WEATHER IN LADAKH: A GUIDE TO WHAT TO DO AND WHEN
On the weather map everything looks simple and neat. But in reality, things are always different than they are on screen.
From mid-May to July: Ladakh prepares itself for tourism, it is the best time to take a road trip.
- Weather in Ladakh remains pleasant, ranging from 25–30 degrees. The sky is also clear making the scenic view very overwhelming.
- Activities that can be done are-
1. Trekking
2. Camping around Pangong lake
3. Biking between Magnetic Hills
4. Cycling around Khardung La - Hemis festival is celebrated in the month of July. It’s a 2-day fiesta which marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasanbhava. Hemis being the biggest monastery in Ladakh hosts the ceremony which showcases the beautiful handicrafts of the area. Natives dress up in traditional attire and gather in the courtyard of Hemis Monastery.
- Perfect food for this season:
1. Thukpa — Chopsticks noodle bar, Leh
2. Khambir served with butter tea — The Tibetan Kitchen
3. Momos — The Momos centre on the street side
4. Mokthuk — Gesmo restaurant
5. Skyu — Summer Harvest Restaurant
6. Chhupri or Yak cheese — The local vendors in Leh, Ladakh
7. Paba and Tangtur — All over Leh-Ladakh in small cafes
8. Chang — Amigo Korean Restaurant
Recommended hotels:
1. Best mid budget hotel option: Nalanda Ladakh
2. Best homestay option: Silver Cloud
3. Best camp stay outside of Leh: Indus River Camp
July to August: Ladakh falls under trans-Himalayas which makes it a rain shadow region.
With the change in climate over the past few years,weather in Ladakh has started altering.
Rains or at least overcast conditions with drizzles every now and then in August is fairly normal.
Rains or at least overcast conditions with drizzles every now and then in August is fairly normal.
1. Temperature ranges from 20–30 degrees.
2. White-water rafting on the Indus and the Zanskar rivers is best experienced during this time.
3. For those looking for a little extra adventure the perfect time to go on 4. challenging treks in the region —
Spituk to Stok,
Markha Valley and the Kang Yatse trek.
4. Be prepared to be driving in slush roads and carry waterproof clothing and climbing gear while on treks.
2. White-water rafting on the Indus and the Zanskar rivers is best experienced during this time.
3. For those looking for a little extra adventure the perfect time to go on 4. challenging treks in the region —
Spituk to Stok,
Markha Valley and the Kang Yatse trek.
4. Be prepared to be driving in slush roads and carry waterproof clothing and climbing gear while on treks.
There is no better time to experience Ladakhi/Tibetan food during the monsoon season.
Recommended hotels:
Best mid budget hotel option: Nalanda Ladakh
Best homestay option: Silver Cloud
Best boutique resort outside of Leh: Ladakh Serai Resort
September to October: Precipitation stops but leaves behind just the right amount of humidity in the air to make the weather in Ladakh pleasant. Being washed by the rain over the monsoon season, the rugged surroundings turn to its freshest of colors.
1. Temperature ranges from 20–22 degrees.
2. Ladakh festival is celebrated every year in September in Leh and its villages.
3. The Diskit Gustor Festival is celebrated for 2 days in the month of October. 4. It marks the victory of good over the evil.
5. As tourism decreases during this time one can enjoy Ladakh bit more freely.
2. Ladakh festival is celebrated every year in September in Leh and its villages.
3. The Diskit Gustor Festival is celebrated for 2 days in the month of October. 4. It marks the victory of good over the evil.
5. As tourism decreases during this time one can enjoy Ladakh bit more freely.
Recommended hotels:
Best mid budget hotel option: Nalanda Ladakh
Best homestay option: Silver Cloud
Best boutique resort outside of Leh: Ladakh Serai Resort
November to March: During this time Ladakh is freezing cold.
1. All places over 14000ft experience sub-zero temperature.
2. At this point, driving through the roads can be dangerous because of black ice.
3. Tourists who are confident about beating the cold can visit the lakes, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri to see their changing colors.
4. One can also go on the famous Chadar Trek which involves walking over the frozen Zanskar River.
5. Winter is the best time to experience snow leopard trek.
6. Galdan Namchot is celebrated for commemorating the birthday and the Buddhahood of the Tibetan saint-scholar, Tsongkhapa. All the monasteries, public and residential buildings are lit up. The festival means the starting of the New year celebrations in Ladakh.
2. At this point, driving through the roads can be dangerous because of black ice.
3. Tourists who are confident about beating the cold can visit the lakes, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri to see their changing colors.
4. One can also go on the famous Chadar Trek which involves walking over the frozen Zanskar River.
5. Winter is the best time to experience snow leopard trek.
6. Galdan Namchot is celebrated for commemorating the birthday and the Buddhahood of the Tibetan saint-scholar, Tsongkhapa. All the monasteries, public and residential buildings are lit up. The festival means the starting of the New year celebrations in Ladakh.
Recommended hotels:
Best mid budget hotel option: Shanti Guest House Leh
Best luxury hotel: Grand Dragon
