlun mountain range. The culture of Ladakh is very well merged with the Tibetan lifestyle. Ladakh is a favorite destination among motorcyclists and thrill-seekers looking for an adventurous Ladakh trip .

Usually, the best time to visit Ladakh is during the summer months from June until September. These are the months of the year when the most number of tourists visit Ladakh. But the winter in Ladakh is quite extreme and requires some good preparation in terms of packing clothing and planning your itinerary. You may also find Ladakh being at its best during the winters.

Travel Experiences in Ladakh During Winters

We have compiled a list of some tourist attractions that are great for an ideal Ladakh winter travel guide. These travel experiences include some of the adventure-based attractions along with some attractions for sightseeing in Leh-Ladakh in winter.

Best Attractions In Ladakh During The Winter Season

1. nubra valley, 2. hemis national park, 3. the chadar trek, 4. experience the local festivals and culture, 5. visit kargil, 6. experience the frozen lake of pangong tso , 7. bongbong la valley.

The snow-covered Nubra Valley in the winter is mesmerizing with its beautiful orchards and its monasteries. Nubra valley is located 150 kilometers from the city of Leh. It is one of the favorite trekking destinations among the tourists who visit every year.

To reach Nubra Valley, you have to cross the Khardung La. One of the most unique features of this valley is the rich soil for farming. Nubra valley is also called the ‘Orchard of Ladakh’.

Nearby attractions: Samstemling, Diskit, Hunder, and Ensa.

Suggested Read: Wonderful Places to visit in India

The Hemis National Park is among the top destinations for traveling in Ladakh in the winter season. This national park is a wildlife sanctuary that helps in preserving the biodiversity and the wildlife in Ladakh. This national park was named after a monastery called ‘Hemis Gompa’.

Hemis National Park is a favorite destination among trekking enthusiasts and is most popular as a trekking destination. If you wish to visit this national park, please note that there are only makeshift camping options available here.

Make sure you make necessary arrangements in advance. r settlement in the region. So one has to plan a makeshift arrangement in the form of a tent or a hammock, for an overnight stay. Also, the snow leopard trek is a popular winter trek in Leh Ladakh that you can experience here.

The best feature of this national park is that it is home to some rare species of animals and birds in this area. Animals such as the Snow leopard, Ibex, and Tibetan argali are some of the species that are found here. Hemis National Park is the best destination for sightseeing in Leh-Ladakh in December.

Nearby attractions: Khurnak Valley, Markha Valley, Rumbak Nala, and Chilling Nala.

Suggested Read: Unusual Things to do in India

This trek is one of the most popular and adventurous trails that gives the most rewarding experience of trekking. For an adventurous Ladakh trip, the famous Chadar Trek will test your mental and physical endurance. One most important thing to remember is that this trek is known as one of the most difficult treks in the world. Since trekking in the winters without proper physical training and fitness can prove fatal.

Once you have experienced the majestic beauty of the frozen landscape, you will cherish this experience for years to come. Chadar is a special attraction in Leh-Ladakh in December. To put it briefly, Chadar Trek mostly involves walking around 100 kilometers on ice with dangerously low temperatures.

The highest altitude you will reach is around 3800 meters above sea level. The Chadar trek usually takes around 15-20 days to complete in optimum weather conditions. The best time to start on your Chadar Trek is in January till February.

Nearby Attractions: Mulbekh monastery, Phuktal monastery, and Zanskar River

Suggested Read: Secret Places to visit in Himachal

The summer months are considered as the peak season for working and for engaging with various activities related to tourism. One thing to note is that Ladakh’s economy is majorly dependent on tourists which contributes to most of the state’s revenue. So, the summer season is one of the best times to work.

Leh-Ladakh in December is the time when most of the locals stay indoors with their families and enjoy eating together and attending the local festivities and gatherings. Summer festivals are usually very well documented by the tourists as most social media posts and photography is shared during the peak tourist season.

However, the festivals in the winters are particularly special because of the involvement of the local population. Following are some of the major winter festivals in Ladakh that you can attend. Monasteries during winter are the best places to visit because of the festivals which are attended by many Lamas who are revered by the locals.

You can also choose to stay in one of the local homestays which are very basic. You will not find comfort like that of a hotel, but you will get to experience how the locals live.

Nearby attractions: Spituk Gustor, Stok Festival, Ladakhi Losar, Matho Monastery Festival, Thiksay Gustor, Dosmoche

Following are some of the things to expect before traveling to Ladakh in Winter

●Low Temperatures: It can get really cold with temperatures dropping as low as -30 degrees celsius.

●Affordable Guesthouses: During the winter season, you will find many great guesthouses and hotels are good affordable prices.

●Travel by Air: From October till March, all the major road passes are closed and hence the only way to travel is by taking a flight.

●Acclimatization: It might take at least 10 days to acclimatize to the altitude if you are traveling by flight.

●Great for Photography: If you are someone who loves to click photographs then you will not be disappointed with the scenic beauty of the Ladakhi landscape.

●Carry Cash: You will not find many ATMs in Ladakh. So, you should carry enough cash with you to avoid any inconvenience.

●Clothing: You need a lot of woolens or warm clothing to make your winter in Ladakh more comfortable. Make sure to pack enough and pack right.

●Carry Essentials: You will need sunscreen to avoid the harmful UV rays along with moisturizer and essential medication.

●Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid any health problems resulting from acclimatization to the altitude.

Suggested Read: Things to do in Rishikesh

Ladakh in winter is not for everyone. However, if you are one of the people who are looking for an adventurous Ladakh trip, then several travel destinations will satisfy your need for an adventure.

Although sightseeing in Leh-Ladakh in December or in any other winter month is not for everyone, if you can challenge yourself a little and make the right preparations, then you will find your journey to be a truly enriching experience.

The Ladakhi monasteries during winter are particularly amazing to photograph and to visit because they have a different aura during the extreme winters.

Some of the best monasteries to visit in Ladakh are:

●Hanle Monastery

●Thikse Monastery

●Basgo Monastery

●Shey Monastery

You will not find many travel agents offering any Leh-Ladakh packages for couples. However, many travelers find it romantic to visit Ladakh during the extreme winter season. Although not a popular winter destination for couples, it is still a great choice to consider for your winter travel plan.

