The Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh

A trip to Ladakh is surely on every traveller’s wish list. It is one of the best places for a holiday in India. The mountains make for a scenic setting, perfect for a getaway from city life. Ladakh is also a popular hotspot for adventure sports. There are many activities to enjoy in the hill town.

The thing about Ladakh is that you need to know the best time to visit. Each activity, whether it is sightseeing or adventure sports, is best enjoyed during a specific season. What then is the best time to visit Ladakh? We tell you in the article below.

Best Time to Visit Ladakh

Ladakh is a city that has its own charm. In the summer you can enjoy the outdoors peacefully, the snow has melted and the weather is pleasant and just right. The best thing about summers are the festivals that are held, among them is the famous Hermis Festival.

Winter has its own charm too, the weather is much colder than summer, and if you love skiing or trekking through tough terrain, you will enjoy yourself. Winter sees fewer tourists in Ladakh as the cold can get intense and acclimatization is harder.

The Best Time to Visit Ladakh: According to Season

April to May

This is when the tourist season in Ladakh begins and many people flock to Ladakh during this time. The best way is to reach Ladakh during this time is by air as most of the roads aren’t opened.

Leh Ladakh in April and May is the best to explore the outdoors, do a bit of sightseeing and then indulge in a few adventure sports. You might want to wear protective clothing while participating in adventure sports as the sun’s rays can be very harsh on your your skin.

Mid-May to July

The only highway that is open during mid-May is the Srinagar-Leh Highway. This is because the snow from the mountains still has not melted completely.

But, as June approaches, the roads start to open, making this season the perfect time for a road trip. Scenic views of snow clad mountains flanked on either side of the highways greet you. There’s also some great passes to see along the way to Ladakh and Leh.

August to September

Getting to Leh Ladakh in August is not your best bet as it’s the monsoon and the journey will be a bit of a hassle. Driving to Ladakh is dangerous as the road conditions are not ideal for road trips. Even though some portions of the highways aren’t that bad to drive along, most parts are bad.

Ladakh does not receive that much rainfall, but during this season, things are pretty dull, so it is better to avoid a trip to Ladakh in the monsoon.

• Great For: Exploring the Outdoors

September to October

This is another great time to visit Ladakh. The climate is at its best and the roads are perfect for road trips. Most of the roads are in perfect shape, so most people opt to take a road trip during this season.

The climate is also good for outdoor activities. Most adventure sport companies operate during this season. September to October is also a good time for exploring Ladakh. There are many campsites set up during this time around the lakes. The best place for camping in Ladakh is near Pangong Tso.

October to November

This is the period during which winter begins to set in. Most of the tourists begin to leave Ladakh to go back home. Only a few remain – the ones who can comfortably bear the cold that drops down to 0 degrees Celsius in late October.  

The only highway that is open in November is the Srinagar-Leh Highway. But, it is not safe to drive through during this time as melted ice gushes onto the road. Temperatures are also at their coldest, which means driving through is a herculean task.

November to March

November to March is when Ladakh is at its coldest. The tourists have left and the town looks deserted. However, from January onwards a few tourists beginning to make their way to Ladakh. These are adventure seekers who attempt the famous Chadar Trek. The climb up the mountain involves walking across the frozen Zanskar Lake. This is an experience to treasure if you are a thrill seeker.

Visit Ladakh in the winter only if you can acclimatize to the weather conditions. A highlight of a winter visit is seeing the changing of colours of the lakes from icy white to sparkling blues.

So there you have it, the range of experience to explore in Ladakh and the best times to explore them. We’ve given you all the details you need to be prepared for what Ladakh has to offer in terms of climate, all year long.

If there is something else you need to know about travelling to Ladakh, we will be glad to answer your doubts. Send us your questions in the comments section below and we will be glad to answer.