Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh

Ladakh enjoys heavy and frequent snow showers in the winter, allowing tourists to indulge in adventure activities. The river and lakes freeze down in this season and offer mesmerizing views of the snow-capped mountains and snow-blanketed streets. However, winters are the best time to visit Ladakh but are not recommended because thick snow sheets lead to the inaccessibility of roads.

Here is detailed information about what is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh and the things to do in the particular season.

Summer Season in Ladakh - April to July

Summers are ideal for visiting Leh Ladakh when the roads and passes are open for tourists. The tourists can travel from Manali and Srinagar routes by road and delight in the scenic beauty. The sky stays clear, offering a splendid panorama. You can trek, board a jeep, ride a bike, and wander through this gem.

Some of the most magnetic spots of Ladakh are Thiksey Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Nubra Valley, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Pangong Tso Lake, and others. This is the best time to travel Ladakh with family, friends, and kids.

Average Temperature in Leh Ladakh in summers: 18⁰C to 30⁰C

Things to do in Leh Ladakh in the summer

• Trekking
• Camping
• Hiking
• River rafting
• Camel ride
• Bird watching
• Nature walk

Ladakh Tips

• Carry light woolen clothes as the region enjoys slightly cold weather during the evening.
• Wear sunglasses and sunscreen to avoid sunburn while trekking and hiking.
• Always carry adequate water to stay hydrated during sightseeing tours.
• Cover yourself properly to avoid tanning in high-altitude regions.
• It is advisable to book accommodation in advance as this is the peak tourist season in Ladakh

Monsoon Season in Ladakh - July to September

Ladakh is situated in the rain shadow region, which receives no rainfall or an irregular shower of rain, depending from region to region. Monsoon season is also the best season for Ladakh to visit. The weather remains comfortable for the sightseeing tour and partaking in outdoor activities. Mountaineering and trekking are popular things to do in Leh Ladakh.

In addition, numerous festivals are organized in Ladakh, offering glimpses of rich cultural heritage and vibrant lifestyle. Some of the popular festivals of Ladakh during the monsoon season are Karsha Gustor Festival in Zanskar, Mask Dance Festival in Lamayuru, Hemis Festival in Hemis Monastery, and Ladakh Festival.

Average Temperature in Leh Ladakh in monsoon: 3⁰C to 17⁰C

Things to do in Leh Ladakh in the monsoon

• Sightseeing tour
• Nature walk
• Hiking
• Bird watching
• Trekking
• Mountaineering
• Mountain biking
• Attend fairs and festivals of Ladakh.

Ladakh Tips

• Carry rainproof clothing, raincoats, gumboots, and umbrellas to save yourself from the rain.
• Carry woolens as the temperature drops in the evening.
• Carry flashlights and power banks.
• Plan the trip according to the weather and road conditions, as the roads to Ladakh witnesses landslides in Himachal and Kashmir regions.

Winter Season in Leh Ladakh - October to March

During the winter season in Ladakh, the weather remains cold and tough for excursions. While the winter season is the best time to visit Ladakh, but it is not recommended. The area is covered with snow, and most passes stay closed during this time. Also, many roads are inaccessible by vehicles.

However, you can visit Ladakh by flight only as the mountain passes from the Manali route remain closed. In addition, the road conditions remain uncertain throughout the winter from Srinagar Leh Highway. Furthermore, winter is a great Ladakh season to check out some other winter destinations in India.

Average Temperature in Leh Ladakh in winter: -19⁰ C to -11⁰ C

Things to do in Leh Ladakh in winter

• Trekking
• Snow trek
• Camping
• Mountain biking
• Attend festivals, including Matho Nagrang and Dosmoche Festivals.

Ladakh Tips

• Pack heavy woolen, including scarves, snowshoes, gumboots, woolen caps, gloves, and layers of woolen in winter.
• Pack your first-aid kit and the prescribed medicines (if any) and some over-the-counter medications for cold and cough in hand.
• Wear comfortable shoes while going trekking. The skiing equipment can be rented in Gulmarg only.
• Book your accommodations in advance; in winter, most hotels and resorts remain closed.

Month wise temperature and Weather of Leh Ladakh

If you are planning a Ladakh tour, reach out to our travel experts via call or email. We offer tailor-made Ladakh tour packages with meals, private transfers (bike/car), stays, sightseeing tours, and adventure activities.