Ladakh is a great tourist destination that needs to be explored further. There are many wonderful experiences that you can enjoy in your Leh-Ladakh sightseeing package. Also if you are a solo traveler, you can find many opportunities to explore the local culture and the people who are very polite and gentle. Make sure to make necessary preparations if you are traveling in winter.

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Places to Visit in Ladakh

Places To Visit In Ladakh

50 Stunning Places To Visit In leh Ladakh 2021 ladakh memorable vacation

What do you exactly think when you hear the name Ladakh? Well, for most of us it is the land of the mighty Himalayas, glossy glaciers, sparkling emerald lakes, azure sky and swirling roads. But wait, there is much more to it. Ladakh is also very well known for its unique culture, super delicious Ladakhi cuisine, absolutely satisfying Momos, warm friendly people and a welcoming atmosphere.

The rare beauty of Ladakh beckons many travellers to have fun in the open skies amidst soaring mountains and awe-inspiring landscapes. It is a great place for adventure sports and there are some amazing places to visit in Ladakh that are absolutely incredible and mind boggling. It is unquestionably one of the most appealing holiday destinations in the world. What are you waiting for? Get set for the most soothing, stunning and adventurous holiday of your life. Let’s explore this alluring place through our Leh Ladakh travel guide and get engrossed.

Ladakh has a bundle of fascinating places and attractions and you are going to love every second of your holiday here . Although there is a long list of places to visit in Ladakh, here are a few must visit places.

Nubra valley : Valley flower of Ladakh
Pangong lake :stunning Blue lake
Hanle : large historic village in
Zanskar valley :Snow region
Changla pass : 2nd hightest Motorable raod
Alchi Monastery :world Heritage
Lamayuru Monastery : Moon land view
Khardung la pass : Highest Motorable road h
Turtuk Village : taste of Baltistan Culture
Leh palace : Ladakh Royal Palace
Rancho School :3 Idiot school
Shanti stupa : Build for world peace
Hemis monastery :Oldest Monastery in Ladakh
Thiksay Monastery : Valley flower of Ladakh
Shey palace : Mini Potala Palce
Siachen base camp : Summer king residency
Hall of fame :museum/war memorial house
Chadar trek : Zanskar frozen river trek
Sonamrg :Stunning hill station
Tsomoriri lake : picturesque high-altitude lake
Magnetic Hill : Rolling downhill
Sangam Point : Zankser & indus river confluence
Hemis National Park : world famous for its majestic snow leopards,
Stok palace : Beautiful palace
Pang : Beauty of Long drive
Stok Kangri : Highest expedition in stok range
Tanglang La : One of Highest pass in world
Markha valley : Valley flower of Ladakh
panamik : hot water spring
lamayuru :Moon land of Ladakh
Mulbek Chamba : 1000-year-old Maitreya Buddha rock carved
Ladakh conclave : presenting rich culture of Ladakh
Jispa : valley of beauty with river
Tsokar lake : famous for bird watching trip
Gata Loops : most scenic drive in Himalayan
spituk Monastery : Beautiful Monastery
Suru Valley : Beauty of kargil
Kargil war memorial : war memorial built by the Indian Army
Kargil :Beautiful town LOC Indo Pak
Atal tunnel : world's longest highway tunnel connecting
Secmol Campus : Innovative and creative of ladakh
Mahabodhi Meditation centre : practice of mind
Ice stupa :Mesmerising artificial glaciers in Ladakh
Pathar Sahib Gurudwara :beautiful Gurudwara sahib
Basgo palace :stunning palace
Phyang Monastery : spiritual destination
apricot blossom Festival : fragrance and sweetness
Lamayuru Monastery : beautiful Moonland view

Zanskar Valley:

Nestled in the eastern corner of Ladakh, the Zanskar Valley is one of the best places to visit in leh ladakh in june. Zanskar is a semi desert and one of the most charming places in Ladakh. It is an ideal hill retreat with fantastic Tibetan style monasteries, snow clad mountains and stunning landscapes. Although the valley is cut off from the rest of the world for over nine months of the year due to heavy snowfall, it is very popular for its twisty trekking trails and daring white water rafting . Tourists like to explore this valley in cars and bikes to experience the thrill of driving through a difficult and challenging topography.

The valley is also blessed with two small and serene alpine lakes that are simply gorgeous. Do visit Nimu to see the convergence of the Zanskar and the Indus rivers and do not miss visiting the very famous Panikhar Fort located on the border of the Suru Valley. With azure blue streams and shimmering glaciers, Zanskar Valley is certainly among the best Ladakh tourist places.ocated at a breathtaking taking height of about 4350 meters, on the Indo-China borders, Pangong Tso is a beautiful glacial lake and one of the best places to visit in Ladakh. Boasting of being the world’s highest salt water lakes, Pangong Lake is popular for its changing colours and emerging in different shades of blue, green and sometimes red. Surrounded by the barren Himalayas, this brackish lake is greeted by several migratory birds and is an ecstasy for photographers, ardent bird watchers and adventure buffs. Tourists who love camping also get a chance to spend a night camping under the starlit sky and feel the nature closely without any walls. Brought to limelight by the movie, ‘Three Idiots’, Pangong Tso is among the most renowned tourist attractions in Leh Ladakh having magical vibes that will charm you meticulously.

Go2ladakh.in tips Be sure to carry packaged water, route maps and information.470 Km from Leh : Bes time to visit : July to September Inner Line Permit : Required Read More

Nubra Valley

Nestled at a distance of about 140 kilometres from Leh, Nubra Valley is unquestionably one of the most illustrious tourist attractions in Leh Ladakh. It is an expansion of the Tibetan plateau that divides the Ladakh Range from the Karakoram Range. Being a high altitude cold desert, this valley is renowned for the meeting of Shyok and Siachen rivers, double humped camels, glistening streams, flourishing green villages and rugged mountain peaks. Do take a roundabout route to see the distinguished white sand dunes of Hunder and get mesmerised by its ever changing shapes and forms. Do not miss visiting the famous Diskit Monastery and the hot springs of Panamik. Being in Nubra Valley is actually an eye-opener; it is surprising to see people living in such difficult conditions. The unearthly beauty and the vibe of this valley attract travellers from all over the world who yearn to visit extraordinary places.

