Leh Ladakh In October
Overview
Ladakh welcomes the autumn season in October, and is one of the finest months to have a vacation there. It may not be the peak-season but it is also not the off-season too. The place is not crowded and you can have a relaxing time exploring places and doing a bunch of activities. Trekking, sightseeing, camping, river rafting etc. are some of the best activities to do in Ladakh. All the tourist spots are available and accessible. The place turns into a golden paradise with leaves changing colours from green to yellow. The weather is pleasant and tolerable with mild temperatures.
It is also the time of the year when certain festivities are celebrated in Ladakh that you can attend and enjoy. This gives you a learning experience on your trip. The snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, rough terrain, migratory birds, gushing rivers, turquoise-coloured lakes, etc., all these elements simply amplify the beauty of Leh-Ladakh.
Till now, this unparalleled beauty stayed away from the lens of commercial tourism but, the creation of Ladakh as a separate Union territory has boosted its tourism in recent years.
To make your trip to Leh-Ladakh memorable in the month of October, you can connect to the team of Cliffhangers India. Cliffhangers India has solidified its identity in the field of tourism. Thus, you can create an organised tour plan with the team of Cliffhangers India.
Here, in this page, we have provided each piece of information regarding a trip to Ladakh in October including places to visit, activities to do, accommodation options etc.
Weather And Temperature In Ladakh In October
Weather is delightful and crisp in October with refreshness in the air. It is ideal for outdoor activities as the sky is clear and sunny. Days are tolerable but nights get chilly. It is lesser at the start of the month but winter builds up hardly towards the end of it making the climate comparatively colder. It might snow in high-altitude passes. It might be an autumn month but winter commences from october too. The temperature hovers between 15°C to -1°C. It can dip down more in alpine lakes like Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri Lake.
If you want to catch live snowfall, then there are chances especially in the high-altitude regions like Passes and valleys. You must pack some woollen clothes like thermals and jackets for a good layering along with other warm accessories like a beanie, socks, gloves etc.
Places To Visit In Ladakh In October
Leh Palace
Situated at the top of Namgyal Hill, the Leh Palace was erected in the 17th century. The Leh Palace was constructed by Tsewang Namgyal, the founder of the Namgyal Dynasty which was finally completed by Sengge Namgyal.
The Leh Palace closely resembles the Tibetan style of architecture. This marvellous construction has turned into a popular tourist site and remains open throughout the year. It is one of the prime attractions. It is a testament to the rich heritage of Ladakh. The building has 9-storeys. It is open throughout the week including Sundays and national holidays. The timing is from 8 am to 6 pm.
Thiksey Monastery
Thiksey monastery is one of the best places to visit in Ladakh. It is at a short distance of just 19 kilometres from Leh. It is on a hill in Thiksey, Leh. It is dedicated to Buddhism and is one of the largest monasteries of Central Ladakh.
October is the perfect month to visit Thiksey monastery as the famous Gustor festival is celebrated in this month. Cham dance is performed by Lamas and it is attended by thousands of people like villagers and tourists. Another highlight of this festival is the Trade fair that is organised where the barter system is showcased.
The timing of the place is from 7 am to 7 pm seven days a week.
Hemis Monastery
Since Ladakh reflects Buddhist culture, you can see numerous monasteries in Leh. One of the most famous monasteries in Leh is the Hemis Monastery. This monastery has a golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The location of the spot is at a hill in Hemis where the Indus river flows by. It is just 45 kilometres away from Leh city.
It is one of oldest, believed to have existed before the 11th century. In June, Hemis festival is celebrated to honour Padmashambhava who spent his entire life in the service of others. You can enjoy the mystic mask dance performed by Lamas. The place opens at 8 am in the morning and is accessible till 6 pm. There is an hour break from 1-2pm. You can visit here throughout the week.
Pangong Lake
You can visit Pangong Lake with the required Inner Line Permit in October. From Leh, it is just 124 kilometres away from Leh and buses are available from Leh bus stand. You can also hire or share a cab. This turquoise-coloured lake is at an altitude of almost 14,200 feet. The Pangong Tso Lake has its stretches in China as well. About 40 percent of the total area of the lake is under the Indian Subcontinent.
