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 brings its lethal combination of fun and fantasy. Here’s a peek into the incredible journey!
4 Places To Visit In Ladakh In Winter
Ladakh in winter is synonymous with awesomeness and wonder. Geographically, Ladakh comprises four fantastic beauties: the Great Himalayan Range, the Zanskar Range, the Indus River, and the Siachen Glacier. All of them are spectacular in their 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 love messing with your schedule; you must 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
Named after the famous monastery Hemis Gompa, the Hemis National Park Sanctuary is an ideal winter sightseeing destination in Leh-Ladakh. It is also the first national park in India to be established north of the central Himalayan Range. Frequented mainly 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 many rare species, especially at high altitudes. Some of the exquisite species in the park are the rare shape, the Bharal, and the snow leopard. The wolf, Pallas’ cat, ibex, Tibetan argali, and the Ladakh urial can also be seen at Hemis. Snow leopards come down the valley when the mercury dips below the freezing point, and on such rare occasions, they can be sighted at the Hemis. Bharal, 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: Khurnak Valley – prime snow leopard and Bharal habitat, Markha Valley, Chiling Nala for ibex, Rumbak Nala
Also Read: Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh
2. Kargil: Second Largest Town In Ladakh
Kargil is one of the most challenging terrains in the world. It is the second largest town in Ladakh after Leh, covering an area of 1500 km. Stationed at an altitude of almost 2700 meters, it is pretty near the Line of Control. As they say, if it’s beautiful, it’d be difficult, and so is Kargil. Ideally, visiting the place during May and August is recommended, but winter gives a new makeover. With temperatures freezing down to -15 to -20 degrees, it becomes a perfect place in Leh in winter for nature lovers.
Major attractions: Sani, Rangdum, Zongkhul, Stonday, and Mulbekh monastery
3. Pangong Tso Lake: Where Time Stops To Gape At Beauty
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 at 4250 meters above sea level. En route to the lake, one has to ride through Khardung La—the highest motorable road in the world. The lake is either wholly or partially frozen during winter, so it feels transported to the ice age. But in the end, it is a priceless experience that you carry along.
Related Post: Ladakh In May
4. Nubra Valley: Behold The Moonland
Brownie cake with icing sugar topping! That’s what the Nubra Valley looks like in winter. Sandwiched between Kashmir and Tibet, the valley is among the most exquisite sites to stroll in the 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. That is precisely why the valley has been bestowed with the prestigious tag of Orchard of Ladakh. You can also visit the dunes at Hunder, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, and Suru Valley.
Things To Do In Ladakh In Winter
Rustic trails are the heart and soul of the December trip to Leh-Ladakh. The hostile trek routes become even more challenging when coated with a super-slippery layer of stiffened snow as thick as 10 inches.
1. The Chadar Trek: The Frozen Lake Beckons
Chadar, a unique attraction in Leh-Ladakh in December, is known more popularly for the Chadar Trek – counted among the world’s most challenging treks. It makes it even more thrilling because you have to walk on ice for 100-plus kilometres under freezing conditions. The crunchy sound of disintegrating snow sheets beneath the feet pumps up the adrenaline, while sub-zero conditions make it as challenging as possible. The extreme chilly weather freezes the Zanskar lake, causing the temperature to reach below freezing. Thus, the lake turns into a subtle sheet of ice, 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
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2. Snow Leopard Trek: Into The Big Cat’s Den
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, an endangered species and the pride of the Himalayas. The elusive cats are difficult to spot because they are usually 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
How To Reach Ladakh In Winter
With ample commuting options, travelling to Ladakh is no longer a big deal. 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, 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.
Related Post: Things To Do In Ladakh
Tips For Travelling To Ladakh In Winter
- Acclimatize yourself properly before starting the ascent.
- Keep enough stock of drinking water, as dehydration at high altitudes is common.
- Carry body moisturizer, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, first-aid box, medicines, and heavy woollen garments.
- The environment comes first, always. Remember that you have a moral responsibility to conserve 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, so be good to them. They are usually mild-natured and peace-loving.
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From adventurous trekkers to snow-lovers, the diversity of travellers who visit Ladakh for many reasons 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 trip to Ladakh during the winter season. Ladakh in winter will ensure you undergo one of the best travel experiences ever.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ladakh In Winter
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 significant drop in the temperature, reaching -40°C.
Is KhardungLa pass open in December?
Attractions like Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley can be accessed in 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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A perpetual nature seeker, Amit is on a mission to explore the best of planet Earth. Much famed as the Whistling Hound, Amit’s is currently based out of Wroclaw in Poland, and is experiencing the best of his life in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
