Ladakh in February
Ladakh in February
Weather in Ladakh in February
The weather in Ladakh is cold in February. The weather in Ladakh in February is cold and snowy. The Himalayan terrain in February turns so snowy and cold that the domestic water supply and the lakes in Ladakh go frozen in this month. So, knowing about the right kind of clothing suitable for extreme cold weather, precautionary measures, and maintaining a healthy regime throughout the Ladakh tour in February is essential. One may come across snowfall, snow-covered roads leading to delays or pauses in the journey, frozen water, power supply issues due to snowfall, etc. in February.
Looking at all this, still, people from around the world and in India have not stopped coming to Ladakh and making a trip in February. Because Ladakh and its people, the Ladakhis, are welcoming towards their tourists all year long. Most Ladakhis, trusted travel partners, and guides of Ladakh can get you the most unforgettable experience of your life on aLeh Ladakh trip in February no matter where you come from.
So, even though it is cold and experiences a lot of snow, Ladakh’s people, its culture, and the serene beauty are a must-see for all travel enthusiasts from India and the world over.
Technically speaking, one can experience low to extremely low temperatures, for example, 0 to -15°C. The day temperatures may be slightly higher but the weather remains cold. It is said that sometimes especially the late evening and night temperatures in February can go as low as -25°C. Now, that would definitely be extremely freezing and the sole reason why the lakes go hard and freeze.
Places to visit in Ladakh in February
1. Leh Palace
Leh Palace is a sacred and rich tourist spot in Ladakh. It is situated in Leh, the capital city of Ladakh. Leh Palace is full of grandeur.
The architecture of Leh Palace looks stunning during the day and by the evening when it is lit up, Leh Palace shines through and through. It is one of the most huge and impressive structures in the whole of Leh and Ladakh.
Leh Palace is a historic palace in Leh in the Ladakh. It is known for its stunning landscapes, monasteries, and cultural richness. The Palace was built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal as a royal residence. It served as the primary residence for the royal family of Ladakh. The palace is an architectural marvel, showcasing a mix of Tibetan and medieval Indian architecture. It is perched atop a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Leh town. This palace is one of the best picks for your Leh Ladakh in February tour.
The nine-story palace is made of mud bricks, stones, wood, and mud mortar. It has a unique construction, with thick walls to provide insulation against the extreme cold temperatures of the region.
2. Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey Monastery is a colorful monastery where you can see a yellow assembly hall, the Gelug lineage, Tara temple, a Buddha temple, and a beautiful red temple dedicated to the guardian deity. Thiksey Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Ladakh. It is situated around 19 kilometers east of Leh. Thiksey Monastery is one of the largest and most visually striking monasteries in Ladakh, perched atop a hill and resembling the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Thiksey Monastery is known for its impressive architecture, consisting of various structures and levels built on a hill. The complex includes a series of white-washed buildings with traditional Tibetan architecture, stupas, and prayer wheels. The main prayer hall has a 15-meter-high statue of Maitreya, the Future Buddha, covering two stories.
3. Hemis Monastery
Hemis Monastery is a divine place for all. The architecture of this monastery is unique. Many aesthetic structures at the Hemis Monastery are built in appreciation of Lord Gautam Buddha, Padmasambhava, and the renowned Rinpoche. Hemis Monastery is situated about 45 kilometers southeast of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The monastery is nestled in the picturesque Hemis village and is surrounded by mountains. The annual Hemis Festival is one of the major attractions of the monastery. Celebrated in honor of Guru Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche), the festival usually takes place in June or July and attracts a large number of locals and tourists. The highlight of the festival is the unveiling of the thangka, called the Hemis Thangka, which is the largest and most famous thangka in Ladakh. The monastery is home to a community of monks who follow the Drukpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The monks engage in daily rituals, prayers, and ceremonies, contributing to the spiritual ambiance of the monastery.