Nubra Valley have limited ATM. It is advisable to carry cash from Leh itself. Best time to visit : April to September Inner Line Permit : Required

Chadar Trek

Have you ever imagined walking on a frozen lake amidst snow covered mountains and shimmering streams? Well, if yes, then Chadar Trek is the place for you. It is one of the most unbelievable places to visit in Leh Ladakh and probably the most adventurous, daring and challenging treks in India. In the winter season, the Zanskar River freezes and resembles like a white blanket and since ‘Chadar’ means blanket, hence the trek is popularly known as the Chadar Trek. It is a six day trek across the ice-covered Zanskar River which usually takes place during the concluding part of January till about end of February depending upon the weather conditions.

The thrill of walking on the ice-clogged river, camping in caves and the enchanting beauty is breath taking and simply beyond comparison. It gives a great adrenaline rush and is meant for travellers who are ready to experience adventure at the greatest level. ly lives of the monks. If you are looking to discover the real Ladakhi village culture and life, Alchi will surely win your heart.

Go2ladakh.in tips Tourists who intend to go on this trek must be fit and carry a medical certificate read more Details about chadar trek 2022 Best time to travel 10 jannuray to mid mid as per leh temperature Inner Line Permit : Required Read More

Hall Of Fame

Nestled at Leh-Kargil Road approximately 4 kilometres from Leh, the Hall of Fame is a place which certainly makes every Indian very proud. It is certainly one of the best places to visit in Ladakh. It is actually a museum that was built in the memory of all the fearless and courageous soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting for India at the Indo-Pakistan War. It is basically a heartfelt attempt to keep the soldiers alive in the heart of every Indian and to show gratefulness towards them.

The museum is divided into two parts. The upper part showcases arms, weapons and apparels worn by the soldiers whereas the lower part consists of paintings, pictures and biographies of the heroic soldiers. There is also a wall named ‘Lest We Forget’ which exhibits the portraits of all those soldiers who gave their lives fighting. Visitors also get a chance to watch a detailed documentary on Kargil War. It is a great place to honour our daring soldiers who lost their lives to guarantee our safety and security. It is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh for tourists with children who are keen to know more about India’s rich history.

Go2ladakh.in tips There is an entry fee of INR 10 and cameras are allowed inside at an additional cost.

Magnetic Hill

Located at a distance of about 30 kilometres from Leh on the Leh-Kargil Highway, Magnetic Hill is one of the interesting places to visit in Ladakh and is very well known for its magnetic properties. It is believed to have mysterious magnetic properties and this phenomenon is a sensation that attracts tourists from all over the world. The magnetism is apparently so strong that it has the power to pull a car uphill. Well, whether it is a visual illusion or actual magnetic force it is not certain but it is surely a fun thing to experience. So, be sure to include this phenomenal hill in your list of places to visit in Ladakh with memorable Ladakh Holiday!

Go2ladakh.in tips TMake sure you carry enough water and snacks with you as this area does not have many eating joints.

Khardung La Pass

Want to know how it feels to be on the top of the world? Well, head to Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world and one of the best places to visit in Ladakh for visitors who are adventurous. It is a gateway to Nubra and Shyok Valleys with spectacular views of mountain valleys and swirling roads. Also known as the ‘Pass of Lower Castle’, it is a very significant road as it is the way to carry necessities to the Siachen Glacier . Conversely, it is also a paradise for adventure buffs with several motor bike and mountain biking expeditions.

Tourists can also enjoy tea and snacks at the army canteen and buy knick-knacks from a souvenir shop. This mountain pass is on the bucket list of all travel junkies and undoubtedly one of the most loved tourist places in Ladakh.Go2ladakh.in tips : Since it is located at such a high altitude and oxygen levels are very low, it is advisable not to stop here for more than twenty minutes.

Go2ladakh.in tips Best time to visit : April to September and winter snow fall , check the leh weather Inner Line Permit : Required

Located in the capital town of Leh, the Leh Palace is the most excellent example of medieval Tibetan construction and architecture. Built in the seventh century by King Sengge Namgyal, it is made with mud, sand, stones and wood which provides warmth in the winter season and sets up a cool atmosphere in the summer season. Even though the palace is not classically decorated, there is something about the architecture of the palace which makes it appear majestic and grand. It is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh for people who like to explore the historical wonder. This nine storied structure provides a panoramic view of sunrise and sunset and the bustling town of Leh. It is open from seven in the morning till about four in the evening and is now a museum showcasing royal belongings and artefacts such as paintings, crown, traditional dresses, utensils and jewellery. This palace has an unparalleled aura and definitely cannot be missed by any traveller.

Go2ladakh.in tips Please note that photography is strictly prohibited inside the palace. Best time to visit : all season

Hemis Monastery

Nestled at the foothills of Indus, Hemis Monastery is one of the most popular places to visit in Ladakh. It is the largest monastery in Ladakh famous for its annual mask festival. It is also one of the richest monasteries in India with rare and antique copper statue of Buddha, skilfully engraved gold and silver stupas and some out of the ordinary Thangka paintings. Tourists can worship the statues of Buddha and Guru Rimpoche and cleanse their minds and souls. The best time to visit this monastery is certainly during the Hemis Festival where tourists get a chance to see the performance of masked dancers, listen to melodious traditional music and relish local delicacies. This monastery is beyond doubt an incredible mix of spirituality and awe-inspiring beauty that leaves the visitors in admiration of this wonderful place.

Go2ladakh.in tips Go2ladakh.in tips : Shoes are not allowed inside the monastery so it is best to leave them in the car. Best time to visit : Hemis festival in July

Tso Moriri lake

Surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of the snow-clad mountains, Tso Moriri is the largest high altitude lake in India and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ladakh. It is affirmed as a wetland reserve and claims to be the highest Ramsar site in the world. With the reflection of the surroundings immersed in the azure blue waters, this scenic lake is massively beautiful and peaceful.