It is one of the sensitive areas and comes under Line of Actual Line(LOC) hence, boating is not allowed here. You can only come in groups here with a certified guide. Moreover, this natural site is featured in the climax of the movie “3 Idiots”. Thus, you can relive a perfect Bollywood emotion while visiting this place. The timing of the lake is from 8 am to 5 pm and you can easily get accommodation here.
Tso Moriri Lake
The lake has not frozen yet and October is an optimal time to make a visit here. You get good options here to stay at night. It is also the largest alpine lake to be entirely in the Indian Subcontinent. 245 kilometres separate this attraction from Leh and you can come here via Changthang.
It is situated in the Rupshu Valley of Ladakh. About 29 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide, this salt water lake is a treat to the eyes. You do need an Inner Line Permit (ILP). you need to acclimatise properly before going here to avoid high-altitude sickness. You might see migratory birds too.
Zanskar Valley
The valley is among the popular tourist spots in Ladakh and is situated at an altitude of 12154 ft. Zanskar valley is the base camp for numerous treks like Chadar trek which can be done in October. It is also famous for offering numerous adventurous activities like hiking, paragliding, motorbiking etc. It is at a distance of 105 kilometres from Leh city.
The Zanskari people here have a very unique culture and you can have a peek when you visit this stunning valley. It also contains some ancient monasteries like Sani Monastery, Phuktal Monastery, and Stongdey Monastery etc. summer is the optimal time to make a visit here.
Diskit Monastery
Lachung temple is one of the highlights of Diskit Monastery and it is one of the oldest temples of Ladakh. You can visit here in two and half an hour or so by hiring a can or taxi from Leh city. It is at a distance of 115 kilometres from here. The location of this monastery is Nubra valley, one of the remote places of Ladakh.
A large statue of Buddha is present in the hall and one of Maitreya Buddha below it. It is full of beautiful paintings and you can explore the place in an hour or two.
A local festival called “Dosmoche” or “festivals of scapegoat” is celebrated in the monastery in February annually. Cham dance is one of the main parts of the ceremony. Shyok river flows in front of it and from the monastery, a gorgeous view of Diskit village can be seen.
Nubra Valley
Nubra valley is open and can be explored by tourists in October. What makes this region more special is the flow of the Nubra River. Take the utmost pleasure in these natural surroundings.
From Leh city, via Khardung La pass, the highest motorable pass of the world, you can enter the valley. 105 kilometres from the city, you can also take a bus available at a reasonable fare. Some of the places to visit in Nubra valley are Diskit, Panamik hot springs, Hunder sand dunes and others. In Hunder, bactrian camels are a speciality here and camel rides are very popular among travellers. It is in the northernmost region of Ladakh, also called the Valley of flowers.
Turtuk Village
The last outpost of India is Turtuk village. One historical fact about this village is that it was not part of India before 1971. It came under the Indian subcontinent only after the 1971 war with Pakistan.
It is home to the Balti people and a conversation with them will make you learn about life on the other side of the border. Situated in the Karakoram range, the village has breathtaking waterfalls and is perfect for sightseeing. You will feel connected to nature here. 205 kilometres separate Turtuk from Leh city. It also has some small treks, hikes that you can undertake, click pictures here too.
Magnetic Hill
Pull your car in neutral on a yellow spot here at Magnetic hills to witness its wonders. The place is quite mysterious where it is said that it pulls cars towards it. It defies gravity by doing so. Rumours have it that in the past whoever deemed lucky was pulled by it as it was a getaway to heaven. Just 30 kilometres from Leh, it is on the Leh-Kargil Highway.
You can see Sindh river, flowing by side from here with the magnetic hills in the backdrop. October is a good time to visit this place and experience the phenomenon.
When reached Magnetic Hill can also take a look at nearby attractions like Hall of Fame, Pathar Sahib, Alchi Monastery etc.
Hall of Fame
The place is dedicated to the soldiers and their sacrifices made during the Indo-Pak Wars. it has their names, images, letters written by them, arms etc.
It symbolises bravery and proudness. On your way to Magnetic Hill, you can stop here and explore as it is just 4 kilometres from Leh. It is on the Leh-Kargil road. It remains open from 9am to 7 pm with an hour break from 1-2 pm. The 7 pm parade is the highlight of the place.
