Best Time to Visit Ladakh

Visit Ladakh in February

If you want to explore Leh Ladakh in its entirety, the month of February may not provide the best climate to visit Ladakh due to cold weather and the closure of certain parts of the region. The weather in Ladakh continues to be glacial with dipping temperatures and heavy snowfall. The temperatures can go as low as -15°C at night and -1 to 2°C during day time. The popular Manali-Leh Highway or the Srinagar-Leh Highway also get affected by relentless snowfall, making driving extremely challenging. Many hotels and guest houses also temporarily shut down due to extreme weather conditions in Ladakh. Those seeking to spend February in Leh Ladakh, make sure to do advance booking and arrive early and keep your travel itinerary simple. Please note that severe winters of February are not the best time to visit Ladakh with family or if you are not physically fit and healthy. It is better to plan your Ladakh tour in the shoulder or peak season for a fulfilling trip.

Leh Ladakh in February : Events and Festival

• Dosmochey Festival – Witness the zeal and fervour of Ladakhi people celebrating the end of harsh and cold winters with Dosmochey Festival. Started by the Royal Family of Leh Ladakh, Dosmochey festival has become a significant part of Ladakhi celebrations. Sacred dance or Cham is performed by the monks at the old temple near the Leh Palace. The festival is also associated with purification and ousting of the evil spirits, for which effigies made of dough are burnt. Devotees dress up in traditional costumes, visit monasteries, seek blessings from deities, and pray for peace and prosperity.
• Stok Guru Tsechu Festival – Taking place one week before the Matho Nagrang festival, Stok Guru Tsechu festival is celebrated with traditional dances, masked performances, and captivating musical performances. The festival takes place in Stok village which is the present home of the Ladakh’s Royal Family. A key highlight of the festival is predictions made by the oracles. Here, two laymen are trained by the monks at Spituk gompa for them to receive the spirit of revered deities. The people of Ladakh show immense faith in the predictions made by the oracles.
• Matho Nagrang Festival – If you manage to stay in Leh Ladakh in February, be a part of the Matho Nagrang Festival. Popularly known as the “Festival of Oracles”, this celebration is related to making predictions for the region and people of Ladakh. According to Ldakahi belief, the oracles or ronstang take over the bodies of two chosen monks and use them as a medium for forecasting the future. For this ritual, the monks have to undergo months of mediating in isolation for them to become rightful vessels for the oracles.

Visit Ladakh in March

March is the peak time to visit Ladakh to experience the postcard-perfect alpine winter and serene snow-covered lofty peaks and valleys. Every scenery of Leh Ladakh appears to be straight out of a fairytale. The day time temperature in Ladakh increases to a certain degree, however, the night temperature continues to fall below the freezing point. While the sky becomes clearer and dry, brief spells of snowfall still occur. On some days, the sun shines brightly on the peaks of Ladakh only for a few hours before going into hiding. The temperature ranges between 10°C to -10°C in March, therefore it’s essential to pack thermal layers, windcheater, muffler, caps, padded jackets, boots and gloves.

March is the concluding month of the winter season, it is not the best season to visit Ladakh for those who detest ice-cold weather. Several hotels, guest houses and essential amenities are in the process of reopening for welcoming tourists. Additionally, there are only very limited activities or attractions available.

Leh Ladakh in March : Events and Festival

• Yargon Tungshak Festival – This is a two-day Tibetan-Ladakhi festival, with the highlight of the festival being the masked Cham or traditional dance. Yargon Tungshak Festival typically falls in the last week of February or the first week of March. Use of flute and drums to perform zealous and rhythmic musical beats also draws in many attendees. The festival appears to be a delightful audio-visual spectacle. Feasting is a huge part of any Ladakhi festival, and the same goes for the Yargon Tungshak where one can indulge in Ladakhi cuisine. Be a part of this beautiful festival to enjoy heartwarming dishes like Skyu, Gurgur Cha (Butter tea), yak cheese, and Thupka.

Visit Leh Ladakh in April

April marks the beginning of the peak time to visit Ladakh and allows visitors to experience the beautiful land of high-passes in its full glory. The mountain peaks look stunning as the snow slowly starts to melt away, and the frozen lakes and rivers start to brim with life again. The blooming flowers, thriving greenery, and enchanting meadows cast a spell on visitors. The harsh winter days are over and Leh Ladakh prepares itself to welcome the arrival of spring—the best season to visit Ladakh for holidays.

The day time temperature in Leh Ladakh ranges from 10°C to 15°C, while the minimum can drop to 2°C to 0°C. Enjoy the beauty of Leh Ladakh by planning a day tour and explore attractions such as Shanti Stupa, Stok Palace Museum, the nine-storey Leh Palace, Thiskey monastery, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib etc.

