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
Places To Visit In 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
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.
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Ladakh In Winter
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:
Shey Monastery, Shey
Suggested Read: Travel To These Buddhist Monasteries In India To Find Inner Peace
Things To Do In Ladakh In Winter
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
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 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.
Tips For Traveling To Ladakh In Winter
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- 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.
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Homestays 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
Where: Upper Tukcha Road, Leh
Ideal for: Family and group of friends
Price: INR 150
Suggested Read: Ladakh In April: When Your Adventurous Heart Yearns For The Himalayas!
2. Tukchu Homestay
Where: Changspa, Below Shanti Stupa, Leh
Ideal for: Couple, family and group of friends
Price: INR 1000 onwards
3. Ladakh View Homestay
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.
How To Reach Ladakh In Winter
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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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 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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