The serenity and the tranquillity of the lake attract several migratory birds including the Brahmin duck and the brown headed gull. It is a perfect travel destination for bird watchers, photographers, peace lovers and off-beat travellers who crave to see the untouched beauty of Ladakh. Due to its high altitude, it is a lesser known lake and hence much less crowded than its contemporary twin Pangong Tso. Get ready to be hypnotised because this natural marvel will blow your mind away and compel you to simply stare at it endlessly! Check here more Manali to tsokar and tsomoriri

Go2ladakh.in tips Tso Moriri is in a remote area and therefore there is literally no network signal at the lake. Best time to visit : summer and winter Inner Line Permit : Required

Shanti Stupa

Located at an altitude of about 3609 metres on a hill in Chanspa, Shanti Stupa is a magnificent abode of harmony and serenity and is one of the popular places to visit in Ladakh. Overlooking the bustling town of Leh, this glorious structure was constructed by the Japanese Buddhists along with the locals to rejoice 2500 years of Buddhism and is an emblem of peace. It is a milky white domed structure spread over two levels. The first level has a life-size golden idol of Buddha and the second level exhibits the life of Buddha from birth until death. Offering stunning views of the elegant surroundings,

Go2ladakh.in tips Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing as reaching at the top of hill requires a small trek. Best time to visit : ll season

Sangam Point

The word, ‘Sangam’ actually means meeting or confluence of rivers and Sangam Point is the place where the Zanskar River meets River Indus. Located on the National Highway 1, this point is truly splendid and beyond comparison as both the rivers have distinctive and unique colours making it a sight to behold. While the Zanskar River is brown and slightly muddy, the River Indus on the other hand reveals emerald and green hues. Both the rivers form a single trail and are clearly distinguished by their colours. Although the confluence can be best observed during the spring summer months but the tranquillity, the aura and the magic of the place can be felt the moment one reaches there and enjoy your white water rafting . If you are a nature fanatic and are always keen to explore natural wonders, this place surely has to be in your list of the best places to visit in Ladakh.

Go2ladakh.in tips The confluence point is located about 35 kilometres from Leh, immediately before Nimmu Village on the Shrinagar Leh Highway . Best time to visit : April to September

Alchi Monastery

Nestled on the banks of River Indus, Alchi is a quaint little village in the Himalayan region of Ladakh. With fertile lands, lots of apricot trees, Buddhist monasteries and temples, this village is nothing but a spiritual bliss. It is also home to an ancient monastery which dates back to 900 years. Devotees from all over the world flock here in search of everlasting peace and solace. In fact, it is one of the few places where you actually get a chance to learn the teachings of Lord Buddha and see the daily lives of the monks.

If you are looking to discover the real Ladakhi village culture and life, Alchi will surely win your heart. It is breathtakingly beautiful and the charming scenery of this village gives all its visitors a wonderful chance to create memories of a lifetime. Food lovers can also satisfy their culinary craving with super delicious and scrumptious local dishes such as Walnut Salad, Momos, Kashmiri Pulao, Baril, and Tangutur. Tourists interested in adventure sports can also indulge in river rafting at the Alchi Nyemo. So, if you are looking for a tranquil stay away from the hustle bustle, this place certainly deserves a chance to be in the list of the most unbelievable places to visit in Leh Ladakh.

Although there is a medical health care centre but it is advisable to carry basic medicines and a sun screen. Best time to visit all season special visit in summer time

Hemis National Park

Keen to witness the best of Ladakh sightseeing? If yes, then head straight to the Hemis National Park. Located at an elevation of about 3000 to 6000 metres above sea level, this park boasts to be the largest national park in South Asia and one of the best places to visit in Ladakh for its unique attraction. Established in the year 1981, it is also known as the Snow Leopard Capital of India. It is renowned for sheltering quite a number of snow leopards. The park also confines six villages – Kaya, Rumbak, Shingo, Urutse, Chilling and Sku, and other wild life in Ladakh which are home to some 1600 people. There are no hotels in or near the park but home stay facilities are found in all the six villages.

This national park is also a paradise for nature enthusiasts and ardent bird watchers as it is the protected home for rare animals like Leopards, Tibetan Wolves, Ladakhi Urial, Red Fox, Asiatic Ibex, Shapu, Wild Sheep and over 73 species of birds and about 17 mammals. Get a chance to enjoy pollution free environment, serenity, trekking and hiking and make the most of it!Go2ladakh.in tips : Vehicle movement is strictly banned inside the park and trekking is the only option hence be sure to wear comfortable shoes

Tso Kar lake

Scattered over an area of about 9 kilometres, Tso Kar is a marvellous salt water lake at the Rupshu Plateau in Ladakh Valley. Situated at an elevation of approximately about 14700 feet, this lake is supposed to be more peaceful and serene than its other two contemporaries (Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri). It has that untouched feel about itself and is also widely known as the White Lake due to the white salt deposits on its shores. Displaying amazing flora and fauna, this lake attracts several migratory birds such as black-necked crane, Brahmin ducks and bar-headed geese. Offering great views and lovely opportunities for photography, this oscillating lake is surrounded by yak sheds, nomadic families and a monastery. With a number of picturesque bounties in its abode, it is an excellent place for overnight camping, bird watching or to simply sit back and have fun in the surroundings. What are you waiting for? Just add Tso Kar in your Leh Ladakh sightseeing list .

Chang La Pass

Behold the spectacular views of arid landscapes, spellbinding valleys, snow capped mountain peaks and rolling meadows, ChangLa Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in India. Famed as the Gateway to Pangong Tso, it is a popular spot to have a hot cup of tea and Maggie at an elevation of 5360 m. While here, Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace and Hemis are some of the nearby tourist places in Ladakh that can be explored. Location: It lies on Highway-21 (Leh-Manali Highway) between the valleys of Leh and Shyok River.