4. Pangong Lake
You can reach Pangong Lake in Ladakh via Chang La. The road to Pangong Tso may sometimes be covered with snow but visiting Pangong Tso on your Leh Ladakh trip in February should not be missed because Pangong Lake (Pangong Tso) is one of the best tourist spots in Ladakh. Pangong Lake is located at an altitude of about 4,350 meters (14,270 feet) above sea level. It spans across the border of India and China, with approximately two-thirds of the lake in Ladakh, India, and one-third in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, China. The lake is situated about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Pangong Lake is one of the largest and highest saltwater lakes in Asia. It is approximately 134 kilometers (83 miles) long and extends from India to China. Pangong Lake is accessible by road from Leh. The journey to the lake takes you through picturesque landscapes, high mountain passes, and remote villages. The road to Pangong Lake, especially the Chang La pass, is known for its challenging and scenic route. Pangong Lake has gained international fame, partly due to its appearance in the Bollywood film “3 Idiots.” The popularity of the lake has led to an increase in tourism, with visitors coming to witness its beauty and enjoy the serene surroundings. There are several camps and guesthouses along the lake where visitors can stay. However, it must be noted that this lake in Leh Ladakh in February is closed because of snow which makes the crossing of high altitude passes impossible.
5. Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri is another beautiful place in Ladakh that’s worth visiting but the only hindrance to your visit to Tso Moriri in February could be heavy snowfall or the roads getting covered with snow and making travel inconvenient. Anyways, Tso Moriri can be traveled from Pangong Tso via Tsaga La and Kaksang La. Tso Moriri is situated in the Changthang region of Ladakh, approximately 250 kilometers southeast of Leh. It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is part of the protected area known as the Tso Moriri Wetland Conservation Reserve. The lake is located at an elevation of around 4,595 meters (15,075 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest lakes in the world. Tso Moriri is the largest high-altitude lake entirely within India, with a length of about 28 kilometers (17 miles) and a width of about 4 to 6 kilometers (2.5 to 3.7 miles). The lake has a maximum depth of around 33 meters (108 feet).
6. Diskit Monastery
Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley in Ladakh celebrates Dosmochey, a festival of Scapegoats, in February. Visiting Diskit Monastery in February can get you a glimpse of this beautiful monastery as well as the prayer festival in February. The monastery was founded in the 14th century by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of the Tibetan Buddhist reformer Tsongkhapa. It is affiliated with the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Diskit Monastery is accessible by road from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The journey takes you through the scenic landscapes of the Nubra Valley and involves crossing the famous Khardung La pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Diskit has become a popular destination for tourists exploring the Nubra Valley. Visitors can find guesthouses, hotels, and camping options in the area.
7. Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is a beautiful place to visit in Ladakh but sometimes due to heavy snowfall or the Khardung La road getting covered with snow can cause inconvenience to reach Nubra Valley in February. Yet Nubra Valley remains one of the most stunning of all the mountainous terrains of Ladakh. Nubra Valley is renowned for its stunning and diverse landscapes. The region combines the stark beauty of a high-altitude desert with the greenery of the Nubra River oasis. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including the famous peaks of the Karakoram Range. One of the unique attractions of Nubra Valley is the presence of sand dunes, particularly near the village of Hunder. Visitors can experience a desert-like environment with double-humped Bactrian camels that are native to the region. Hunder is a picturesque village in the Nubra Valley known for its apricot orchards and lush greenery. It is also a popular base for exploring the sand dunes and enjoying camel rides. Panamik is a village known for its hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties. Travelers often visit Panamik to relax in the natural hot water. Turtuk is a remote village near the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and was opened to tourists in recent years. It offers a glimpse into the unique Balti culture and lifestyle. Again, Nubra in February in Leh Ladakh is closed due to snow.
8. Magnetic Hill
You can come across the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh on the Srinagar Leh route. Magnetic Hill offers a thrilling travel experience to the tourists of Ladakh because of its unique gravitational pull that’s magnetic. The Magnetic Hill is situated on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar national highway, about 30 kilometers from Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The alignment of the road with the surrounding landscape creates an optical illusion that makes it look like vehicles are rolling uphill when, in reality, they are rolling downhill. This effect is attributed to the gravitational pull, which creates the illusion of an uphill slope. The Magnetic Hill has become a popular tourist attraction, and visitors often stop to experience this curious phenomenon. Many tourists park their vehicles at a designated spot and witness the seemingly uphill movement of their vehicles when left in neutral gear.
9. Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame is a landmark on the Leh- Kargil road that’s built in memory of Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the Kargil War. This place has now become a museum and maintains many things related to the victorious Indian army. This Hall of Fame is a museum and memorial dedicated to the Indian soldiers who have served in the region and showcases the history, culture, and achievements of the Indian Army, especially in the challenging terrains of Ladakh. The museum has various galleries that display artifacts, memorabilia, and information about the history and activities of the Indian Army in Ladakh.The Hall of Fame includes war memorials paying tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in various conflicts, particularly those in the region. Visitors can see displays of military equipment, weapons, and clothing used by the Indian Army in the high-altitude and challenging terrains of Ladakh.
10. Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa is one of the most sacred places of all in Ladakh. It is at Shanti Stupa that the remains of Lord Gautam Buddha are treasured. This is a peaceful entity in Ladakh and a picturesque place to pray or meditate. The architecture of Shanti Stupa is extremely noteworthy and beautiful. Shanti Stupa is situated at a height of about 11,800 feet (3,600 meters) on a steep hilltop. Due to its elevated location, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the town of Leh, the Indus River, and the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. Shanti Stupa symbolizes the ties between the people of Japan and Ladakh, as well as the broader message of peace and harmony. The stupa is often illuminated at night, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The hilltop location of Shanti Stupa makes it an excellent spot to witness breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset over the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Things to do in Ladakh in February
1. Go on Chadar Trek: Chadar Trek is also known as the Frozen Lake Trek. It is the most famous attraction of a Ladakh tour in February. The Chadar Trek is a walk on the Zanskar River when it’s completely frozen. So, with Chadar Trek you can experience walking over a frozen lake in Ladakh. The Chadar Trek takes about 6-7 days for people to reach Leh or Kargil from Zanskar. The Chadar Trek is one of its one-of-a-kind experiences and during the whole trek capturing a lot of beautiful photographic scenes is inevitable.
2. Engage in Photography: Photography is like second nature when on a trip. Ladakh has a great collection of tourist spots and the landscape is stunning. Photography is definitely the most sought-after activity to be done on a Ladakh trip in February for all and always. Keeping your devices charged or having a power bank for cameras and mobile phones could be useful in Ladakh for uninterrupted photography.
3. Visit Monasteries: The rich Buddhist culture and the lineage of Tibetan spiritual teacher Dalai Lama, prevalent in Ladakh, making this place famous for its monasteries. A Ladakh tour in February should sometimes be done only to visit the monasteries in Ladakh and experience the peace and tranquillity of Ladakh.
4. Try Local Cuisine: Staying healthy is a must for all the visitors. So, trying the local cuisine could be a very wise way of keeping yourself adapted and healthy in the environment of Ladakh. The local cuisine of Ladakh has a variety of Ladakhi food specialties to offer its tourists like Thukpa, butter tea, and yak cheese. These are the most tried-out foods here.
5. Enjoy Bike Trips: Enjoying a Leh Ladakh bike trip in February is for those who are well-trained to ride on the hilly terrain, can bear the extreme cold breeze, and have sturdy bikes that can withstand the rough conditions in February. In February, Ladakh is not found to be suitable for enjoying bike trips because of heavy snowfall and cold climate. But overall, to enjoy your Ladakh bike trip in February regardless of the rest, it’s good to know well about the routes, fuel, and safety gears all the time when on the bike in Ladakh.
- The road route to Leh in Ladakh is well connected via Manali and Srinagar highways. The road connectivity to Leh makes a lot of bike riding enthusiasts choose to go on a Leh Ladakh Bike Trip in February. But a bike trip in February to visit Ladakh can only be recommended if you are an experienced rider. It’s also better that you ride with other fellow riders and not travel alone.
- A bike that you choose to ride should be in excellent condition. You should have patience when it’s snowing heavily and don’t get too experimental. Keep all the safety measures, identity, and permit documents handy. Be knowledgeable about the road routes, be aware of the extreme cold weather that you may have to face while riding the bike and otherwise too, and remember to ride safely on slippery roads caused due to snowfall.
