India

Lamayuru is small village in Leh-Ladakh, but very popular place to take a break from the journey from Kargil to Leh. Lamayuru is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, People believe that there was once a lake that dried up. Lamayuru village is popular for its ‘lunar’ landscape and monastery. Interestingly, this quaint small village is promoted as ‘moonscape’ for travelers; reason being its incredible yet odd geographical formations.

Lamayuru is around 100 km from Leh, right after Fotu la, the highest pass on the Srinagar Leh highway. The roads on Fotu la mountain pass are in an excellent condition and it is a pleasure to drive through this pass. This tinny & small village has more to offer than it meets your eyes.

Here are the top 4 tourist attractions to visit in Lamayuru

1. Moonland

The beautiful views of Moonland will leave you breathless, to say the least. Unlike anything you have not seen before, the journey to this alluring place is definitely worth the effort. Strange but beautiful landscape next to monastery. Few people say the soil here is very similar to the soil that on the moon. Legends say a Buddhist lama, Yuru was looking for a spot to set up his monastery. As he set foot on this spot, then his decision was made. Moonland as it is known now was then completely submerged in water with a few craggy rocks on cliff of the surface. Using his natural spiritual power, Lama Yuru ordered the waters to recede in order to have place for his monastery. And, quite certainly the waters did recede and leaving this unreal piece of land for a beautiful monastery.

2. Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru monastery is one of the fascinating destination to visit in Ladakh. The oldest gompa is also one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh. it was founded in the 11th century by Mahasiddacarya Naropa. Lamayuru has the appearance of a cave monastery with moonlike landscape. Lamayuru consisting of 5 buildings, the structure these buildingd is ruins today. Lamayuru visit can easily be covered in a day return trip from Leh. Around 150 permanent monks living in that place. It has, in the past, housed up to 400 monks, many of which are now based in Gompas in near villages.

3. Uleytokpo

Ulleytokpo is well known as the western base camp for travellers who are visiting to Ladakh, Ulleytokpo is the paradise you are looking for before you reach Ladakh. It is an blissful place for spending the vacations in a peace-loving and serene area. Keeping Uleytokpo as base for travelers, most visitors book their accommodations in the hotels here. But Ulleytokpo is such place that you cannot take your heart away from here. blessed with scenic beauty and landscapes that look like an artistst dream, most come to enjoy a week off for the busy life, and it ends up being perfect for exactly that.

4. Wanla gompa

Wanla Gompa is a historic Buddhist monastery on the narrow hilltop that crowns Wanla village in uninion territroy Ladakh, India.

What is the best time to visit leh ladakh?

Summer: (April-July) is one of the best time to visit Leh Ladakh for summer & December to February is best for winter. Leh Ladakh is not an all-year-around destination. Ladakh is one of the best tourist destination for local & international travelers. The windy, narrow roads and magnificent snow-clad mountains and the stunning lakes will always touch your heart. Leh Ledakh is also popular for adventure sports like rafting, skiing etc.

Well, most of you might be planning about where to go for summer adventure. And when it’s about the adventurous place the first place that strike to your mind is Leh Ladakh. Like we said Ladakh has always been a dream destination for all adventurers, people rush to this destination whenever possible. Be it the magnificent snow-clad mountains or the gorgeous lakes and the valleys of Ladakh will always touch your heart. Encountering the sights of immense and devastate a field of slopes and valleys joined with the exciting knowledge of persevering through the unforgiving atmosphere is one of its kind experience. And while you are planning to visit this exotic place you might be wondering what could be the best time to visit Ladakh. While a few trip lovers prfer summers to be the best time to visit the place when the climate is most energizing and obliging when the snow has softened, melted and there is a buzz of movement with the brilliant and dynamic Hemis Festival celebrations.

Then again there are a few of whose winters have their own particular appeal with the snow covered mountains offering some of the best views in the world. And not to forget winter is the best time when you can enjoy the most amazing and adventurous trek in the world Chadar Trek.

Trekking over the grand and solidified Zanskar Frozen River is something which will be cherished you forever. Well, you can say that each of this time has its own charm and beauty so it can be a bit confusing for you to choose one.

Let’s make this a bit easier for you with this detailed guide about the best time to visit Ladakh and help you with the most wonderful time you can enjoy their with our best packages of Leh Ladakh Trip.

During the month of April to Mid May

With the coming of the month of April in the every calendar summer sets in the lives of the people of Leh Ladakh. The April month also marks the beginning of the tourists’ season and people flock here in ladakh in great numbers.

The temperature is Maximum 15° C, Minimum -1° C at this time in ladakh. During the month of April heavy snowfall stops and the summer time takes over this whole place. One can see all major tourist places, hotels, homestays, and guest are welcomed with opened hands by locals.

