Leh Ladakh In September
Overview
Visiting Ladakh during September is like planning to experience a paradise. The snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes resemble heaven. A warm cup of coffee is perfect while sightseeing around the Great Himalayas. You can experience the beauty of the area with snowfall in the higher regions. Since there is a lesser crowd, September is the perfect time to experience the beauty of India’s highly rated travel destination, Leh Ladakh. Here is a guide from Cliffhangers India to plan your trip to Leh Ladakh in September.
Planning a trip to Leh Ladakh in September can be extremely rewarding. The weather is perfect for exploring, there are a lot of fun activities to enjoy, and the views are simply breathtaking. In September, Ladakh is a captivating destination with beauty and natural wonders. This month, the region’s tourist attractions are open for visitors making it a perfect time for a family or friend trip. There are a wide range of attractions to explore, from famous monasteries and high ranges to captivating valleys. This guide will provide you with all the information you need about visiting Leh Ladakh in September, including places to visit, activities to take part in, and weather information. Read on to learn more!
Weather And Temperature In Ladakh In September
If you are looking for a thrilling gateway in September, you are in luck! The monsoon season has ended, and the more extreme winter weather has yet to begin, leaving you with the perfect opportunity to explore. The temperature fluctuates between 15°C to 25°C but it may lower down by night, making them comparatively colder. The weather is pleasant with clear days and sun out and about. The days are longer, giving you plenty of hours for sightseeing.
In September, snowfall can occur in the high-altitude mountain passes of Khardung La and Chang La. At this time, Ladakh is transitioning into winter, and the cold temperatures can be felt as soon as you enter the region.
In September, visitors to Ladakh can expect a unique experience due to a decrease in the river flow and water intensity across the region. They may also find frozen muddy water bodies during the early morning hours, which should be avoided. These water bodies may last until the sun comes up.
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Places To Visit In Ladakh In September
Leh Palace
Leh Palace is an ancient monument of Ladakh that you must include in your itinerary. It is situated at the top of Namgyal Hill. Here, you see the Tibetan style of architecture at its best and the intrinsic designs are exemplary. The construction was started by Tsewang Nampyal in the seventeenth century but it was later completed by Sengge Nampyal.
The building is a fine example of the rich heritage of Ladakh state and this place has emerged a popular tourist destination as well. The place is open year round and the timing is from 8 am to 6 pm.
Thiksey Monastery
Another place that is unmissable in your Ladakh trip itinerary is the Thiksey Monastery. It is situated on a hill in Thiksey, which lies at a distance of about 19 kilometres from Leh City.
The ancient place pays its homage to the Buddhism religion and you will see people sitting here in meditation. Said to be the largest monastery of Central Ladakh, it attracts people from all over the country. September-October is an excellent time for the visit as the Gustor festival is celebrated in October. You can see the live performance of Chamas, showing you the Cham Dance. The timing is from 7 am to 7 pm.
Hemis Monastery
Hemis remains at the top in terms of some of the older than age monasteries that Ladakh has. It was built before the 11th century in the honour of Padmasambhava. The place breathes every principle of Buddhism and it also has a golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The Indus river can be seen, gushing by the side of a hill in Hemis.
The monastery is located at a distance of 45 kilometres from Leh and you can take any bus or cab to reach here. June marks the beginning of Hemis Festival at the monastery when Cham dance is performed by Lamas and people from nearby villages and visitors enjoy the ceremony.
Pangong Lake
The Lake that has gained immense popularity since the climax scene of the famous movie” 3-Idiots” was shot here is Pangong. It is one of the most beautiful and serene water bodies of Ladakh and even of India and you get every bit of serenity here.
It is not entirely located in India, with only 40 percent remaining in the Indian Subcontinent. It is a military sensitive area and hence, you need Inner Line Permit to visit the lake. It is located at an altitude of about 14,200 ft. and acclimatisation becomes very necessary in such conditions. It is at a distance of 124 kilometres from Leh and take buses operative from the Leh Bus stand to Pangong Lake.
