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Ladakh in the winter offers a unique experience of stunning snowy landscapes, fewer tourists, cheap accommodation, and the chance to enjoy activities like frozen river walks and the hushed quiet of the natural world. The extreme cold may put off many visitors from arriving, but the panoramic views make it more than worthwhile. The colder months are ideal for developing a close relationship with the locals as well, who have more time to share their stories and experiences with curious visitors. Make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes, give yourself time to acclimate to the cold weather and learn a few key phrases like “julley” (hello, thank you).
With stops at monasteries, plenty of trekking adventures and numerous opportunities to sample the local cuisine, here’s your ultimate winter guide to Ladakh.
At 3,000 to 6,000 metres above sea level, Hemis National Park in the Leh district is globally famous for its population of snow leopards. The landscape here contains pine forests, alpine shrublands and meadows, and alpine tundra vegetation. Around 200 snow leopards call this place home, with most of them living in the Rumbak catchment area. The flora and fauna here range from Tibetan wolves, the Eurasian brown bear, red foxes, mountain weasels, pikas, Himalayan marmots, golden eagles, griffon vultures, robin accentors, Blyth's swifts, and red-billed choughs to juniper, willow, birch, and fir forests. While November to April is best for snow leopard tours, avoid the bitter cold of mid-December to late January. Unlike other national parks, Hemis cannot be explored on a jeep or vehicle, given its hilly landscape, so hire a guide to take you around. Most tourists visit the national park in the summer when they embark on the Markha Valley Trek and hikes to the Stok Kangri peak (6,153 metres) and the Kang Yatse peak (6,496 metres).
Pangong Tso is the world’s highest saltwater lake at 4,255 metres above sea level and is considered a sapphire jewel cradled amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks. It is made up of five sub-lakes, which are connected through narrow water channels. The name Pangong Tso only applies to the westernmost lake, which is mostly in Ladakh, as the water body sprawls across Tibet, too. It freezes completely in winter despite being a saline lake and is mostly known for its changing hues (blue, grey, green and red) at different times. The lake is the breeding ground for various bird species, including bar-headed geese, Brahminy ducks, black-necked cranes and seagulls. On the Indian side, an Inner Line Permit is required to visit the lake, as it lies on the Sino-Indian Line of Actual Control. Groups are permitted to visit the eastern and southern banks accompanied by an accredited guide.
“The Orchard of Ladakh” is located about 160 kilometres north of Leh and is connected to Ladakh’s capital via the Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The Nubra Valley is known for its scenic vistas, orchards and the presence of Bactrian camels at the Hundar sand dunes. The Siachen Glacier, the second-largest glacier outside the polar region, can be found in this valley. Most visitors come here during the summer, where they can dip in the Panamik hot springs or go river rafting on the Shyok River. The main village of Diskit is home to the dramatically positioned Diskit Monastery which was built in the 14th century. Don’t miss its 32-metre Maitreya Buddha statue, a landmark of the Nubra Valley.
The second-largest city in Ladakh after Leh, Kargil stands at an altitude of almost 2,700 metres in one of the most challenging terrains. It is located at the confluence of multiple river valleys: the Suru River valley to the north and south, the Wakha Rong valley to the southeast leading to Leh, and the Sod Valley to the east leading to the Indus Valley near Batalik. The Line of Control with Pakistan-administered Kashmir is roughly 11 kilometres to the north of the town. With temperatures freezing down to -15 to -20°C, it is one of the best places in Ladakh for winter lovers. One of the most notable places here is the Kargil War Memorial which commemorates the 1999 war between India and Pakistan. Add trips to the Mulbekh Monastery, a former outpost that guided the caravan route between Kashmir and Ladakh, and the Rangdum Monastery, which dates back to the 18th century.
Also known as Lachen Palkar Palace, this former royal palace was constructed around 1600 by Sengge Namgyal before being abandoned when Dogra forces took control of Ladakh in the mid-19th century. The museum here holds a rich collection of jewellery, ornaments, ceremonial dresses and crowns. Tibetan thangkas (paintings) of intricate designs, which are more than 450 years old, still retain the bright colours derived from the crushed and powdered gems and stones from when they were first made. Head up to the rooftop for spectacular views of Stok Kangri and panoramic views of the entire town and its surroundings.
The Chadar Trek is a winter trail over the frozen Zanskar River that spans nearly 105 kilometres. Offering a unique experience for adventurers, the trek takes hikers through Ladakh's starkly beautiful and remote landscapes, including the thrill of walking on a solid ice sheet. The mercury plummets well below freezing at this time, reaching as low as -30°C during the night. Highlights of the trek include views of the Nerak Waterfall, a frozen cascade of ice formed due to the chilling temperatures, and the Tibb Cave, a naturally formed overhang along the frozen river cliffs. This cave serves as a crucial shelter for trekkers, offering respite from the biting cold and wind. The best time to go on the Chadar Trek is from January to February.
The ski season in Ladakh typically runs from December to March, with peak skiing conditions occurring in January and February. The region experiences heavy snowfall during these months, particularly in high-altitude areas like Drass and Kargil. Head to the Naktul region for wide open slopes ideal for beginners or the Linkipal region for more challenging runs. Another place you should consider is Drass, often called “The Gateway to Ladakh.” Its ski slopes are blanketed with powdery snow throughout the winter. Head to the Goshan and Lamochan regions for skiing and snowboarding activities.
Hanle is a remote village in Ladakh at an altitude of about 4,500 metres known for its clear skies and minimal light pollution. It was once part of the ancient Silk Route, facilitating trade and cultural interactions between India, China and Central Asia. The region was formally notified as the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve in 2022, India’s first dark sky region. When you’re here, visit the observatory to witness advanced astronomical research and enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings; take part in stargazing experiences; explore the local Ladakhi culture and traditions through interactions with the community; visit the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to spot Tibetan gazelles and wild ass; and check out the Hanle Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the Ladakh region and a centre of Buddhist learning and meditation.
Ladakh’s cuisine is a year-round delight, but winter is the best time to appreciate its comforting warmth. A fusion of Tibetan, Indian and Central Asian flavours, every dish tells a story of tradition, sustainability and adaptability to the challenging terrain. Eat your way through thukpas, a soupy noodle dish that combines meat and vegetables; yarkhandi pulao, a flavourful rice dish made with meat and aromatic spices; chutagi, a wheat-pased pasta that is mostly eaten in winter; delicious cups of butter tea paired with khambir, a thick and round whole wheat bread; mokthuk, a dish where momos are dipped in a protein-rich soup of spices and vegetables; and skyu, a wholesome traditional soup that contains vegetables and dough kneaded into small balls. You will be saying “shimpo rak-ley” (it is delicious) in no time.
In Leh, consider stays at The Grand Dragon Ladakh, The Indus Valley, the Zostel Leh, Woosah Hostels, the Gomang Boutique Hotel and the Heshuk Guesthouse , to name a few. Outside Leh, consider checking into homestays and supporting the residents’ livelihoods.
Take a flight to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh or the train to Jammu Tawi Railway Station (JAT) in Jammu and Kashmir, which is 663 kilometres from Leh. There are two road routes to Leh: the Manali-Leh highway and the Srinagar-Leh highway. You can hire a car or jeep from Kargil and Srinagar to Leh; remember that during the winter months, many highways shut down due to heavy snowfall.