Go2ladakh.in tips The pass is smoothly operational between May and October.and you can also travel to shyok river to pangong lake other information acute mountain sickness treatmen. Inner Line Permit Required

Tanglang La

Embark on an exciting journey to the second highest motorable road in Ladakh. Experience the thrills of riding on a loose stone road, with unexpected twists and turns at low oxygen levels. It is a vast expanse of nothingness and with only Sarchu and Upshi as the nearest human settlements. Located at an altitude of 17582 ft., this hinterland is one of the most popular places to visit in Ladakh among motorcyclists . Location: Adjacent to the NH -21 or Leh-Manali Highway and can be reached through 21 Gata loops.

Lamayuru Monastery

Bask into the calming vibe of Lamayuru Monastery in Ladakh. Perched on a cliff amidst the mysterious valley, it is among the oldest and largest monasteries and important tourist places in Ladakh. It is so old and full of lore, which can be seen in its architecture, wall paintings and history. While here, walk past the prayer wheels, explore the old structures of the monastery, enjoy the panoramic of the valley, marvel at the temple art or simply sit in meditation. This place will only leave you with good memories.

Spituk Monastery

Spend the day exploring the ancient memorials, impressive frescoes, numerous thangkas, intricately detailed statutes and age-old scriptures, Spituk is truly a paradise for history buffs. Currently, it is home to 100 monks and the carefully hidden image of Mahakali. Spituk means exemplary and this 11th-century monastery does justice to its name. The annual Gustor Festival is the best time to experience this place in its full glory; witness the temple deity - Mahakali and enjoy the traditional Cham Dance.

Go2ladakh.in tips Location: 8 kilometres from Leh in Spituk Village, Leh district, Ladakh, northern India. Timings: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Mondays to Sundays) Best time to visit : all season

Markha Valley Trek

A stunning river valley nestled in the spectacular Hemis National Park, Markha Valley is a popular tourist place in Ladakh and a prime trekking route. This trail offers some of the best trekking experiences in the region. Cross waist-deep rivers and the high passes like Kongmaru La at 17,060 ft. Enjoy outstanding views of Mt Kang Yatse and mesmerising rocky canyons. Who knows, you might also spot a snow leopard. Markha Valley trail is full of adventure and incredible beauty that you mustn't miss!

Go2ladakh.in tips Location: Leh, Ladakh sham valley Best time to markha trek: summery and autumn Read more

Suru Valley

A break from the vast barren lands of the region, the green landscapes of Suru Valley feels like a breath of fresh air. Dotted with villages and plantations and the view of Suru River and the majestic Himalayas in the background, it is one the most beautiful valleys on the face of this earth. Spend a day in Suru, and you will not feel like leaving!

Go2ladakh.in tips Location: Suru Valley is situated on Kargil Road across Pensi La. Best time to visit : spring & summer time , explore the apricot blossom tour

War Memorial Kargil

Wonder of Ladakh best package to visit and Pay homage to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Army officers and soldiers in the 1999 Kargil War. Get to know the challenges faced by our brave soldiers in the higher terrains of Drass, Kargil and Batalik and still emerged victorious. The Kargil Memorial is open throughout the year. However, the roads to Kargil are only operational during the months of March to October.

Go2ladakh.in tips Best time to visit : sindependence day 15 august best time , normally you can travel from march to October from Srinaga to leh please check kargil to Drass valley road status if you travel in winter and spring Location Kargil War Memorial, NH1-D, Drass, Kargil-Ladakh 194102, India (The memorial is located on the main highway connecting Kashmir and Ladakh.

Siachen Base Camp

Witness the world's highest battlefield in the world where nature is a bigger threat than bullets - Siachen Base Camp has now been opened for tourism by the Ministry of Defense. Experience what our soldiers go through on a daily basis to protect the most strategic point of the border. At an altitude of 24000 ft, the temperature drops to less than -50 degrees and oxygen saturation- only 10%. Apart from all this, Siachen is one of the most challenging places to visit in Ladakh and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You can try check tour included explore Siachen

Go2ladakh.in tips The civilian treks are approved by the MOD, but the actual opening is yet to be announced. As of now tourist not allowed to travel to saichen base camp Best time to travel : April to September Inner Line Permit : Required Location Siachen Base Camp in Partapur, Ladakh.

Turtuk Village

Carts full of barley straws and land covered by apricot trees, encircled by the picturesque mountain valleys, Turtuk is a beautiful hamlet lying on the banks of Shyok River and is a wonderful tourist place in Ladakh. Due to its 2.5km close proximity to LOC, it is seen with military convoys. Most of the population here is Muslim Balti and practises agriculture and cattle rearing. With Nubra Valley on one side and Baltistan on the other, Turtuk is an enigma in itself.

Go2ladakh.in tip TLocation: Leh District of Nubra Valley and 205km from Leh city. Best time to travel : April to September Inner Line Permit : Required Location Siachen Base Camp in Partapur, Ladakh.

Rancho school

Relive the movie 3-idiots by visiting the beautiful campus of Druk White Lotus School. Popularly known as the Rancho School, it is an educational institution that focuses on eco-friendly activities, innovation and local culture; good for us - it is also open for tourism. You can get yourself clicked at the iconic 3-idiot wall or chill at Rancho Cafe. This school is much more than the movie and is an important place to visit in Ladakh.

Go2ladakh.in tip Location: Situated on the way toward Shey Palace and Thiksey Monastery in Shey Region of Ladakh. Best time to visit: Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Inner Line Permit : Required Location Siachen Base Camp in Partapur, Ladakh.

Straight out of the Disney movie - Frozen, The Ice Stupa is yet another one of the Sonam Wangchuk’s projects. Witness two giant artificial glaciers created in the form of beautiful stupas adorned with colourful prayer flags. It is an innovative solution to the water crisis of Phyang village in Ladakh. It is a one of a kind innovation under the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) and should be on your list of places to visit in Ladakh. And also read best places to explore in winter

Go2ladakh.in tip Location: Phyang Village, Leh District, Ladakh (17km from the Leh City Center) Best time to visit: Preferably during the day during the Winter seasons (December to March)

Pathan Sahib Gurudwara

Meditate at the same place where the most-revered Sikh guru - Guru Nanak Ji once meditated. Famed by the place where ‘Guru Nanak Ji defeated a demon’, this place has a very intriguing story attached to it. It was founded by the lamas covered in prayer flags and is worshipped by Buddhist and Sikhs alike. The boulder is the major highlight of the gurudwara which is believed to have the body imprint of Guru Nanak Ji. Currently maintained by the Indian Army, it is a must-visit tourist place in Ladakh.

