Leh Ladakh in December
Overview
Many people think that Leh Ladakh is inaccessible in winter; however, this is the best time to visit Ladakh, especially for people with adventurous souls. Visiting Ladakh in December is a chance to witness the magic land in its rugged form. The place is all about snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes and snow-blanked roads that offer a magnificent backdrop for people to enjoy vacations in December. The cold, crispy air, powdered fresh snow, and snowflakes add more appeal and charm to this winter paradise. However, it is inaccessible in winter. Leg Ladakh offers one of its one-of-a-kind vacation experiences with a chance to enjoy the breathtaking awareness of the entire region and to observe it in its natural form. A trip to Leh Ladakh will undoubtedly give you an amazing experience that visitors cherish for a lifetime. So plan your trip in December; however, there are a few conditions applied, like no road trip and extreme cold, that you must keep in mind.
Weather & Temperature in Ladakh in December
Ladakh winters are severe as the Ladakh temperature in December during the day is about minus 11 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature drops to about minus 30 degrees Celsius at night, also you may expect three to eight days of rain as well in December. The temperature of the day in Ladakh also depends upon the time you are spending your day in Leh Ladakh, like the temperature at the top of the passes or in Pangong and Tso will be colder than in the main Leh city and Nubra Valley in December. The Leh City temperature in December is about 5 degrees Celsius maximum and minus five degrees Celsius minimum. However, at night, the temperature falls below zero degrees. During December month the winter season is at its peak in Leh Ladakh, and the weather is snowy as the landscape is entirely covered with snow.
Places to visit in Ladakh in December
- Nubra Valley
It is the topmost tourist place in Ladakh, located between Kashmir and Tibet, and is among the most exquisite sites and one of the most visited places. Nubra Valley is about 150 km from leh and is well known for the Bactrian camel, scenic vistas, and beautiful monasteries, including Dixit, Hunder, Samstanling, and Ensa. Tourists also visit the place to witness the dunes at Hunder Leh Palace M Shanti Stupa, Magnetic Hill, and Suru Valley. The valley is popular for its natural beauty and is thus said to be the most visited place.
- Pangong Lake
It is among the top places to visit in Leh Ladakh in December as it gets frozen in this month and wears the darkest shade of blue amid the scenic mountain ranges in the background. The lake is the world’s highest saltwater lake, located at an elevated height of about 4250 meters above sea level. Travelers who reach the lake ride all through the Khardung La, well known as one of the highest motorable roads worldwide, and get an amazing experience. Also, walking on this amazing frozen lake during your December trip is said to be a priceless experience that cannot be described in words.
- Tso Moriri Lake
The most popular lake, one of the highest altitude lakes in the country at an altitude of 4595 meters, Tso Moriri, is located in the town of Leh. It is also known as Mountain Lake, with crystal clear water that mesmerizes visitors and remains a pristine jewel of tranquility amidst the mighty Himalayas. Also, tourists can witness the diverse flora and fauna around the lake, including wildflowers, shrubs, Himalayan hares, marmots, and snow leopards. However, the lake’s ethereal beauty, diverse wildlife, and cultural richness are what attract visitors.
- Diskit Monastery
It is a place for people who wish to experience the serenity of being in the Buddhist temple. Your visit to this monastery is one of the best things to do during your Leh Ladakh trip, and that is why most Leh Ladakh packages include this in their itineraries. The monastery is popular because of its huge 108 ft Maitreya Buddha statue, which took about six years to be constructed. It is the symbol of peace and protection inaugurated by the HH Dalai Lama. From the inside of the monastery, tourists can enjoy the beautiful and panoramic valley views, and thus is said to be the most beautiful palace to visit for sure.
- Hemis Wildlife Sanctuary
It is one of the must visit places in Ladakh and is one of the favorite places of adventure lovers because of the safaris. The sanctuary covers an area of about 3350 sq km and is home to 16 mammals and 73 bird species and most of them are endangered. The wildlife sanctuary boasts of being the largest park in South Asia and the highest globally. Some major attractions that should not be missed are Snow leopard, bharal, wild sheep, and Ibex and goats. It is the best place for bird watchers as it has more than 73 varieties of registered birds.
Things to do in Leh Ladakh in December
Chadar Trek
The Chadar trek in December is one of its kind, adventurous activity that every trucker loves to do. The trek gives a chance to walk on the frozen lake and is considered a special attraction. However, it is said to be the toughest trek with trekking under freezing climatic conditions, but it is also the most exciting one that every traveler wishes to enjoy. During winter months, the extremely chilly weather of Ladakh turns the lake down to fully frozen as the temperature goes down to the freezing point, which converts this alke to a subtle sheet of ice, which makes it the best place for trekking.
Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is Ladakh’s unique adventure enjoyed by climbers on frozen waterfalls, icy rock faces, and frozen riverbeds, all surrounded by snow-covered peaks. It is one of the best activities to enjoy during your trip to Ladakh in December as the region fully transforms itself into a frozen wonderland. Thus, it offers this memorable experience. Tourists can enjoy ice climbing in Nubra Valley, Tsotsi Ice Wall, and Khaltsi Ice Wall. You must enjoy this winter activity and indulge in it to get an unforgettable experience.
Snow leopard trek
Snow Leopard Trek is another must-do activity during your trip to Leh Ladakh in December. It is a trek in Hemis National Park in winter, which is quite popular and offers a chance to witness the wildlife, especially the Himalayan big cat, one of the endangered species and the pride of the region. Also, it offers tourists an opportunity to witness and explore the exclusive, diverse flora and fauna of the trans-Himalayan region, along with magnificent Buddhist monasteries that are on the way.
Ice Skating
If you are seeking the best ice sports activities, plan your trip to Leh Ladakh to enjoy skates all the way through the cold, freezing ice. Explore the region and feel the thrill of skating in leh during peak wintertime when lakes transform into the white sheet of ice and enjoy the slipping and falling thrill. It is advisable to carry your open sket kit to enjoy this amazing activity in open nature. Ice skating at open-air rinks will offer you the most amazing experience.
Tips for Visiting Leh Ladakh in December
Leh Ladakh in December gives tourists a chance to enjoy its splendid beauty. However, you must keep in mind some vital tips to make your trip comfortable :
- Plan your tour to Ladakh in December only by air as there is no other option as all roads are closed. Also, traveling by road during this month has lots of risks and thus should be avoided.
- Traveling in December is great, but plan smartly kee,p your itinerary simple, and avoid adding remote areas as these are inaccessible due to snow.
- Also, have realistic expectations from your trip, as you can see a limited number of Leh Ladakh places during December.
- The accommodation facilities in Laadhf are also minimal during December month so keep this in mind and book your stay in advance.
- Also, include some extra days of stay in your planning during December, as you may face delays that can be due to snowfall and breakdowns. If you’re planning a winter trip slightly later, you should explore our Leh Ladakh in February guide to see how conditions shift and what to prepare for.
- Choose for a private taxi or can when in Leh as public transport is rarely available during your trip to Ladakh in December.
- In December, Ladakh is a bit expensive, and thus, the accommodation rates are also high.
- It can be difficult for tourists to cope if they are not physically healthy and have any medical issues, so plan accordingly.
Reasons to Visit Leh Ladakh in December
Ladakh in December is a unique experience as the region fully transforms itself into a breathtaking winter wonderland and offers a serene and exclusive travel experience. Here are some reasons why you must plan your Ladakh tour in December :
- December is said to be the offseason in Ladakh, and thus, it has fewer tourists, offering a more peaceful vacation.
- The region changes into a winter wonderland and offers amazing, stunning views of snow-covered mountains as well as valleys.
- Also, a trip to Ladakh in December is best for those who want to indulge themselves in thrilling, adventurous activities.
- Decembre will give you a chance to experience the popular Chadar trek, a unique trekking option on the frozen Zanskar River.
- During December, there are high chances that you can spot snow leopards as they move to lower altitudes in search of food.
- Tourists can enjoy monastic festivals and New Year celebrations in Leh Ladakh monasteries in December.
- Ice skating and ice hockey can be enjoyed fully on frozen lakes and frozen surfaces.
- You can enjoy the low-price accommodations as it is the off-season in Leh Ladakh.
Things to Carry for Ladakh Trip in December
There are some essential things that you must carry with you during your trip to Ladakh in December :
- Pack your clothes smartly to enjoy a comfortable trip; the clothing must include warm jackets, fleece, t-shirts, trekking pants, quick-dry socks, gloves, neck warmers, caps, etc.
- Pack accessories that are needed in Ladakh, including sunscreen, sunglasses, moisturizer, toiletries, medications, a camera, a small backpack, spare batteries, power banks, and packed foods like protein bars and nuts.
- Carry your important ID proofs like PAN card and Aadhar card along with all necessary permits. Inner lines permits are required to enter Ladakh protected zones which is a government permit to visit the tourist destinations.
- Carry the first aid kit that includes all basic medicines for headaches, fever and altitude sickness.