Tso Moriri Lake
September is an optimal time to visit Tso Moriri Lake as it has not frozen yet. The routes are open and accessible too. It is the only high-altitude lake that lies entirely in the Indian Borders.
The ever-calming lake is situated in the Rupshu Valley and the distance between the lake and Leh is about 245 kilometres. You visit here via Changthang which is a risky yet adventurous pass of Ladakh. Inner Line Permit is mandatory to enter the valley and visit the lake.
Zanskar Valley
It is an alpine valley, situated at an altitude of about 12,154 ft. and the place also comes in the list of most popular tourist spots among people coming to Ladakh.
Zanskar Valley acts as a basecamp for many major treks of Ladakh. One trek that is worth mentioning is the Chadar Lake or the Frozen Lake trek. It is a winter trek and Zanskar Lake freezes completely. The inhabitants of the valley have a very unique culture and tradition. You also get a peek into that aspect as well. It is located at a total distance of about 105 kilometres from Leh city.
Diskit Monastery
115 kilometres separate Diskit Monastery from the city of Leh and you can easily get a bus or book cabs to reach here. The main highlight of the monastery that attracts tourists here is the Lachung temple, which is also said to be one of the oldest temples of Ladakh.
It is located in the Nubra Valley, another sensitive area of the state where you need Inner Line Permit. Statue of Maitreya Buddha is located just below the monastery and you will see a large statue of Lord Buddha in the main hall. “ Dosmoche” or “ the festival of scapegoat” is celebrated here in the month of February, every year. Cham Dance is performed at the ceremony.
Nubra Valley
September is one of the prime times to have a sightseeing tour in Nubra Valley of Ladakh. The place is full of greenery all around and some of the places to visit here are Diskit Village and monastery, Panamik Hot Spring, Hunder sand dunes and many more. The most calming reason to come here is the giggling Nubra River. The valley is 105 kilometres away from the city of Leh and plenty of buses operate from these two places. It is also the northernmost region of Ladakh and also known as Valley of Flowers.
One of the main highlights of the destination is the Bactrian Camels found here who are readily available for rides.
Turtuk Village
Turtuk Village is one of the remotest places of Ladakh and it is also the last outpost of India. The place is lesser-explored but we do include it in our itineraries as it is stunning. The small water streams, the waterfalls, the big lush fields are heavenly.
The village was not part of India and only came under Indian territory after 1971. When you go there, intercat with the locals and they will tell you interesting stories of the other side of the border. September is the best time to visit Turtuk village as the weather is pleasant and enjoyable too.
Magnetic Hill
By Magnetic Hill, there is a yellow spot where you can park your car in neutral and then you will see the mystery that everyone talks about. Your car is seen moving backward as the hills are pulling it by defying gravity. The Magnetic Hills is also said to be the gateway to heaven and the lucky individual was pulled towards it.
All these are just rumours and there is no actual evidence of such happenings. On your way to Kargil, you can stop here for sometime. The place lies at a distance of 30 kilometres from Leh. You can even see the Sindh River flowing by the side. Some of the nearby attractions include the Hall of Fame. Alchi Monastery, Pathar Sahib etc.
Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame is dedicated to the brave martyrs of the Indo-Pak Wars. The names of soldiers, their story, the letters written by them, the arms used are all placed safely inside the building.
The place showcases the bravery and courage shown by our Indian Soldiers in those crucial wars. It is a walking distance of just 4 kilometres from Leh on the Leh-Kargil road. The place remains open from 9 am to 7 pm and in the evening, you can enjoy the military parade.
Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa is a white monument of Ladakh which is a symbol of Peace, as the name refers . It was built recently, in 1991, by Gyomyo Nakamura, to commemorate 2500 years of Lord Buddha. The Stupa is said to have relics of Buddha at its base and it also contains a sitting Gold statue of Lord Buddha here. It is the prime highlight of the Shanti Stupa.
Located at the tophill in Chanspa, about 3-4 kilometres from Leh city.
You can visit here at sunrise or sunset to have the best experience. The timing is from 5 am to 9 pm.