Shanti Stupa
As the name suggests, this monument is a symbol of peace. This white-domed stupa was built in the year 1991 by Gyomyo Nakamura. A golden sitting Buddha statue could be seen here and it has relics of Buddha at its base. It was constructed to celebrate the 2500 years of Lord Buddha. It is at a tophill in Chanspa, Leh and is located 3-4 kilometres from the city of Leh.
The best time of day to make a visit here is during sunrise and sunset. It remains open from 5 am to 9 pm.
Additional Information Of Leh Ladakh In October
Leh Ladakh Bike Trip In October
Who does not dream of an adventurous bike trip to Ladakh? Wekk, everyone does because it is thrilling and fun. The journey from Delhi to Ladakh takes about 15 days with a couple of days as buffer day and each day is unique and full of new things. Riding through the rough terrains, by the edges of streams with bubbling water , snowy glaciers gives you every pump of adrenaline you need. The high passes like Zozila and Chang La offer stunning views of vistas and trees shedding leaves.
This venturesome bike trip needs extra preparation with you practising riding your bike on rough roads prior to the trip to knowing your bike thoroughly. You should be able to repair minor punctures and keeping a small puncture repair kit comes handy.
Keep some spare tubes along with fuel too. A vehicle with a big engine must be your choice like Royal Enfield. There are two ways to do your bike trip. One via Manali-Leh Highway which closes by late October due to snowfall. It is tougher too.
The better choice would be Srinagar-Leh Highway which remains open throughout the month but it is highly suggested to undertake this trip in early october to avoid any shutdown because of unpredictable weather. It gets colder and colder as days pass.
Last but not the least, Acclimatisation is crucial. Spend a couple of days in Leh city, exploring the nearby places and tasting local cuisine before going to high-altitude places like Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake.
Transformation Of Ladakh In October End
Winter commences somewhere by late october when temperature dipping down to minus degrees especially in the places at high-altitudes. Even days are cold and nights get real chilly. Crowds get less, offering more peaceful time to tourists. If you are someone who is into photography, it is a great time.
Well, there are some things that are not so good about october end as roads start to close due to receiving heavy snowfall. It is highly advised to travel via flights, booked in advance. Bike trip at the end is not the best idea.
Leh ladakh Packages In October
Nirmal Leh Ladakh Package is one of the best packages offered by Cliffhangers India. The team of Cliffhangers India will help you maximise your travelling experience which will create a happy memory for life.
Challenges On Ladakh trip In October
High-altitude: Ladakh is situated in the northernmost parts of India and contains one of the highest passes of the world. They are alpine lakes which are located at more than thousands ft.
Road conditions : You face problems of roadblocks and roads become slippery by the end of the month. It begins to snow in high passes by the october start and the whole Ladakh starts experiencing it by the end of the month. It is important to choose the easier route and remain updated about the current conditions of roads, their closure and everything.
Tourist crowds : Ladakh does welcome many tourists even in October. So you may not be the only person there.
Permits requirement : Ladakh lies near the India-Pakistan border with some places coming under Line of Actual Control (LOC) hence you need Inner Line Permit(ILP) to visit tourist attractions like Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri Lake etc.
Things To Do In Ladakh In October
Go On Trekking
October is a good time to undertake a trek in Ladakh. From small to big, there are several treks here. Zanskar Valley and Nubra Valley are the basecamps for some of them while Turtuk village also has some short treks. They are quite adventurous and give you the much-needed pump of adrenaline.
Throughout the experience, you walk on rugged terrains, dense forests, along the bubbling streams etc. and the final destination is so mesmerising that you won’t believe your eyes.
Engage In Photography
October marks the top time of Autumn hence every place looks like something painted on a canvas with a hint of golden effect on it. The leaves have turned yellow and start falling. You can click pictures of monasteries, Ladakhi people who are camera shy but very friendly, the wildlife there and more.
Don’t forget your cameras to take pictures that are just postcard-perfect.