- Avoid traveling by bike during December month and alleys. Check with locals before planning towards any destination to know all the details about the road closures.
- Have a postpaid mobile connection service in Ladakh as it is operational in the local region, and mobile connectivity can be a barrier for you.
- Carrying sufficient cash with you during your winter trip to Ladakh is vital as there er no ATMs elsewhere in Ladakh. Also, there er chances of not working at the ATMs there, and you might require an ash for a few days.
How to Reach Leh Ladakh in December
Leh Ladakh in December is accessible and is the finest time for people to enjoy the snow activities and get the pleasure of traveling on snow-covered routes of the region along with the high-elevation mountain highways in sub-zero temperatures is amazing. However, in general, Leh Ladakh can be reduced by road and flight. But during your trip to Ladakh in December, both the Manali leh Highway and the Srinagar Leh Highway will be closed because of the extremely cold winters, making travel impossible. The entire Srinagar leh highway is blanketed with snow during december, and due to this road will be closed. Even if roads are open, it is advisable to travel with the full auction and keep some extra trip days in your pocket. The best way is to reach Leh Ladakh by flight in December. However flights may be delayed due to climatic conditions, but there are many flights from Delhi even in December as well.
FAQ's
Is December a good time to visit Leh Ladakh?
Yes, December is a good time for a trip to Leh Ladakh as the month offers snow-blanketed roads, frozen lakes, and pure white glowing mountain peaks that make it the perfect backdrop. The region is all about snow showers and full serenity with a unique blend of Indian And Tibetan characteristics.
Is it safe to travel to Leh Ladakh in December?
Leh Ladakh is safe to travel throughout the year; just plan your trip by keeping a few important things in mind, like AMS and clothes, and proper;y planning and packing all your items. Plan your trip in winter to enjoy the best of your trip without worrying about the safety part.
How cold is Ladakh in December?
The weather in Ladakh in December is very cold as December is the winter month in Ladakh. The temperature in this month ranges between -13 to -28 degrees Celsius. All the places are covered with heavy snowfall. The lakes remain frozen at that and you can enjoy many adventure activities such as skiing, photography, sightseeing, etc.
Which month is best for Ladakh?
The best month to visit Leh Ladakh depends on what kind of trip you are looking for. If you are looking for sightseeing in Ladakh, then summertime would be the best time to visit Leh Ladakh and the weather remains also pleasant at that time and if you are looking for snowfall then wintertime would be the best time to visit Leh Ladakh. Apart from sightseeing in Ladakh, you can involve yourself in many outdoor activities.
Can we visit Pangong Lake in Ladakh in December?
Yes, you can visit here anytime in all 12 months. During the summer months from May to September, the Lake is at its full glory and offers breathtaking views of the Lake and its gorgeous surroundings. In winter months the lake remains completely frozen due to the harsh cold weather.
Is there snowfall in Ladakh in December?
Yes, December is the peak winter month in Ladakh. The entire Ladakh region is covered with thick snowfall in Ladakh, making it the best time to visit Leh Ladakh for snowfall. Apart from the snowfall, you can engage in many outdoor activities such as trekking, skiing, photography, etc.
Is Leh Road open in December?
The two main routes that connect Leh Ladakh with other cities in India remain closed during December month due to heavy snowfall. The Leh Srinagar route opens in April and May And closes in November and December; on the other hand Leh Manali route opens in June and closes by November.
Is Pangong Lake frozen in December?
Yes, Pangong Lake is completely frozen from November to February, and the blue waters of the lake turn into ice. It is one of the highest saltwater lakes worldwide and is known for its colour change due to sunlight reflection and refraction.
What are the best things to do in Leh Ladakh in December?
In December, Leh Ladakh transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a unique experience for adventure seekers and snow lovers. Some of the best things to do in Leh Ladakh during this time include exploring frozen lakes like Pangong Tso, visiting peaceful monasteries dusted in snow, enjoying the festive local culture, and preparing for treks like the famous Chadar Trek. The region is less crowded, making it perfect for a serene winter getaway.
What are the things to do in Leh in December?
In December, Leh is quieter, with fewer tourists. However, you can still enjoy winter sports, visit monasteries, and experience Ladakhi culture. The things to do in Leh in December include a visit to frozen lakes like Pangong and participating in the chilly, tranquil beauty of the snow-covered region.
What is the weather like in Leh Ladakh in March compared to October?
In Leh Ladakh in March, temperatures are slightly warmer than in October. Snow starts to melt, making roads more accessible, while October can still be very cold with heavy snowfall and blocked routes.