Leh Ladakh Bike Trip In September
If you’re a biker looking to visit Leh Ladakh, September is the perfect time for a road trip. As there is no rain and the roads are in good condition, it makes for a comfortable ride. A road trip generally takes 15 days, assuming you start from Karol Bagh, Delhi. A couple days are a buffer given the unpredictable weather conditions. An adventurous bike trip to Ladakh is every biker’s dream. Riding on the rugged, uneven and thrilling roads of Ladakh fills every vein of your body with adrenaline. You will always see riders on the Ladakh road, carrying their entire luggage on their bike. However, it is important to keep a few things in mind and properly prepare for the trip. You should start preparing for it prior to a month or two. You can begin it through some practice on any nearby mountainous roads.
Whichever bike you choose, make sure it is newly serviced and well-maintained. You should always keep some extra things on the trip such as spare tubes, puncture repair kit. Make sure you know your bike’s ins and outs as a repair shop is not found for hundred kilometres sometimes.
Wear proper clothes with a helmet or protection. Don’t overweight the luggage as you have to move with it. Keep the ride solo as this affects speed on the not so smooth roads of Ladakh. You can do the trip either via Leh-Manali Highway or via Srinagar-Leh Highway. The latter is the better option as it is opened more frequently. Early September is the most convenient time for the trip.
Things To Do In Ladakh In September
Go on trekking
Ladakh is a paradise for adventure seekers and people interested in history. Ladakh offers a wide range of exciting activities to take part in. September is an excellent time to do various treks that Ladakh has for you. Zanskar and Nubra Valley is the basecamp for some major treks such as Chadar trek and Sham Valley Trek etc.
If you have a few hours but still want to experience the thrill of trekking, Turtuk Village has some small treks too. There are many reasons why trekking is favourite among many tourists. The routes move further through vast meadows, dense forests, streams and lakes flowing by side and you also witness the majestic mountains in the backdrop.
Engage in photography
Every place in Ladakh looks like a painting on a canvas. And the Autumn season lasting from September till October is the greatest time for those postcard perfect clicks. One thing is sure that your photos would not need any filter. The pictures have a hint of gold in them and other shades of colours appear beautifully. You can take pictures of the ancient monasteries here and the valleys and lakes. Stand in front of them and get yourself clicked.
You can also click portraits of people living there and ask them for permission. They are very friendly.
Visit monasteries
Leh has a long history of religious adaptations, with many renowned monasteries such as Thiskey Monastery, Elsa Monastery, Diskit Monastery and Hemis Gompa.
Make sure you add these places to your travel bucket list as they are suitable for both tourist and local atmosphere and suitable for everyone who is looking to take a break from work. They present you with an opportunity to make the journey an informative one and learn about the history of the place. It will take an hour or two to explore the entire place.
Try local cuisine
A food tour in Ladakh is something you can’t miss. Don’t eat your regular food. Try the Ladakhi Cuisine, which has some delicious dishes. Relish them in all of your meals like breakfast, dinner and lunch. This is something that you can do everyday. Some of the authentic delicacies to try here are Momos, Thukpa, Skyu, Chhurpe, Tingmo etc. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available in plenty. Wild garlic is the secret ingredient here. The famous delight of Ladakh here is the Apricot jam.
Some refreshing beverages to try are Cholak, Butter tea and Tngdur.
Enjoy bike trips
Some people come all the way to Ladakh from Delhi on their bikes and the experience is surreal. However, if you are in Ladakh by flight or train but still want to enjoy bike trips, you can rent bikes and enjoy bike trips to some famous attractions here. The passes that you cross makes the adrenaline rush through every veins of your body.
The roads are good for bike and road trips and September is a convenient time for such trips. Carry your ID Proofs and driving licence always. Make sure the bike is serviced and well-maintained.
Experience river rafting
Rafting on the Zanskar River has attracted many tourists recently, especially in September it is the most exciting activity for travellers, with different difficulty levels. The rivers are not frozen, making it an optimal time. The gorgeous views of Ladakh and the Zanskar Ranges make the experience memorable during your trip.
