Is Leh Ladakh Open in Winter? A Complete Travel Guide

Ladakh, the coldest desert of India is nearing winter and you might think that tourism will stop as we all know how cold it can become in Ladakh from November to February. But it is not like that. In fact, Leh Ladakh winter travel is quite a thing for many travellers. So if you are planning to explore winter in Leh Ladakh then this blog is for you to read till the end! 

Leh Ladakh Winter Travel

Leh Ladakh winter travel is open for tourists from November to March. But it is a bit different from the summer Ladakh tourism. The weather is unpredictable in these months due to the extreme cold. Winter in Leh Ladakh witnesses intense cold weather conditions from December to February. You can experience the ethereal snow landscape in this period which is quite different from the rest of the year. 

When Should You Choose to Go to Ladakh in Winter? 

November – 

• It is cold but not like extreme
• Quieter
• Some snow at higher altitude
• Good time

December – 

• Very cold weather
• Snow at many places 
• Good to experience tolerable winter

January & February – 

• Extreme cold months with frozen landscapes
• Leh experiences -20°C to 6°C in January and -15°C to 9°C  
• You will get snow everywhere
• Might face roadblocks
• Excellent time for hardcore winter travellers

March – 

• Cold weather yet tolerable
• Good weather conditions
• Perfect to experience winter without extremities 

How to Reach Ladakh in Winter?

In winter, it is best to hop on a flight and reach directly at Leh. It is usually advised to come by road usually as that helps in acclimatization to the high altitude. But due to winter and unpredictable snowfall, many times roads are blocked. Like Leh-Manali Highway and the Srinagar-Leh Highway operates till early winter period only. 

Guide to Survive Leh Ladakh Winter Travel 

1. Acclimatization 

As soon as you reach Leh, you have to rest for the next 48 hours as Leh is at 11,562 ft. You have to give your body enough rest to acclimatize in the high altitude. Drink enough water, eat warm Ladakhi food and rest at the hotel the day you reach. Watch out for symptoms like – severe headache, vomiting, breathlessness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty walking and extreme weakness. Carry medicines like Diamox, camphor, ORS, oxygen cylinder for emergencies. Go for nearest sightseeing around Leh the next day.

2. Essential Items to Pack 

Using layers is the best option. Totally must haves are –

• Thermal wares 
• Woollen Sweaters 
• Insulated Down Jacket
• Windproof water-resistant jacket
• Woollen socks & gloves
• Waterproof boots & good quality winter footwear
• Warm cap
• Neck warmers
• Mufler
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen 
• Lip balm & moisturiser 
• Insulated water bottle
• Hand warmers
• Power banks
• Necessary medicines
• Enough cash
• Torch 

3. Food in Winter

Look for warm meals like 

• momos, 
• thukpa, 
• chutega, 
• soupy noodles, 
• dal & rice, 
• eggs, 
• porridge, 
• tea, 
• dry fruits,
• traditional Ladakhi dishes, 
• drink lots of water. 

Where Should You Stay in Leh Ladakh? 

Hotel and homestay options become limited in Ladakh in winter months as many remain closed. So when you are choosing hotels, look for –

• Room heating
• Hot water
• Insulated rooms
• Backup electricity 
• Warm blankets 
• Attached bathroom
• Oxygen availability 
• Airport transfers if possible
• Meal options

As it is best to make Leh the base, so one place to stay in Leh Ladakh is Dakpa House which checks all in the list above.

A Short Itinerary for Leh Ladakh Winter Travel 

7 Nights / 8 Days –

Day 1 → Delhi – Leh (Rest)

Day 2 → Rest at Leh

Day 3 → Leh Sightseeing

Day 4 → Leh – Nubra Valley 

Day 5 → Nubra – Turtuk to Nubra

Day 6 → Nubra – Pangong if road permits, else Nubra to Leh

Day 7 → Leh – Pangong – Leh

Day 8 → Leh – Delhi 

Conclusion 

If you want to experience snow-covered rugged mountains, white Leh Ladakh with less tourists – definitely Leh Ladakh winter travel would be ideal for you. Take it slow and be aware about the weather conditions. Choose Dakpa House and enjoy winter Ladakh to the fullest!