If you are visiting Ladakh during winters then opt for flights as well as all the roads and the mountain passes do not open at this time. However, the weather is still not sunny and warm as the usual summers. Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the main airport in the ladakh. The flights are directly connected from Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu by the flights run by Air India, Go Air and Jet Airways etc.

By late April, the lakes Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri start to melting, revealing the excellent hues and spectacular places. During this time ladakh has very beautiful weather with a clear sky but it is advisable to wear warm clothes for the adventure junkies as the sun can be a bit more dangerous during this time. You can visit the monasteries and the stupas which are the best religious places in Ladakh .

During the month of Mid May

Amid this time, one will just discover Srinagar-Leh roadway opened and this is quite recently not the correct event to finish the circuit. The impacts of winters have still not totally blurred away so extraordinary climate conditions; cold roads will welcome you to the city.

The temperature at this time is Maximum 16° C, Minimum 3° C.  By late May, there are voyagers streaming into the city, more often than not via Air as the roads still remain closed. In the start of June,  thrilling Manali Roads to Leh opens up alongside Rohtang Pass, in any case, the beginning 7-10 days are truly not reasonable for traveling since this place encounters snow slides and repeating blockages.

During this time flight is the best option for visiting Ladakh. Leh, Kushok, Bakula, Rimpochee Airport is the main airport of the area. The flights are directly connected from Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu by the flights run by Air India, Go Air and Jet Airways.

One can find the streets flanked by high snow dividers around Rohtang and some of the time Baralacha Pass as well and there are numerous other mind-boggling perspectives of plaguing snow to appreciate. Also, visit some of the famous Ladakh monasteries like Thiksey Monastery, Shey Monastery, Stongdey Monastery and Likir Monastery.

During the month of June

During the month of early June all the street courses to Leh open up and one can go to Leh city on the Srinagar-Leh-Manali Circuit. June is one of the best time of the year to visit Leh by bike or road. If you wish to enjoy the snowy roads and mountains en route this is the best time to go for a holiday in  Leh Ladakh. By mid-June, the snow begins dissolving so you will head out to some of the most beautiful lakes in Ladakh.

Visit some of the monasteries and the stupas here and also get acquainted with the local people. And the best of all you can enjoy the Saka Dawa, Yuru Kabgyat, Hemis Festivals which are held in this month every year.

If you are visiting by road then reach Ladakh through Kargil from Kashmir Valley, which is around 434 four hundred thirty four km. This route remains open from early June to November. 473 four hundred seventy three km long Manali-Leh road is open from mid-June to early October.

During the month of July to August

At this month, all passes and streets to the land that is known for lamas are opened and the land turns exceptionally welcoming, fabulous perspectives, bikers’ and picture takers’ heaven. This month is considered as the best time for visiting Ladakh. The whole place is a mixture of white, brown and green which makes it more beautiful. During this time the temperature is Maximum 25° C, Minimum 10°.

If you are planning for Manali to Leh road trip then try to leave Manali early so that you can avoid the congested roads at Rohtang Pass in ladakh. And if you are choosing the road trip from Srinagar-Leh then leave for Srinagar early morning so that you can avoid the traffic jam at Zojila Pass.

Also, a lot of festivals are celebrated by Ladakis at this time. Stongday, Karsha, Phyang, Sachukul, Karzok, Dakthok and Sani Nasjal Festivals are held amid these two months. This is also the time when Hemis Festival takes place and is grandly celebrated here in ladakh.

During the month of September

This is one of the best time to go to Leh as this time offers some of the best sights of Ladakh and better road conditions (than amid the Monsoons). As the peak season (June-August) is over, now the rates of the hotel are decreased here.

The Ladakh temperature during this time is Maximum 21° C, Minimum 5° C. The climate is cool and wonderful chill begins to look in here. It in some cases you can find snows amid late September. Get a chance to enjoy the crystal clear water with glimmering sunbeams falling over the surface and making it sparkle over.

Also at this time, the road conditions are much better than the usual. At times there can be snowfall which can cause a roadblock.

Visit some of the best parts of this region like the mesmerizing Pangong Lake and enchanting Tso Moriri and get a chance to learn about the culture and the beauty of this region. Also visit the famous monasteries and the stupas here while you pass through the highest motorable road.

During the month of October

As the month of October sets in the whole place is filled with a new life again. This is one of the best periods for visiting the stunning and beautiful areas of Leh and Ladakh as the place is permeated in brilliant hues.