- However, generally Bike Trip is not recommended in Leh Ladakh in February.
- Transportation in Ladakh generally is conveniently available during the months of June to September. Leh is a well-connected city in terms of transportation in the summer months. But nowadays rental bikes, taxi services, and jeeps are made available by local businesses even in the winter months including February. So, transportation in Ladakh in February is not too much of a hassle to avail. What’s challenging is the road conditions. Due to heavy snowfall most of the time in February, the roads may not be suitable for travel.
- Even when the snow is cleared off the roads, the roads are still slippery. All these and many other risks have yet not deterred travel enthusiasts from coming to Ladakh. If you are strong enough to withstand the environmental conditions and bear some inconvenience, transportation can become memorable and picturesque.
- By Flight: Reaching Ladakh in February is the most convenient by flight. Daily flights are available to reach Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport from most major city airports in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Srinagar. A visit to Ladakh’s airport in Leh is in itself a hallmark since this airport is situated at an elevation of 3500 meters above the sea.
- By Road: Reaching Ladakh can also be done via road. Leh in Ladakh is well connected to important highways in India. The Manali-Leh highway or the Srinagar-Leh highway are the two most useful routes to reach Leh in Ladakh by road. Traveling through these two routes is recommended and possible using all types of hilly terrain suitable vehicles.
- Extreme Cold Weather: Due to the extreme cold weather frostbite, fever, nausea, and distress are just some of the possible problems that you may have to face. The temperature in Ladakh during February can range from 0 to -30°C. With nights being the coldest hours. The daytime would be cold and breezy too but with some sunlight, you may feel a bit of relief. And just when you are thinking of getting some sunlight, the chances of getting sunburn cannot be negated either.
- Snowfall: Ladakh receives heavy snowfall during the month of February. The temperatures fall below 0°C. The temperature in the nights in Ladakh can fall extremely low, sometimes around -15°C. This region being a rain shadow area receives low rainfall but heavy snowfall due to extremely cold weather in February.
Read: Best Time To Visit Leh Ladakh for Snowfall.
- Shortened Daylight Hours: As is common, the winters in Ladakh see shortened daylight hours. The climate remains cold in the day hours and turns extremely cold at night. It’s essential to plan to go to Ladakh or Leh in February cautiously considering the hours of travel, stay options, and most importantly setting the time to do all the activities before it turns dark.
Finding accommodation nowadays can be easier thanks to the growing tourism all year long. A few famous hotels and resorts in Ladakh are welcoming tourists and providing potentially good service at any time of the year. Some local Ladakhi people would also be generous to provide accommodation and essential services at a lower cost as compared to high-end hotels and resorts.
- Packing thermal clothing, jackets, mufflers, monkey caps, hand gloves, first aid kit, sunscreen, required medicines, hand sanitizer, tissue paper, toilet paper roll, mobile phones, phone charger, power bank, torch light, battery cells, packed food items, dry snacks, identity proof documents, cash, fuel, toolbox, camera, contact details of travel partners, hotels, emergency numbers, etc. are some of the must carry things on a Ladakh trip in February.
The Ladakh tour in February can be handled better by being aware of managing the extreme cold weather, heavy snowfall, slippery roads, and personal health.
To make your tour in February safe and sound here are a few tips that could help:
- Go in a group (even solo travelers should go along with some Ladakh tour experts)
- Keep track of time and wind up before it gets dark
- Keep calm and enjoy the present moment even if you are stuck somewhere
- Be ready to use natural toilets
- Stay hydrated with liquid warm soups and water wherever available
- Carry a lot of warm clothing
- Have sturdy footwear with a good grip
- Eat the local food
- Participate in the local festivals
- Go shopping for souvenirs
- Or maybe also help the local people with something from you that they can keep to tackle the conditions they have to face in Ladakh!
- Practice spirituality
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Ladakh in February is extremely cold. The temperatures may range from 0 to -25°C depending upon the time of the day and the climatic conditions. Heavy snowfall is possible in February. The roads in Leh Ladakh may be obstructed due to snowfall. Frostbite is possible due to cold winds and weather. Sunburn can happen in the daytime when the sun shines too brightly.