The spectacular scenery makes river rafting a truly adventurous experience. One more river in Ladakh where you can enjoy the thrill of river rafting is Sidh River where beginners and experienced can have the feel of this adventure.
Take a yak safari
Yak Safari is something that is best enjoyed in Ladakh and it is a totally Ladakh-specific experience. Yaks are very heavy and large too. The ride on the heaviest and largest animal of Ladakh feels amazing. They look very scary but the reality is that they are very friendly. Tourists even feed them bread and they accept it without harming them.
Yak Safari should find its place in your itinerary as the experience is magical. You will be ridden to Viastas, streams and glaciers.
Attend Hemis Festival
If you visit Ladakh in September, you can have the chance to experience the Ladakh Festival, a two-week celebration. During the time of the festival, people from all over the local regions gather in the centre of the city to celebrate and show off their native culture and tradition. Attending the festival is a great way to learn about the local culture and feel Ladakh’s true traditions.
Hemis Festival is among the top festivals in the Buddhism religion. It is Celebrated in October, every year. If you are in Ladakh at the end of September, you might attend it.
Shopping in Leh
If you love traditional handicrafts then Leh market is a great place to purchase them. Various items including shawls, wood carvings, and crafted jewellery are sold by locals in the market. Tourists can experience the local art styles and lifestyles, and can get them at affordable prices.
You can buy some dry fruits, apricot jam to take back home. Some other famous places for a shopping spree are Moti Market, Zanskar Art, Tibetan handicraft emporium etc. Bargain as much as possible as the items are very overpriced. Exploring the markets gives you the opportunity to interact with the locals there.
Explore wildlife
A wildlife tour of the different species of faunas found here is something you should plan when you are in Ladakh. Hemis National Park is the largest national park of India and here you see the rich biodiversity in their natural habitat. It is the perfect place for every nature photographer out there. You also witness different species of inhabitant and migratory birds by the lakes.
It is advisable to keep a safe distance from animals and any plants that you do not know about. Practise environmental conservation everywhere you go.
Tips to visit Leh Ladakh in September
Acclimatisation: one of the most crucial things to do before visiting any high-altitude region of Ladakh is acclimating well. Proper acclimatisation prevents the chances of high-altitude sickness, keeping you ill-free and healthy throughout the trip. Keep a first aid box with yourself.
Update yourself: The weather conditions of Ladakh are very unpredictable. The temperature fluctuation leads to warmness in daytime and then cold by night. It sometimes rains too. The most suggested advice would be keeping all the current updates regarding the weather conditions and any news of road closures.
Advance booking: Ladakh is quite crowded and congested in September. Book everything in advance such as your tickets, hotels and transportation. This reduces the stress of doing everything last minute and also ensures a smooth journey too.
Get the permits: Know that you will not be allowed to visit the restricted places if you don’t have your permit. Get your permits from the SDM office in Ladakh. If you are travelling with a travel agency, they usually take care of such things before your arrival in the Leh city.
Essential Information
How to reach Leh Ladakh in September
By flight: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the only airport in Ladakh. There are a number of flights scheduled on major airlines that you can book in advance to have a quick and safe trip. Advance booking is suggested to avoid the risk of cancellation and save some money as well. From the airport, book a cab to reach Leh city and to your hotel.
By train: If you want to travel via a train to Ladakh, unfortunately, there are no functional railway stations as of now. The nearest one is Jammu Tawi Station to where you can book your tickets. Once you have reached the railway station. Book an outstation cab or any bus available to reach Leh city.
By road: Srinagar-Leh Highway and Leh-Manali Highway are the two routes which can be picked to reach Ladakh by a road trip. They are quite famous. Although Manali-Leh Highway is closed half of the year, Srinagar-Leh Highway is open and you can choose this one for a better experience.