Visit Monasteries
Ladakh is well-renowned for a number of monasteries that date back to hundreds of years ago. Some of the notable ones are Diskit monastery, Hemis Monastery, Elsa Monastery, Thiksey Monastery and others. They are open for tourists throughout the year with different festivals celebrated there at different points of time.
They are the best way to learn about the culture and history of Ladakh. It takes an hour or two to have a thorough look. They hold great significance in Buddhism.
Try Local Cuisine
If you have visited Ladakh, then your experience would be incomplete without trying the mouth-watering delicacies. They are the local dishes there which are prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Some of the must-try would be Momos, Thukpa, Skyu, Chhurpe, Tingmo etc. You can drink refreshing beverages like Cholak, Tngdur, and butter tea. The main ingredient used to flavour dishes here is wild garlic. One other Ladakh-specific dish is the soup made from stinging nettle. The Apricot jam is the highlight here used as spread on breads and with desserts too.
Enjoy Bike Trips
The bike trip from Delhi to Ladakh is full of excitement and adventures where you cross some of the highest passes of the world like Chang La pass, which is the highest motorable pass of the world. It is every thrill-seeker’s dream and aspiration to do it once.
You get to ride through high inclines, rough roads. It takes an average 15 days to conclude it. October is a good time for it as roads are pretty clear till now and open.
Have a well-serviced and maintained bike for it with a big engine.
Experience River Rafting
One of the ultimate adventurous activities to do in Ladakh would be river rafting. It is accessible to both beginners as well as experienced people ranging from I to IV. Some of the top spots for it would be Zanskar and Indus rivers.
The ride gives you stunning views of remote villages against the backdrop of mountains. Rivers have not frozen in October so it is an optimal time to do it.
Take A Yak Safari
A ride on the largest and heaviest animal of Ladakh is very popular here. They might look big and scary but they are quite friendly when treated right. You can even feed them bread. Yak-safari is purely a Ladakh-specific experience which takes you to vistas, streams, glaciers etc.
You must have this activity on your itinerary when you come to Ladakh.
Shopping In Leh
Ladakh has some big to small markets to buy things like souvenirs, woollen clothes and some food items. Moti Market, Women’s alliance of Ladakh shopping hub which is operated by women only, Zanakar arts, Tibetan handicraft emporium are some of the famous shopping spots to purchase. You can buy Tibetan articles, apricot jams, showls etc, from these places.
Bargaining is very important to avoid overpaying. You can interact with locals there to have genuine knowledge as they know the best.
Explore Wildlife
Ladakh has the largest national park of India, Hemis National Park, where you can go to have a wildlife tour. Witness the rich biodiversity of ladakh as it is home to numerous animals and birds species.
Some of the animals found here are Himalayan Wolf, snow leopards, Himalayan brown bear etc which are protected in national parks and sanctuaries. These places are open in October. This is one of the best activities to do in Ladakh.
Essential Information
Road Conditions Of Leh ladakh In October
There are two highways that connect Leh with major cities, namely, Srinagar-Leh Highway and Manali-Leh Highway.
Manali-Leh Highway is almost 490 kilometres in distance and would take 10 hours approximately to reach the city of Leh. It is a suitable option only if you are planning your trip in the start of October because by the mid of the month, it receives heavy snowfall, leading to its temporary closure from time to time. You may struggle with roadblocks and slippery roads via this route.
srinagar-Leh Highway is comparatively safer than Manali-Leh Highway, covering almost the same distance of 430 kilometres. When travelling through this route, you might face some problems at the Zojila Pass, as it is a high-altitude pass and starts receiving snowfall but if driven safely and slowly, you don’t have anything to worry about.
As far as internal roads of Leh Ladakh are concerned, they are pretty clear and accessible in October. But by the end of October, or in November, the whole Ladakh starts experiencing snowfall in a more or less quantity. Hence the initial days of October are the convenient time for a vacation here in the “Land of High Passes”.
Transportation Options To Explore Ladakh In october
Local taxis and private vehicles: Having your private vehicle like cars is a great way to move around Ladakh as you do things at your pace. Local taxis are available in abundance in October and you can hire one to reach your hotel once you have landed at the airport.
Motorbikes: Ladakh has narrow lanes so motorbikes like bikes, scooty, bullet are a convenient option. You can either have a bike trip to Ladakh and then explore the tourist spots on it or rent one. There are places, hotels, travel agencies that offer great offers on rental bikes in Ladakh with different models.
