Adventure tourism is on a boom recently and winter trip to Ladakh is nothing less than an extreme adventure trip in winter. Ladakh is a cold desert and the temperatures anyways really low even in winters. So, winters are really extreme where mercury hovers around -20 degree Celsius(lower than -30 as well). Everything is deep in snow and this is a altogether different experience where everything seem to be whitewashed in deep snow. We actually do not want to explain the place more as there is really very less scope in which we will be able to explain the beauty of this place in words. If you are reading this, we assume you are already started with your planning for this winter to the land of high passes. Here are few tips and challenges which you’d consider while you plan to make your trip a memorable.
- As mentioned earlier it is going to be an extreme adventure trip which you are going to cherish for your entire life. It is highly advisable to plan it perfectly. Perfectly here means, considering all the factors and knowing what you are getting into and taking it ahead accordingly.
- It is close to impossible to reach via road to Ladakh in winters as both the routes are closed due to heavy snow fall enroute. There are feets and feets of snow everywhere. The only way is taking an flight to Leh. Even if the roads are open in some situations, we would highly recommend to not consider taking the roads due to the highly un-predictable weather. It is very very dangerous.
- The best part of planning in winters is that there is very less to no crowd and you’ll have the entire place to yourself.
- It is winter and it is a very dry region it is very cold. It is advisable to go well prepared in terms of clothing and things you should carry to Ladakh. Here is a list of few things you should surely carry when planning your Ladakh trip.
- Consider 2-3 days for staying Leh to acclimatization to the high altitude. This is very important as your body will have to go through a lot anyways, considering the harsh and dry winter. Our team would highly advise you to be in Leh and rest in order to help your body to get prepared for the next chapter of your planned adventure in your itinerary.
- As this is not a season for tourism in Ladakh, there will not be many options for your stay or food. To understand the entire tourism phase of Ladakh, here is the article for you to understand and plan your other trip.
- Monopoly – Please understand as there are not much stay options, the prices you’ll get will be very inflated and no scope of discounts as there is not much competition. Majorly, you’ll only get homestays.
- Consider taking a sleeping bag along with atleast -5 degree rating(-15 to -20 degrees best). Yes, your hosts(stay) will be giving you blankets but hygiene or you might be in need of additional insulation.
- As this is not a tourism season, please expect everything at inflated prices. So, plan your budget with open mind. This includes stay, food and transportation. Although, you might get public transport(buses) for travelling but that gets impacted with the changing weather. The services might be stopped if there is any prediction or sign of deteriorating weather conditions.
- Consider 2-3 days in buffer to beat the delay in your itenary which might get impacted due to the unpredictable weather conditions. Don’t be surprised with the Khardungla pass closed or any of the flight getting delayed or cancelled.
- Avoid planning your stays near the lakes during this time of the calendar. The weather at night becomes really harsh in winters with chilly and dry winds impacting the actual feel of the mercury even worse. You can either consider staying in Tangsey village near to Pangong and Chamthang can be considered while near Tso Moriri.
Although the roads around the Tso Moriri is usually closed and that patch in accessible. - Khardungla Pass is open most of the times but it also gets closed for few days if there is a fresh heavy snow fall at the pass. Please consider metrological forecasts to plan your trip accordingly.
Tip: When Taking a flight, consider getting a window seat. Thank me later!