Accommodation options in Leh Ladakh in September
Hotels in Leh city offer excellent service to the tourist starting from big cosy rooms to Wi-Fi services and a lot more. From one-star to five-star, you will get plenty of places for accommodation. They serve you delicious Ladakhi Cuisine in all of your meals. Other options of accommodation in Ladakh are the guesthouses and homestays. These guesthouses are a bit cheaper than hotels but no service is compromised. You will have a decent place to stay at night. Homestays give you the opportunity to stay with a local family in their home and witness the authentic household. They cook mouth-watering dishes for you too.
When you are in the remote areas of Ladakh, you might have to stay in a cottage where no electricity can be a problem but they are tolerable. The last option that remains in the list is camping. Some people choose it voluntarily to have the most surreal experience of lying under the star-studded sky. Some pick it in absence of any stay. Carry all the camping gears like a sturdy tent along with sleeping mats and sleeping bags.
Payment options and connectivity in Leh Ladakh in September
In the towns, there are online options available to pay. But this is in cities like Leh where there is good connectivity. The lesser-explored areas of Ladakh do not offer such services. It is highly suggested that you carry an adequate amount of cash with yourself to make payments at different occasions. You will see that there are no ATMs at some places even if you go for hundreds of kilometres. That’s when the cash comes in handy.
The network connectivity in Ladakh is alright. It is not praiseworthy as such because it is not the same at every place. You will come across places where the network coverage is of bad quality and sometimes completely non-existent. Carry a satellite phone and a GPS if you are going trekking. Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
Challenges on Ladakh trip in September
- High altitude: High-altitude sickness is a real thing especially for those who have never been to mountains or someone with a weak heart and lungs. The absence of oxygen and the regular altitude gain causes some problems like headaches, stomach aches and vomiting. Some people even experience fainting.
- Road conditions: Road conditions are good in general in September but when you go to the alpine regions of Ladakh, you might see some snow on the routes, making them slippery. You will face some problems in riding your bike or driving the car.
- Tourist crowds: from June to September, Ladakh sees the highest peak in tourism. At different tourist destinations and activity places, you will see a large number of crowds and there are chances you might not have the peaceful trip to Ladakh that you wanted.
- Permit requirements: Ladakh is one of those regions under Indian territory where you need multiple permits to visit some specific places. Some areas of Ladakh shares its boundary with China, making it highly militarily sensitive.
Things to carry for Leh Ladakh in September
- you should carry both cotton clothes as well as warm ones too. They are mentioned in detail below.
- There are some essential things that are completely non-negotiable like a reusable water bottle, some power snacks, moisturiser, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.
- carry a satellite phone along with your daily use one, a portable charger, a power bank, torch and a camera if you are into photography.
- Keep a first-aid box with all the necessary medicines for headaches, vomiting, fever. Carry your personal medicines if any.
- If you have planned to camp in Ladakh, make sure you have all the gears like a sturdy tent, a sleeping bag and sleeping mat etc.
Clothes for Leh Ladakh In September
If you are planning to visit Ladakh in September, you should make sure to bring warm clothing and items that will protect you from cold winds, as the area gets cold during this time of the year.
Here are a few things that one should wear in Leh Ladakh in September.
Good windproof jacket
Warm cap and socks
Pair of thermal innerwear
Good quality gloves
Woollens including pullovers and sweaters.
Regular cotton clothes.
Tips to visit Leh Ladakh in September
Acclimatisation: one of the most crucial things to do before visiting any high-altitude region of Ladakh is acclimating well. Proper acclimatisation prevents the chances of high-altitude sickness, keeping you ill-free and healthy throughout the trip. Keep a first aid box with yourself.
Update yourself: The weather conditions of Ladakh are very unpredictable. The temperature fluctuation leads to warmness in daytime and then cold by night. It sometimes rains too. The most suggested advice would be keeping all the current updates regarding the weather conditions and any news of road closures.
Advance booking: Ladakh is quite crowded and congested in September. Book everything in advance such as your tickets, hotels and transportation. This reduces the stress of doing everything last minute and also ensures a smooth journey too.
Get the permits: Know that you will not be allowed to visit the restricted places if you don’t have your permit. Get your permits from the SDM office in Ladakh. If you are travelling with a travel agency, they usually take care of such things before your arrival in the Leh city.
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