Many people think that Ladakh is almost impossible to visit in winters because of jammed highways and cancelled flights. But Leh Ladakh in december can be a once in a lifetime experience, especially for snow and adventure lovers. In winters, ladakh is almost empty. This is the main reason why visiting ladakh in december can be your best chance to witness the raw and real beauty of this place, minus crowd (obviously).
Winters in Ladakh is very harsh and temperature goes down to -30 degrees at night. So, days are cold but nights are brrr colder. Everything gets frozen and there is no running water in the taps.
And because of this climatic condition, there is a huge possibility that you will witness heavy snowfall.
But keeping everything aside, if you can bear the extreme climate conditions, you will sure to have an amazingly memorable holiday in Ladakh. But if you are a winter person and don’t really like heavy snow, then Ladakh should not be in your plan.
How to Reach Ladakh in December?
There are 2 road routes to reach Ladakh, the Manali-Leh highway and Srinagar-Leh highway. Both of these highways are generally closed by October-November and November-December respectively. Airway is the only way to reach Ladakh.
There are many airlines operate regular flights to Leh in winter. One of the best option will be to fly from Delhi as the frequency of flights is really good and rates are quite cheaper than usual. To avail cheap rates, you need to book your flight in advance.
Also make sure to wear at least 3 layers of clothes at the time of boarding the flight but sudden encounter to harsh winter climate may make you feel sick.
Many flights are delayed or cancelled due to climatic conditions, so make sure you keep a buffer of at least 1 day with you. Inform the same to accommodation.
Transportation Options in Ladakh in winter:
There are very less buses that ply in December in Ladakh. You can check online or get the details from the bus station in Leh. Depending upon the snowfall and climate conditions, the frequency and routes change without prior notice. You need to take proper information from the operator.
Though, Ladakh is a heaven for bikers, but I do not advise you to try your luck in bikes. The climate is extremely cold and you definitely do not want to fall sick. Not just this, but many accidents happen on the roads due to snowy roads and bikes often slip to fall in the valley.
Same is suggested for cyclists. Also, with cycles, you are not only risking your life getting prone to accident but also your health, because while cycling, one’s heartbeat rises and it is a huge risk in winters for heart attack. So, do not plan to cycle.
The best option will be to hire a taxi and travel comfortably. Make sure you confirm that taxi has a working heaters, because once it happened with me. The heater of the taxi was not working and I had to cancel my day’s itinerary and come back to hotel because of extreme cold.
Where to Stay in Ladakh in Winter?
If you are on a budget trip, you may book a hostel or a homestay but my suggestion would be to book a proper hotel or resort that has all the amenities. Many hostels and homestay do not have service of providing room heaters, are not centrally heated and often have bad bedding that may keep you cold all night.
Look for a hotel that is centrally heated, provides hot water 24×7, has a kettle and room heater in the room.
Places to Visit in Leh in December:
The internal roads in Ladakh are mostly open. Traffic is also less. Roads to Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, Sham Valley, Tso Moriri etc are open. But it is advisable to check the current scenario with the local centre because you defiantly do not want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Khardung La and Chang La are the 2 highest passes in the world. Both of these get extremely cold, like freezing cold in winters. You may either skip it this time or enjoy it mostly from the inside of your car. These places have minus temperature in even in the morning and noon.
You might also witness some beautiful frozen waterfalls and beautiful crimson trees.
For local sight-seeing, you can visit Shanti Stupa, Tsemo Fort, Leh palace, Thiksey Monastery, Jama Masjid, Hall of Fame and the local market.
Majority of Pangong Tso and Chandra Tal is frozen, which you must witness because it looks surreal and magically beautiful.
Precautions and Useful Tips for Visit Leh Ladakh in December:
- Make sure to carry at least 2 sim cards of different networks, just to avoid the network issue. Airtel and BSNL works in Ladakh
- Do not roam in cold open air with layers on your from top to toe
- Make sure to carry portable oxygen cylinders
- Carry Warmee with you. This is a pouch that keeps you warm.
- Stay hydrated by drinking hot water or tea regularly
- Do not workout or exercise during your stay
- Eat properly, do not skip meals during your stay
- Carry nuts, energy bars and dark chocolates for energy
- Keep moisturiser and sunscreen without amiss
- Carry gloves, mufflers and caps for sure
- Do not remove gloves to click photos every now and then. It might cause frozen hands and blood clot. Better to change the setting of your phone to make it usable with guarded fingers also. Otherwise, carry a camera.
- Wear sunglasses, as reflection of the snow might hurt your eye
- Carry a flask of hot water
- Carry your medicines, especially if you have migrane, heart, bone or BP issues
- Carry your govt. photo ids
- AMS aka Altitude Mountain Sickness is the most common issue with tourists visiting Ladakh in winters, better to get your tests done and consult your doctor before the trip
- Pack body warmers and jackets , at least 4 layers are required minimum
- Carry cash with you as there are hardly any ATMs outside of Leh
- Do not rely on Paytm or Gpay because there is always network issue
- Carry power bank for phone and extra battery for camera, because battery drains like a blink, due to the cold
Hope this helps. If you have any questions, feel free to DM me on any of the social media and I will be happy to help. Links are below, also follow me 🙂
Also read:
Preparing for Ladakh Road Trip – Tips & Route Details
8 Places to Visit in December to See Snowfall in India
Everything About India’s First ‘Night Sky Sanctuary’ in Ladakh
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