In April, the tourist season in Ladakh begins; however, the footfall is still minimal, as most families plan their visit in May or June during summer vacations. Hence, this is the perfect time to plan Leh Ladakh tour and enjoy discounts on hotels and tourist activities.

Leh Ladakh in April: Events and Festival

• Apricot Blossom Festival: April is one of the best months to plan a Ladakh trip, for it provides favourable weather and charming landscapes. Amidst the scenic views of Ladakh, partake in the Apricot Blossom Festival from April 4th to April 17th. Upon visiting Leh Ladakh, you will find numerous Apricot trees adorned with pinkish-white flowers, reminiscent of the cherry blossom flowers. Cultural programmes and exhibitions of Ladakhi art and handicrafts are the highlight of events. Ladakh boasts a special variety (Raktsey Karpo) of the sweetest apricots in the world. Visitors attending the festival should definitely purchase apricot jams, juices, and syrups as souvenirs.

Visit Ladakh in May

With more sunny and dry days, crystal clear views, crisp and fresh air along with balmy weather, May provides the best climate to visit Ladakh. The maximum temperature during day time ranges between 15°C to 20°C and the minimum temperature can get as low as 5°C. Therefore, it is advisable to acclimatise well and keep yourself warm with woollen layers, jackets and other winter essentials.

The prominent highways such as the Manali-Leh and Sringar-Leh highway are both open for tourists, making road travel smooth and hassle-free. Therefore, making the month of May, the best time to visit Leh Ladakh by road. May marks the beginning of summer vacation in many schools, therefore it’s a perfect time to plan Leh Ladakh holidays, making summer the best season to visit Ladakh with family. The top Leh Ladakh attractions to explore in May are Leh Palace, Hemis and Diksit Monastery, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Further, take a trip to Lamayuru, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri.

Leh Ladakh in May: Events and Festival

• Saka Dawa – Saka Dawa or Vesak Day or Buddha Purnima holds supreme significance for Buddhists all over the world. This pious religious festival is celebrated all over Leh Ladakh with great reverence. The day honours the birth, enlightenment and nirvana (death) of Gautam Buddha. For Buddhists, it is a time of merit-making, practising abstinence, and offering alms to the monks. Devotees partake in a religious procession called Bhumskor carrying significant religious scriptures and thangka, which contains the teachings and tales of noble deeds performed by Buddha. The Saka Dawa festival falls either in May or June, depending on the Tibetan Lunar calendar.

Visit Ladakh in June

June, which is the peak month of summer, is the best season to visit Ladakh. This is a busy tourist season in Ladakh with a diverse set of tourists flocking to the Land of High Passes. Families with kids, honeymoon couples, road trip enthusiasts, and solo travellers are all seen holidaying in Leh Ladakh during June. You will find both local as well as international tourists swarming Leh Ladakh to admire its ethereal and tranquil beauty. The pleasant weather conditions, clear roads, azure skies, dry days and the shining sun contributes to a stunning backdrop for a Himalayan getaway. June, which is the peak month of summer, is the best season to visit Ladakh.

For those wondering when is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh by bike, it’s the month of June. Clear roads, dry days and pleasant weather in June facilitate a smooth and seamless road trip, making June the best time to visit Ladakh by bike or car. The highest temperature during daytime in Leh Ladakh is 17 to 20°C, while the minimum temperature drops to 5°C.

Leh Ladakh in June: Events and Festival

• Sindhu Darshan Festival: This is a three-day festival honours the river Sindhu at Shey (Indus) which is hailed for being the birthplace of Indus Valley Civilization. Starting from Guru Poornima, this festival attracts numerous visitors from all over India who join in to be part of this event. Cultural programmes, including music, drama and dance performances are a part of the show. The event also pays a solemn tribute to the brave Indian soldiers who laid down their lives while protecting their nation.
• Hemis Tsechu Festival: Taking place at the Hemis Monastery, Hemis Tsechu commemorates the birthday of Padmasambhava, Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival is celebrated with masked dance performances performed in the monastery’s courtyard, captivating the onlookers. The Hemis monastery houses the world’s largest thangka (a religious painting on a cloth) which is unveiled once in every 12 years. The next revelation of thangka painting will take place in the year 2028.
• Ladakh Festival of Yoga and Meditation: Commemorating the International Yoga Day on June 20, Ladakh hosts a week-long International Festival of Yoga and Meditation, promoting holistic healing and wellness. The festival follows a theme according to which discussion and thoughts are shared by the esteemed speakers of the event. The main objective of the festival is to promote yoga and combine both traditional and modern ways of healing and wellness for an individual’s betterment and achieve optimal health.