Shared taxis and buses: You can share a taxi with other tourists as it will save some bucks. Buses are public transportation, comfortable and suitable to travel long distances. Leh bus stand has buses to almost all popular places of Ladakh at a reasonable fare.
Accommodation Options In Leh Ladakh In October
Valley and Pangong lake. You will get a good deal as October is not the peak season.
Hotels are still open in Ladakh in October. From one-star hotels to five star ones, you will get all of them in Ladakh. An advance booking of your accommodation is advised. They offer you great services with delicious food.
Other than hotels, you have government guesthouses, homestays, resorts, lodges to stay. They are cheaper than hotels and comfortable. Homestays are one of the popular options nowadays as it gives you the experience of staying with a local family who gives you mouth-watering dishes at an affordable price. They are warm and welcoming.
As far as accommodation in Leh is concerned, you should book them in advance to avoid last minute hustle. Other than that, you can do in-person negotiation at places like Nubra
Payment Options And Connectivity In Leh ladakh In october
You should carry enough cash as ATMs are scant in Ladakh with online payments occasionally functional. Ladakh is still on the verge of development. Major mobile networks have good coverage here like Jio, Airtel. It is limited or non-existent as you go up in high-altitudes. Carry a prepaid sim along with a satellite phone if you are going trekking.
Share your itinerary with a trusted person in case you go missing. Practice caution and remain safe.
Tips to visit Leh Ladakh in October
The foremost advice would be to choose Flights as your way of reaching Ladakh and try to avoid road trips.
1: Collect all the permits required such as Inner Line Permit, either via online or by going to the SDM office in Leh. You can ask your travel organiser to arrange it for you.
2: Carry all the essential items and clothing that is suitable to wear in the chilli nights of october.
3: It is very necessary to acclimate properly to avoid high-altitude sickness and carry all the basic medicines yourself.
4: ATMs are quite scarce in Ladakh so carry enough cash.
Things To Carry For Leh ladakh Trip In October
The month of October experiences a cold climate, you need to carry certain things.
1: Some of the clothes to carry to Leh Ladakh in October are- thermal and woollen clothes.
2: Some other warm accessories like warm socks, beanies, gloves etc.
3: Dry fruits and snacks for instant energy.
4: water bottle to quench thirst.
5: Medications to travel at such a high altitude, etc.
6: All the required permits like Inner Line Permit (ILP) along with your ID proofs like Aadhar Card, Driving licence and other.
7: If you are going to Ladakh for a trek, then carry all the trekking and camping gears.
8: A powerbank, a portable charger, a postpaid sim, a torch must be in your backpack.
How To Reach Leh Ladakh In October
By flight: The only commercial airport in Leh-Ladakh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. It is one of the highest airports in the world.
By train: There is no functional railway station in Ladakh. The nearest railway station is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is almost 680 kilometres away from Leh. You can cover this journey by bus or taxi.
By road: Covering the entire journey by road can seem to be a bit difficult for you as during the month of October, the roads may have a bit of snowfall. Two routes to reach Leh are- through Srinagar or Manali. The Manali one is closed in October end so the only option available would be via Srinagar.
Ladakh from srinagar: By road, the journey is of 2 days with an overnight stop via NH1D, Srinagar-Leh Highway. The quickest way would be via flights taking just an hour. You can pick public transportation like buses that operate from Srinagar to Leh city. It is quite affordable too.
Ladakh from gulmarg: You need to reach Srinagar first from Gulmarg. The distance to be covered is 51 kilometres taking 2 hours approximately. After reaching Srianagr, follow the same process mentioned above to reach Ladakh. It again depends on which mode of transportation you pick.
Ladakh from Pahalgam: Pahalgam is 90 kilometres from Srinagar where you need to be, taking 3 hours to complete the journey. Once you are in Srinagar, pick a flight or a road trip or buses available. It is on you.
Ladakh from sonmarg: 81 kilometres separate sonmarg from Srinagar. Almost 2 hours is enough to cover the distance. Then from Srinagar, travel to Ladakh by picking among the options mentioned above.