Go2ladakh.in tip Location: NH1, Phey, 194101 (Near Kargil) Best time to visit All time

Stok kangri

If you are a passionate trekker, Stok Kangri trek should definitely be on your list. The highest and most prominent peak in Ladakh, it is every adventure lover's dream. Soak in the enchanting panoramas of the Karakoram and Zanskar Ranges, and the fresh mountain breeze while you ascend on the mountain. If you're lucky, you can also get a sneak peek of K2. Upon conquering the peak at an altitude of 6153m, quaint villages, picturesque views, untouched beauty and intriguing stories, are some of the few things you'll take away from this trek.

Go2ladakh.in tip Stok Valley route is closed for the year 2021-2022 due to the threat of glacial melting. Location: It is situated in Hemis National Park near Stok Village and around 15 km away from the capital city of Leh. Best time to visit The best time to take this trek is between May to October. Trekking Pass :Required

Kargil Town

The second capital and second-largest city of Ladakh, Kargil is an iconic destination for the entire nation. Famed by the Kargil War of 1999, it is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh to experience patriotism. Apart from being rich in cultural, historical and political importance, it is a beautiful city nestled in the mountains. There are many things to explore in Kargil - Kargil War Memorial being the highlight along with the Twin Lakes, Mulbekh Monastery and Rangdum Monastery. Nestled right in the middle of majestic Himalayas and beside the pristine Indus River, Kargil is nothing less than a heaven, Kargil is nothing less than a heaven and suggest to one halt one stay in kargil

Go2ladakh.in tip Location: Kargil District, Ladakh Best time to visit April to September Read more Suggest to read how to travel kargil to zansker

Thiksey monastery

Our very own Patola Palace of Tibet, Thiksey Monastery is one of the prime places to visit in Leh Ladakh. It is the largest monastery in the central land of Ladakh and is commemorated by the 14th Dalai Lama in the 1970s. A 15m tall statue of Maitreya Buddha is the main attraction here along with the stunning Assembly Hall, Tara Temple and Lamokhang Temple and Quarters. If you want to experience the monastery at its best colourful self, you must visit during the Gustor Festival in the month of October-November.

Go2ladakh.in tip Location: Thiksey, Manali-Leh Highway, Ladakh, India. Best time to visit Timings: 7:00 Am to 7:00 PM Entry Fee: INR 20 per person Read More

OStargaze from one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world, Hanle is a quaint, peaceful and calm village away from the hustle-bustle of busy life. Noted for being home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory at the height of 15000ft, it also has some historical relevance to it. Check out the 17th-century stunning Hanle Monastery against the mesmerising backdrop of the mountains, it will transport you to another place. An ideal place for some soul searching, Hanle is a hidden gem waiting to be explored!

Go2ladakh.in tip Location: Hanle Village, Changthang, Ladakh. It is located 255km from the city of Leh. Best time to visit April to September best package with to explore hanley Inner Line Permit : required

Translated as Meadow of Gold in Kashmiri , Sonmarg is a beautiful concoction of lush green valleys, pristine lakes, snow-capped mountains, dense forests and numerous peaks. Located at the height of 2800m, it offers a chance to unwind and heal amidst Mother Nature. A popular honeymoon destination in the north, it also caters to adventure enthusiasts. Trekking, Rafting and Camping are a few of the many adventure activities you can indulge in. Sonmarg also serves as a camping site for pilgrims heading to Amarnath. An all in one destination, Sonmarg is the best vacation place you can ask for!

Go2ladakh.in tip Location: Sonmarg, Ganderbal District, J&K, India. 85 km from Srinagar and Best time to visit all Season

Donkey sanctuary

Go check out a sanctuary that is entirely dedicated to the most hardworking animal - the Donkey. Don't believe us? The Donkey Sanctuary is one of the most unique places to visit in Leh Ladakh. It is a great project by Stany and Joanne and sheltered by a local Sonam Angchuk. The sanctuary takes in the stray donkeys, and heals, shelters and cares for these poor souls. The best way to help them is to give donations and find them fundings. Location: Korean Temple Road, Khakshal Village, Leh Ladakh. It is only 3 km from the city of Leh.

Go2ladakh.in tip Leh city Gnagles

Panamik hot water spring

Unwind at the Panamik Hot Springs in Ladakh surrounded by the stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. Located in the Panamik Village, it is the best place to visit in Ladakh after an exhausting trek or a long tour. The sulphur-rich waters of the spring are believed to cure rheumatism and major skin ailments. With close proximity to the Siachen Glaciers and Indo-Tibetan border, this entire region is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the trans-Himalayas.

Go2ladakh.in tip Men and women have separate pools along with a shower area to provide a comfortable experience. Location Panamik Village, Nubra Valley, Ladakh, India. Approximately 150 km north of Leh City Centre. Best time to visit : Spring & Summer and Timings :Sunrise to Sunset Entry Fee: INR 20 per person

Mulbek Chamba

Home to a 30 feet tall sculpture of Maitreya Buddha, carved on an enormous stone slab, Mulbekh Monastery is one of the amazing offbeat tourist places to visit in Ladakh. Dating back to 800 years, it portrays some mind-boggling influence of both Buddhism and Shaivism. There are two gompas inside the main temple - Serdung Gompa and Rgaldan-se Gompa. If you're heading to Kargil, you must add this to your itinerary too.