In February, Ladakh is a winter wonderland and more on the extreme side of weather conditions. The climate is unimaginably cold. The lakes in Ladakh may be frozen due to the extreme cold but that also makes it a unique feature of a Ladakh tour in February. Food, transportation, and other necessary services are available. There may be some limitations to the service though.
February is an adventurous time to explore extreme cold weather conditions in Ladakh. Heavy snowfall is common in February and can be thrilling. Hilly terrain exploration, wildlife photography, attending festivals, and frozen lake treks can be done in February.
Leh Ladakh is open for tourists in February. You can plan your trip to Ladakh in winter. Most of the internal roads are open during the winter season. In the winter season, you will get to see the stunning valley covered with snow, the highest mountain peaks, snow glaciers, frozen lakes, etc. If you are an adventure lover, you must visit during the winter season to enjoy an adventurous trip.
A good amount of sightseeing and outdoor activities is possible in Ladakh in February but some limitations may be put due to heavy snowfall or extreme cold weather conditions.
A lot of festivals take place in Ladakh in February at various gompas. Some of the festivals celebrated in Ladakh in February are:
- Matho Stok Guru Tsechu festival
- Yargon Tungshak festival
- Dosmochey festival
- Thermal wear
- Personal hygiene products
- Dry food packets
- First aid kit
- Cash
- Mobile phone with charger and power bank
- Identity proof documents
Visiting Ladakh in February is mostly done to explore heavy snowfall, frozen lake trek, local festivals, and culture.
Several hotels and resorts in Ladakh keep their service available for tourists in February. Local businesses are also open to some extent.
Traveling to Ladakh in February can be safe but with preparation and being well-equipped. The tourism industry and the local people of Ladakh are welcoming to all their visitors all year long.
The weather is considerably cold even by the end of February. The vegetation in this region is mainly visible from June to September. All the winter months starting from December are snowy in Ladakh. Leh Ladakh in February end is still snowy and cold. However, the harshness of cold gets lesser as compares to starting February and January. It’s a great time to visit Leh Ladakh and take in its natural beauty at the end of February.
You can reach Ladakh in February by flight from major cities in India. You can also travel in a jeep, bus, or bike via roads like the Manali Leh highway and the Srinagar Leh highway. You can also hire a taxi from Manali and/or Srinagar to reach Leh. A bike trip is not recommended.
You should be adaptable to the extreme cold weather conditions in February. You should consult a physician before visiting. You should have a vehicle in the best condition. You should carry proper clothing and medications or first aid. You should be ready to see frozen water everywhere in including the taps and be able to use available water sparingly.
Every traveler of Ladakh who wishes to visit certain places such as Nubra Valley that are located on the Indo-Tibetan border needs to get the Inner Line Permit and follow the travel restrictions laid by the border authorities. With moral conduct, you can completely enjoy your Ladakh tour any time of the year including February.
Khardung La pass is open in February for travelers of Ladakh but due to snowfall, the road may be blocked. When travelling one must be well equipped with good condition vehicles that can travel even on slippery roads, be it Khardung La or any other road.
Yes, the entire Leh Ladakh is covered with thick snowfall during February. If you want to enjoy snowfall you can visit places such as Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri Lake, Khardung La, Zanskar Valley, Chang La Pass, etc. Some lower reaches like Nubra Valley, and Leh city have little snowfall during this time.
Temperatures range from -20°C to 10°C, which is exceptionally cold. If you want to keep warm and cozy during the visit, you must dress appropriately for the cold. To stay warm, visitors should dress in thermal underwear, woolen sweaters, jackets, and coats. To keep the extremities warm, it is also vital to wear accessories like hats, mufflers, and gloves.
- Thermal body wear
- Windcheater
- Sweater or jacket
- Monkey cap
- Ear muffs
- Hand gloves
- Socks
- Shoes
- Woollen muffler
Here are some of the best summer months to visit in Leh Ladakh:
Here are some of the best winter months to visit in Leh Ladakh:
