The Best Time to Visit Ladakh

Adventure and serenity is what a trip to the region of Ladakh guarantees. Situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh is a region present between the Karakoram and the Himalayan mountain ranges. The setting of this place is blessed with an aura of calmness, away from the hustle of the rest of the country. This place is mostly frequented by thrill-seeking travellers who want to challenge themselves in the harsh climate to eventually enjoy the peaceful ambience and culture in it. Let’s have a look in the best times and places to visit Ladakh.

Ladakh
Photo by Margarita, CC BY-SA 2.0
Months                     Conditions               Our Recommendation
April to JuneBest time to visit as the climate is most pleasant. Sunshine with cool breeze will surely be enjoyed.Popular Tourist Season
September to OctoberIt’s a great time for trekkers.Ideal Time

 

July to AugustThis time of the year is less preferred as the area is prone to landslides and heavy rainfalls during monsoons.Off Season
November to FebruaryThe winters are extremely harsh over here, also most of the treks are closed. People don’t prefer going to Ladakh in this part of the year. The Chadar trek is conducted between January and mid-March.Off Season

March to June

The summer is when the snow of the winter melts away to give rise to clear trekking trails. The temperature averages to 20 degrees throughout the day, making the time apt to trek and enjoy the mesmerizing view. Both the Srinagar-Leh highway and the Manali-Leh highway are opened during this season, and can be crossed with relative ease. The Pangong Tso, Moriri Lake and the Baralacha Pass are some camp sites to be visited on the trail. The snow-capped mountains and the associated panorama will leave us feeling alive!

July to August

The monsoon season is usually avoided by travellers as there can be landslides and heavy rains. The rain shadow region of the Zozi La Pass from Srinagar can be looked into, but is still a region of erratic climate.

September to October

The temperature drops and a slight chill can be felt all throughout the region. The dryness of the region as the monsoon subsides is a boon to experience the real soul and the stunning hues of the region. The vivid and striking diversity is an experience for a life time! The local festivals and the polo matches are usually conducted during this time. However, towards the end of October, the cold starts to strike and even the locals back away from the oncoming winter.

November to February

The harsh winter of the mountainous region is a time which is usually avoided due to its raw coldness and heavy snowfall. However, this is the time when the famous Chaddar Trek in the Zansar region is conducted. Adventure tourists from all over the world flock here to walk over the frozen Zansar Lake. The frozen Nerak fall glimmering in the stillness is a definite must-see for travelers undertaking the trek.

How to Reach

Biking to Leh from Manali or Srinagar is a popular activity among adventure seekers, especially youngsters. The route known as the Biker’s Paradise, provides the perfect riding atmosphere with its panoramic view all along the way. The closest railway station which is in Jammu Tawi, is well connected with cities like Srinagar, Delhi and Mumbai but is at a distance of 700 kilometers from Leh. The Leh airport has a good network with cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and Srinagar. Air travel is usually the only option during winter due to blocking of passes on the road.

Ladakh India
Photo by McKay Savage, CC BY 2.0

Places to Visit

  • Pangong Tso

One of the largest known brackish lakes, the Pangong Tso is also known as the Hollow Lake. The crystal-clear water, located at an altitude of 4250 meters, with its sandy backdrop is a stunning spectacle which has to be witnessed by every visitor who visits Ladakh.

  • Baralacha Pass

The awing view as one travels through this pass makes a deep impression which is unforgettable. The pure whiteness on either side of the route makes us fall in love with the moment!

  • Moriri Lake

The mountain lake, present at an altitude of 4500 meters, is a pristine beauty with its azure waters and phenomenal landscape.

  • The Magnetic Hill

This place is a natural optical illusion where the road is actually downhill while appearing to be uphill. A trick of nature, the magnetic hill has to be visited.

  • Nubra Valley

The shocking greenery amidst the arid mountains, provides an imposing spectacle to be experienced. The unique culture of the place is an engaging affair for every visitor.

Ladakh is not a place to be missed by any adventure tourist who wants a life changing experience. This desolate region with Tibetan culture sprinkled over it provides for a mesmerizing episode of any travel diary.

About Rohit

An architect by profession, Rohit Agarwal is a curious traveller, seeking out the minutest detail about the places he travels to, and that’s what one will find in his writings. His writings have appeared in various blogs, he’s currently trying to bring forth as many different places a traveller who shares the same level of curiosity like him would like to visit through his writings.

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