Visit Ladakh in July

July is the best month to visit Ladakh for experiencing its enchanting allure in full bloom. The snow-clad peaks, alpine meadows, gushing rivers, and tranquil lakes and serenity creates an inviting atmosphere, drawing numerous visitors in, only to leave them spell bound. Since summer is at its peak in Ladakh, the days will feel warmer but never sweltering hot. The average maximum temperature during the day ranges between 20°C to 23°C, while the minimum temperature drops to 10°C. However, in recent years, Ladakh’s temperature in summer has started to touch 30°C, making the days even warmer.

Travelling to Leh Ladakh in July is a cakewalk, as you can get many flight options from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar to Leh. Additionally, this is also the best season to visit Ladakh via road, as the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways provide hassle-free accessibility. Make sure to do advance booking for flights and hotels in July if you plan to visit Ladakh.

Don’t miss out on exploring the scenic sights of Ladakh such as Lamayaru, Hemis Monastery, Diksit Gompa, Leh Palace, Pangong Lake, and Thiksey Monastery. Mountain bike ride, trekking, camping, rafting, golfing, yak riding, jeep safari, and bactrian camel ride are popular adventure activities in Leh Ladakh to enjoy in July for thrill seekers.

Leh Ladakh in July: Events and Festival

• Ladakh Polo Festival – This annual event celebrates tradition, sports, and natural beauty of Ladakh and is held every year at Shagaran Chushot. The festival is held from 11 to 17 July, when the weather in Ladakh is favourable for participants to challenge each other in the thrilling sports of polo.
• Karsha Gustor – Held at the Karsha gompa in Zanskar, the festival commemorates the victory of good over evil. A crucial part of the festival is foretelling deities’ messages by a layman who is trained and purified by the monks. Attending this festival offers you an opportunity to watch the colourful Cham (sacred masked dance) and back hat dances which fill the atmosphere with a joyous and festive vibe.
• Phyang Tsedup Festival – Held at the Phyang monastery, this festival commemorates saint Skyoba Jigten Gombo, founder of Drikung Kagyu, a sub-linerage of Kagyu school order of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the most significant Buddhist festivals in Ladakh and is celebrated with remarkable devotion. Cham dances, musical performances and drama are performed at Phyang Gompa, creating a surreal atmosphere filled with festive fervour. One of the main attractions of this festival is the revelation of thangka of Skyoba Jigten Gombo, which is revealed every three years as per Tibetan lunar calendar.

Visit Ladakh in August

If you are wondering, is it a good time to visit Ladakh in August, we say fret not because August is a safe month to visit Ladakh. The average temperature range in Ladakh during the day can be around 20°C to 30°C, and as the night descends, the temperature starts dipping, ranging between 10°C to 12°C.

August is an excellent month to visit Ladakh for camping around Pangong Lake. The crystal-clear blue and cold water of the lake is a sight to behold. Under the shining sun, don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity to click photos beside the lake where so many cult Bollywood films like 3 Idiots were shot. Make sure to savour traditional Ladakhi cuisine like a spicy and warm Thukpa, Khambir, and butter tea to keep cold at bay. Buy souvenirs from Leh Market such as apricot jam, handicrafts, Tibetan jewellery, shawls and prayer flags.

On clear and sunny days, partake in adventure activities in Ladakh beyond mountain biking and camel ride—try paragliding, rock climbing, and ice-climbing. Snowfall is a highly unlikely occurrence in August. To experience snowfall, plan your Ladakh trip in late October.

Leh Ladakh in August: Events and Festival

There aren’t any major monastic, cultural or tourist events or festivals that take place in Ladakh during August. The only festival that may fall in August is the Phyang Tsedup Festival, depending on the Tibetan lunar calendar.

Visit Ladakh in September

Travel to the mountainous paradise Ladakh in September to experience its unparalleled beauty and tranquillity. In September, the rainfall of the monsoon season starts to subsides, leaving a pleasant weather for visitors. Experience the lush greenery of this alpine region, post monsoon showers. The average highest temperature in Ladakh in September ranges between 10°C to 15°C. However, in late-September the temperature starts to slip down to 10°C during the day, and at night, goes down even further. Remember, irrespective of the weather, one must always carry warm thermals and jackets, as Leh Ladakh gets cold at night when temperatures start to fall down in single digits. It’s advisable to plan all your Ladakh excursions and sightseeing during the day time, as night becomes extremely cold.

Leh Ladakh in September: Events and Festival

• Ladakh Festival – September is the best month to visit Ladakh if you want to attend the vibrant Ladakh Festival, organised by Ladakh Tourism. It is a fun and joyful fair and festival that attracts thousands of local and international tourists every year. Celebrated in Leh city, the festival aims to showcase the unique culture and traditions of the diverse tribes and communities of Ladakh. Additionally, folk dance and musical performances are an indispensable part of the 4-day event, along with archery contests, polo sport, etc. Savour the delicious Ladakhi cuisine at the food fest and try their local drink Chang.

