Seasons of Ladakh

The four seasons of Ladakh showcase Ladakh in a way that is unlike any other region. We have put together a piece on the activities one can undertake while visiting in any of the seasons. Each season has it’s own different experience.

Winter season (November-February)

Winters in Ladakh has its own stark charm, when the town seems to move at its own laidback, relaxed pace. However, there are lots of exciting events happening. During January, Ladakh holds its own annual Ice Hockey Championship where even the team from Canadian Embassy participates! Besides the Ice hockey matches, you will see children and adults alike skating on the frozen artificial lake near Spituk and at the Karzoo pond.

The unique Chaddar Trek over the frozen Zanskar river happens in the month of January-February when the temperature is much below zero degrees.

A series of festivals like the Mathoo Festival which is famous for its Oracle, Likir Festival, Spituk Festival is held during Jan-March.

Losar, the Ladakhi New Year is held in December when the entire city welcomes the New Year by lighting up their homes, monasteries with oil lamps and presents a breathtaking sight at night.

NOTE: Anyone traveling to Ladakh during winters must carry lots of warm, woolen clothes as the temperature during day is between 3 to -10 degree Celsius and at night it goes below -10 degrees.

Spring Season (March- Mid May)

March is the holy month of the Ladakhi Buddhists. Besides the regular prayers and fasting, one sight worth watching is the Go-chak procession wherein men and women start the procession by prostrating on the ground while chanting prayers from lower Leh and around the Tsemo Gompa and back to where they began. It takes three full days though the actual distance is not more than 5 kms. Imagine the resounding chanting of 500 people in one in sync tone!!

During end April and beginning of May, the white flowers on the apricot and apple trees bloom in its full glory and a walk in one of these orchards is a divine feeling.

Summer Season (May – September)

The Ladakh Festival is annually held from the 1st-15th of September. The opening of the ceremony on the 1st is a visual treat where a procession is held through the Leh market with each Block of Leh showcasing its unique culture, dance, dress, and ornaments (there are six distinct blocks in Leh district)

The Pangong lake (three fourth of which is in China) and the Tsomoriri lake, the two high altitude saltwater lakes must not be missed if you are visiting Ladakh

Nubra Valley during the month of June-July blossoms with wild lavenders and here you can even ride the double humped camel here.

Hemis Festival held in July is one of the most famous festivals which is well attended by both locals and tourists to witness the masked dance performed by the monks of the festival.

Autumn Season (September end – November)

Autumn is that part of the year when the leaves on the trees change colours and the Leh valley looks like a colourful collage splashed across. (The leaves are yellow, red, orange and brown in colour) and a quiet walk amongst these whistling trees is the most therapeutic experience one can ever have.