Go2ladakh.in tip Men and women have separate pools along with a shower area to provide a comfortable experience. Location Situated on the first stop after Kargil towards Leh on the Srinagar-Leh highway. It is 260 km away from Leh and 45km from Kargil. Best time to visit : Spring & Summer and Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM Entry Fee: Free

Phyang Monastery

Perched on a hilltop above the tiny village of Chhiwang is the stunning Phyang Monastery. The gompa is home to a plethora of statues, paintings, murals and artefacts as old as 900 years. There is so much to witness here that the best way to explore this place is to get on with it. The monastery starts with the Dukhang or main assembly hall leading to Dukhang verandah intricately painted by the colourful murals of the Guardians of the Four Directions. The central statue is of the Boundless Light Buddha besides the statues of a large Avalokitesvara with 1,000 arms. You can also find images of Shakyamuni and Maitreya among other religious and non-religious artefacts. Don't forget to check out the temple of Mahakala. A paradise for historians, Phyang Monastery is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh.

Go2ladakh.in tip Location Phyang Village, Leh, Ladakh. Around 22 km west of Leh city. Best time to visit : Spring & Summer and Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM Entry Fee: 30 per person

Mahabodhi Meditation Center

Looking for a spiritual retreat amidst the picturesque mountain ranges? Then Mahabodhi Meditation Center is the perfect place for you. Established in 1986 by Bhikkhu Sanghasena, this place offers both spiritual as well as humanitarian assistance to the needy in the remote areas of Ladakh. Attend a 14-day meditation session where you get to meditate at a different picturesque location each day under the guidance of experienced masters. Mahabodhi Meditation Centre is one of the best places to visit in Leh Ladakh for people looking to heal their mind, body and soul.

Go2ladakh.in tip Location Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Devachan, Leh, Ladakh Best time to visit : Spring & Summer and Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM Entry Fee: 30 per person

Secmol Institute

Founded by a group of Ladakhis to reform the educational system in 1988, The Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh is a great initiative to develop young minds along with conservative. The school campus is completely eco-friendly and offers courses such as the solar design-build course. SECMOL has also been an active part in finding solutions to the geographical challenges of Ladakh; some of them include providing renewable energy through solar panels, solar pump, biomass cooking, and growing organic food and preserving it for winters. They also solve the water scarcity issues in the area. They are also a part of the Ice Stupa initiative. A group of good people doing good work; SECMOL is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh.

Go2ladakh.in tip Location SECMOL Campus, Phey, Ladakh. Situated next to Indus River, 17km away from Leh.

Atal tunnel

Drive through the longest tunnel in the world, the Atal Tunnel is one of India's star possessions. This 9.02 km-long tunnel connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti Valley. A tribute to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpai, this tunnel is open for year-round connectivity even in the harshest winters. Now reaching Leh from Manali in the peak winters via road will seem like icing on the cake. So, pack your bag and head to the road trip of your lifetime!

Go2ladakh.in tip Location Manali, Himachal Pradesh Best time to travel : All Time

Apricot blossom Festival

The vibrant white-pink flowers against the clear blue skies against the backdrop of barren mountains, the apricot blossom in Ladakh is a sight to behold! It is India’s version of Cherry blossoms in Ladakh or maybe even prettier than that. The bloom is seen in the offbeat regions of Leh-Kargil including Hardass, Kakkar, Aryan Valley and many more. Usually seen in the month of April, it makes the region one of the most spectacular places to visit in Leh Ladakh. So, head to Ladakh to get the experience of cherry blossoms without burning a hole in your pocket.

Go2ladakh.in tip Location Alchi , Kargil , Turtuk , skurbuchan Best time to travel : march to April Month

Ladakh conclave

Witness the culture and talent of Ladakh at the Ladakh Conclave. Held in the month of February, it is a one-of-a-kind initiative by the Ladakh government as a road map to winter tourism in Ladakh. Till now, Ladakh was only visited by tourists for the Chadar Frozen Lake trekking experience. But through this conclave, Ladakh will be showcased as the hub of winter sports, culture and culinary experiences. Some of the highlights of this conclave include Mountaineering, Heritage Walk, Polo Match, Rafting, Climbing, Cultural procession, etc.

Go2ladakh.in tip Location The venue includes two of the most popular places to visit in Ladakh - Leh and Kargil and will be celebrated Best time to travel :Calaender update in end of year

Tibetan market

Shop till you drop amidst the mesmerising Himalayas and verdant valleys. The Tibetan Market is among the important places to visit in Leh Ladakh for every shopaholic. It is a typical flea market thronged with stalls selling antique items, semi-precious stone jewellery, world-famous silver Ladakhi jewellery, Himalayan Pashmina shawls, homemade apricot jam, local handicrafts and what not. It is the best place to take home quality souvenirs at dirt cheap prices. Best shopping places in Ladakh

Go2ladakh.in tip Keep aside your last day of the trip for a stress-free shopping experience. Location Leh City, Ladakh, India Best time to visit Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM ( All Days Of The Week)

Stok palace

Step back in time at a 200-year-old palace in Ladakh, the Stok Palace is an ode to the royal era of the Namgyal Dynasty. Currently, a part of this structure is a heritage hotel, a museum and a cafe. The museum houses some of the most valuable possessions of the royal family such as the King's crown, jewellery embellished with turquoise and lapis lazuli, the queen's yub-jhur(headpiece) and their dresses. There is also a knotted 16th-century afghan sword and impressive thang pa paintings, making it one of the best places to visit in Ladakh for art historians. End your tour with a hot cup of coffee at the in-house cafe overlooking the River Indus and spectacular valleys.

Go2ladakh.in tip Keep aside your last day of the trip for a stress-free shopping experience. Location Stok Palace Museum, Stok, Leh, Ladakh, India Best time to visit Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (all days) Entry fee : INR 50 per person (Museum)

Shey palace

Get awe-inspired by the 17th century Royal Palace atop of Shey Ridge or the three-storied copper gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha it houses. Shey Palace is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh. This enchanting palace entails a series of ruins, a palace temple and many articles of historical importance. In the month of August, the Shey Palace transforms from ruin to royal. During the festival of Shey Doo Lhoo, it comes alive with spirituality and devotion. The palace is accessible through a steep climb but the end result will be worth it.