From Srinagar-Leh and also Manali-Leh all the roads are brimming with people. Snowfall begins and cold wave clears over the zones of high elevations. Camps nearby the lakes too are closed. The temperature during this time remains Maximum 14° C, Minimum -1° C.

Those traveling by roads then the Manali-Leh roadway are open however you will run over snow secured streets and the majority of the visitor houses, dhabas and so on are closed during this period. You can also take flight according to your demands. The prices will be a bit cheaper than its usual cost.

Another interesting thing that you can enjoy if you are visiting at this time is the Diskit Festival which is held in this month. Visit the monasteries and also go through Khardungla Pass and then the majestic Nubra Valley. Explore the beauty of this spot and don’t miss a chance to try the double-humped camel ride in Ladakh.

During the month of November

With the onset of November, the cold completely takes over the range with the place encountering below minus temperatures at all areas over 14,000 ft. The temperature at this month is Maximum 7° C, Minimum -6° C. Temperature begins dipping under the point of freezing, exceptionally amid evenings.

During this time if you are planning to travel Ladakh by road, the highways will be closed. So it is best to take a flight if you are planning to visit Ladakh at this time. All the beautiful lakes like the Pangong lake will be frozen so camping is not a good option at this time. At some places, there can be a problem of water supply during this month.

You can also enjoy the famous Thiksey and Padum Festivals are held in this month. Also, meet the local people and enjoy some delicious cuisine made by the Ladakis.

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During the month of December

There is no doubt in that December is the coldest month in Ladakh when the district is totally cut-off from rest of India by road.

Although you can see that the roads to Pangong lake, Tso Lake and beautiful Nubra Valley over Khardungla Pass and Chang La Pass are kept open all round the year, leaving few days of snowfall. The winters on the “roof of the world” can get intolerable. The temperature remains Maximum 2° C, Minimum -11° C during this time of the month.

Most of the roads and the highways remain closed during this time. Ice sheets thick as 1 feet can be found on lakes and waterways.  You will see very few tourists during this time as they do not prefer to travel during winters.

But you can enjoy the Losar and Golden Namchot Festivals are held amid this month.  Also, you get a chance to see and learn about the cultural side of Ladakh while you are here during this month in ladakh.

During the month of January

As you know it’s the beginning of the New Year and the biting cold weather complexly takes over Ladakh. From January to Mid-March is additionally the time when many adventure seekers head out for the famous Chadar Trek, where they will be trekking in the frozen Zanskar River.

The weather conditions at this time are very chilly and there is constant snowfall which makes survival and acclimatization troublesome. The temperature is -2° C, Minimum -14° C

One of the best highlights of your visit in this time is the changing shades of Pangong Tso Lake and Tso Moriri which occurs from November to December/mid-January. After this, the Lakes get totally solidified with strong ice frost and are good for trekking. You can also meet a lot of Ladakhis and learn about their day to day life. Another interesting Ladakh trek during this time is the famous Snow Leopard Trekking.

During the month of February

During this time all the roads will be closed and the lakes will be frozen. The temperature during this time of the month is Maximum 1° C, Minimum -11° C. All you can see are the mountain covered with white snow. Another thing you need to keep in mind if you are traveling in this month is that there will be very less water as the water solidifies.  And also you will have the trouble of light cut for 5 hours.

If you are planning to visit Ladakh during this time of the year then always takes flights as all the highways, roads and the mountain passes will be closed. There are chances that flights might get canceled due to bad weather. Accommodations will be accessible yet not each of the hotels would be operational.

Those of you who love snow and winters then there are a lot of majestic monasteries which have cultural festivals there during this time. It is an experience to be cherished. Dosmochey, Yargon Tungshak, Stok Guru Tsechu, Matho Nagrang are few of the celebrations which are held in this month.

During the month of March

The temperature during this time is Maximum 7° C, Minimum -4° C. The days are a bit brighter with a sunny side but the evenings are usually cold. Those of you who are making a mind or plan to go to Ladakh at this time then you will see a different side of Ladakh with bright and greenish views. Most of the places will be empty as it is not a tourist season. You will have a lot of time exploring the whole place on your own.

If you are planning to travel by road during this time then it is not possible as both the highways will remain closed. It is better to take a flight from Delhi or Srinagar. The sky will be a bit clearer at this time so you can enjoy the scenic views.  

Camping at the Pangong lake and Nubra valley is not possible at winters. But you will have a good chance to enjoy some of the cultural festivals which are held during this month. Some of them are Matho Nagrang, Stok Guru Tsechu, Yargon Tungshak Festivals.

So guys here are detailed about each of the month and the weather condition of Leh Ladakh. All you have to do is to decide the best month for you to travel to this amazing destination. Make some memories along with your loved ones and cherished them forever.