Visit Ladakh in October

October is the last month of the year to visit Ladakh before accommodations, roadways, and attractions begin to shut down due to extreme snowfall. The best time to plan a Ladakh trip in October is during the first-half of the month, as the latter part of the month brings cold winds and snowfall, which may cause trouble to visitors, especially the first-time travellers. During this time, the sun shines only for an hour or two, often followed by cloudy skies. There is a sharp drop in tourist crowds as many visitors, particularly those travelling with kids avoid visiting during this month.

The average day time temperature in Ladakh ranges between 14°C to 15°C, which is still bearable for sightseeing. However, as the night approaches, the temperature drops below 0°C. At higher altitudes, such as Tso Moriro or Pangong Lake, the temperature plummets even further. It is essential to carry windcheater jackets, boots, gloves, caps and some general medicines for your Ladakh holidays in October.

Leh Ladakh in October: Events and Festival

• Diskit Gustor Festival – Diksit, located in Nubra valley celebrates its grandest festival in October that draws in many visitors. Diskit Gustor, a two-day festival, like other monastic festivals, celebrates the victory of good over evil. An effigy representing the evil spirit (Storma) is burned to ashes and Cham performances take place in Diskit gompa, performed by the monks.

Visit Ladakh in November

If you are planning a Leh Ladakh holiday on a budget and wondering about which is the cheapest month to visit, November is one of the most affordable months. However, be prepared to meet extreme cold, freezing weather conditions, and heavy snowfall. Due to such severe weather conditions, road blockages and closure of highways may affect your travel plans. This is not the best climate to visit Ladakh for first-time travellers or those who are inexperienced at driving or staying at high altitudes. Moreover, several tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other accommodations also temporarily shut down due snowfall and unpredictable weather. Hence, it is crucial to keep your Ladakh travel itinerary flexible for any last minute changes. The weather in Leh Ladakh ranges between 6°C to 7°C. during day time and at night it goes down to -7°C.

It is also important to stay physically fit and healthy while going on a Ladakh trip and to acclimatise yourself well, before proceeding to higher elevations. Pack warm thermals, caps, gloves, long padded jackets, and boots to protect yourself from the numbing cold.

Leh Ladakh in November: Events and Festivals

• Thiksey Gustor Festival – A two-day festival celebrated at Thiksey monastery, Thiksey Gustor is one of the few last festivals before the Ladakhi New Year. Devotees braving the spine-chilling cold, reach Thiksey monastery in the morning to offer prayers. In the monastery’s courtyard monks perform traditional dances, donning black hats.
• Chemrey Wangchok Festival – A spiritual festival celebrated at the serene and majestic Chemrey Gompa, a 15th-century monastery, nestled on a hill. The main highlight of the festival is that monks from the Drukpa lineage come together to partake in a collective week-long meditation. The two-day festival features a unique amalgamation of cham performances and soothing meditation.

Visit Ladakh in December

Leh Ladakh in December morphs into a snow-abode featuring glacial temperatures, icy-cold climate and constant snowfall. Famous tourist attractions such as the Zanskar river and Pangong Lake freezes completely in December. While some hotels and restaurants in Leh City remain open; they offer limited amenities for tourists who visit Ladakh in December. If you are not comfortable with cold weather and limited amenities such as unavailability of warm water and electricity, December is not the ideal month to plan a Ladakh trip.

Further, flight schedules and roadways often get affected due to severe weather conditions in Leh Ladakh. Driving on roads becomes extremely challenging, if you aren’t expert at driving in high altitudes or colder climates. It is advisable to first-time visitors to Leh Ladakh to avoid planning a trip in December. The temperature in Ladakh, during the day time hovers between 1°C to 2°C, while the night time temperature declines to below 10°C.

Leh Ladakh in December: Events and Festivals

• Galdan Namchot Festival – Celebrated as the birthday and Buddhahood of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder and scholar of Gelugpa sect, Galdan Namchot is a significant festival. During this festival, people light up their house, monasteries, and public places with butter lamps, symbolising light over darkness. It is a celebratory time when families visit each other to have a sumptuous feast and exchange gifts, especially the Khatak (scarf).
• Losar Festival – Celebrated all across Leh Ladakh with great fervour, Losar or Ladakhi New Year is a 15-day celebration taking place in December-January. The festival begins with devotees offering prayers to the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha across monasteries and shrines. Prayers, mediation, and chants constitute a significant part of the festival. People visit their relatives to exchange greetings and wish each other on the New Year.