Go2ladakh.in tip Keep aside your last day of the trip for a stress-free shopping experience. Location Shey, 15 kilometres from Leh, Ladakh, India Best time to visit Timings 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM.(All days of the week)) Entry fee : INR 30 per person (For the Monastery)

Blessed with the ardent beauty of the valleys and spectacular landscapes, Pang is the highest army transit campsite and one of the most picturesque places to visit in Ladakh. The untouched terrains and tiny hamlets on both sides make the whole region jaw-dropping beautiful. Located at an altitude of 15640 m and closer to the borders of China and Pakistan, it is a remote location for backpacker and solo rider trip not family yet to be explored by regular tourists. If you're travelling to Leh, it is a perfect overnight stay location. June to October are the best months to witness this place in its full glory.

Go2ladakh.in tip Keep aside your last day of the trip for a stress-free shopping experience. Location 180 km from Leh City centre on Manali-Leh Highway. Best time to visit from June to September

Camp beside the scenic riverside and mist-covered mountains in the valley of Lahaul, Jispa is straight out of a landscape painting. The unaudited beauty and fresh mountain breeze of this quaint village makes it the best place to unwind after a long motor bike ride . While it is a known pit-stop among the adventure enthusiasts passing through the legendary Leh-Manali Highway , this hamlet is still a hidden gem for the common public. Trek through the rolling meadows or devour some lip-smacking local food- Jispa won't leave you disappointed!

Location One of the 20 villages in Lahaul Valley on Leh-Manali Highway. 7 km from Darcha Read more Hotels in jispa . Best time to visit from June to September

Aryan valley

The Aryan valley is also called DhaHanu valley. The place is accessible from Leh as well as Kargil. It lies at around 100 kilometres from Leh. There are four villages which form a part of the Aryan Valley.

From Leh, tourists take the route on the right from Khaltsi check post. On the way, you cross the following villages – Domkhar, Skurbuchan, Achina Thang, Hanu, Biama and Dha. From Kargil, tourists can take the route via Batalik, which passes through Hambuting la, Lalung, Silmoo and Batalik. This is considered as the last Aryan village in India, and the people are said to be the direct descendants of Alexander’s men. The tribe or race here is termed as Drokpa or Dards. This region is scarcely populated.

Apricots are cultivated in abundance in this region. They sell apricots as well as use it for preparing apricot jam. Yak milk is commonly consumed here. The places of interest in this region include a couple of museums – one in Garkon, and a second one in Dha. These museums have various historic artefacts on display, like tools, decorative pieces, picture gallery, etc. Apart from the museums, tourists can also be a part of the local harvest festival, the Bonona festival. It is celebrated in September. They perform the traditional dance as a part of the celebration. The celebrations last for 3-4 days.

The Aryan valley does not see a great footfall in terms of tourism. Accommodation can be arranged in tents here. Visitors can also visit the local community school, shamanic shrines, local houses, etc. The locals are very accommodating and friendly people, although, only a handful of them speak Hindi. The tourists can take a walk around the villages to experience the old architecture, the green fields, and the local lifestyle.

Location Sham vally Dha Hanu Best time to visit from June to September Inner line permit required to visit the Dah Hanu villages.

Shaitan Singh Memorial

Shaitan Singh Memorial, also known as the Rezang la War memorial, was constructed in the memory of the soldiers of 13 Battalion of Kumaon Regiment, led by Major Shaitan Singh during the Indo-China War in 1962.Rezang la is a sensitive area as it is very close to the Indo-China border. It is situated a few kilometres after the village of Chushul, at a distance of 210 kilometres from Leh.

A Chushul War Memorial has been constructed here to honour the heroes of the war in 1962. Getting to this location is difficult, as the permits are not granted readily. There are two roads leading up to the Shaitan Singh Memorial – one is via the Spangmik village. It is along the Pangong lake. Another route to get here is via Mahe, which passes via Loma and Tsaga La. The names of all the 120 soldiers of the Battalion are listed on the War Memorial here as a small tribute, and guarantee goose bumps as one reads these names.

Location Man Merak area Best time to visit all Time Inner line permit required to visit the Pangong lake

Table Of Content

1. Hemis National Park: The Natural Habitat Of The King Of snow

2. Kargil: Second Largest Town In Ladakh

3. Pangong Tso Lake: Where Time Stops To Gape At Beauty

4. Nubra Valley: Behold The Moonland

Monasteries In Leh-Ladakh

1. The Chadar Trek: The Frozen Lake Beckons

2. Snow Leopard Trek: Into The Big Cat’s Den

Homestays In Ladakh

1. Gangba Homestay

2. Tukchu Homestay

3. Ladakh View Homestay

4. Mandarava Homestay

5. Reeyork Homestay

How cold is Ladakh?

Is KhardungLa pass open in December?

Is there any oxygen problem in Ladakh?

Is tour to Ladakh by the road a good option?

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Nubra Valley

Lamayuru Monastery

Khardung La Pass

Tso Moriri Lake

Top Experiences To Do in Tso Moriri Lake

Thiksey Monastery

Things to do in Ladakh in winter

Snow Leopard Trek

Play Ice Hockey

Ladakhi Losar Festival

Spituk Gustor Festival

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Ladakh in Winter: 11 Reasons why it is for travellers and not for tourists #TWC

1. EXPERIENCE THE REAL HOSPITALITY OF LADAKH IN WINTER:

2. GET TRANSPORTED INTO THE ICE AGE SETUP:

3. DO SOMERSAULT ON FROZEN PANGONG LAKE:

4. GET HIGH ON ADRENALINE RUSH:

5. BECOME FRIENDS WITH LOCALS WHO HAVE FREE TIME ONLY IN WINTERS:

6. EXPERIENCE LADAKHI FESTIVALS & KNOW THE COOL QUOTIENT OF LAMAS:

7. PHOTOGRAPHER'S HEAVEN:

8. BEST TIME FOR RARE LADAKHI WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:

9. GET BEST VALUE FOR MONEY:

10. WALK AND SKATE ON THE FROZEN ZANSKAR ? THE CHADAR TREK:

11. REKINDLE ROMANCE IN GOD'S DEN:

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A winter guide to Ladakh

Ultimate Guide to Ladakh in Winter – Itinerary , Packing & Experiences

– Take It Slow –