Visiting Ladakh in February-Condition of Roads, Transportation, Hotels, Food, Winter Clothes, Accessories, and First-Aid
69So your friends are interested in visiting Ladakh in February 2010. Below are the answers to your questions.
Would like to know what roads would be open/closed?
Both Manali and Kashmir roads are closed in February month and you will not be able to go by road this time and the only way to visit Ladakh is through by air this time. For more information check this link: http://www.visitladakh.com/about-howtoreach.html
You have to go to Leh first by air and then from there you have two options to go to Kargil through taxi or bus. You will find the bus or taxi for Zanskar from Kargil and please confirm the status of roads of Zanskar from the taxi union or bus operators.
For Nubra, again first you have to fly to Leh and then taxi or bus from Leh to Nubra. If there is a heavy snowfall on Khardung-La, then the road used to get close for 2-3 days, please again check with taxi union or bus operator, check this link for important numbers of Leh: Emergency contact numbers of Leh
In Pangong, it depends on the snowfall. It snows very less here but if it snows the Changla and Khardungla will be blocked and it does not stay closed for many days. May be 3-4 days at a stretch, so a very good chance that you may be able to see those places.
What is the availability of transportation in Leh?
The taxi fares from Manali to Leh will cost you around 1000 INR to 1500 INR per head.
It is very cold there these days, so it is a bad time for a person you is not used to extreme cold temperature. The maximum temperature itself is below freezing point.
Because Zanskar via road is not open in February, most foreign tourists go to Zanskar in February on the Chaddar trek for trekking on the frozen Zanskar river, as the roads are closed during February.
What is the availability of hotels and food in Leh?
Hotel accommodation, food and transportation would not be any problem but it is the weather, which will cause problems.
What winter clothes and other accessories are required?
For your Ladakh trip, winter clothes and other accessories will include:
1. Four denim jeans.
2. One sweat pant.
3. Four long-sleeved shirts.
4. Four sweat shirts and sweaters.
5. One shorts.
6. One button-down shirt.
7. One bathing suit.
8. One Khaki pant.
9. One corduroy pant.
10. Undergarments according to the days spent.
11. Socks according to the days spent.
12. One woolen jacket.
13. Walking shoes.
14. One hiking boots.
15. One raincot.
16. Waterproof gloves.
17. One hat.
18. Travel alarm.
19. Mini flashlight.
20. Digital or point and shoot camera.
21. Film for the camera.
22. Extra batteries for cameras and mobile phones.
23. Walkman if you are fond of music.
24. Toothpaste and toothbrush.
25. Extra food.
26. Soap.
27. Shampoo and conditioner.
28. Shaving kit.
29. Lip balm for visiting areas, which are very dry due to cold.
30. Sunglasses.
For visiting gompas in Leh, Ladakh, I would recommend a simple dress which you wear for visiting religious areas.
Also prepare a first aid box with things like waterproof Band-Aids, sunscreen lotions, tampons, over-the-counter ibuprofen for mild-to-moderate pains, antibacterial lotions such as Dettol and Savlon, etc.
For people visiting Ladakh in February
Though if you are highly adventurous and have good stamina and tolerance for bad weather, you can visit Ladakh in February but for other people, I would suggest that February is not a feasible time to visit Ladakh. Even the famous lakes like Pangong and Tso Moriri will be totally frozen and temperature will be below freezing point and most people don't visit Ladakh during this time because of cold and dryness, but there is one positive side that it is less crowded in this month. It is also a good month to visit Ladakh for people who love peace.
The lakes start getting frozen in December end. One more thing to add is that the lakes will not look so beautiful when they are not frozen.
Best of luck for your trip.
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Thank you very much cashmere for the incredible info.
Nice hub Soni. We drove up from Delhi in July / August 2003. That is probably the best time to visit Ladakh. Driving up on the highest road in the world is an incredible experience - agonising and exhilarating.
It is one of those things to do before you die.
Hello Mr. Singh. Keep up the spirit sir. I am really amazed when people write that they went up to Ladakh. I really like visiting mountains and hills and Ladakh is awesome, adventurous and sexy. Driving there is fun too. Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience sir.
ousssssuuuuuuuummmm!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just needed this ....
thank you bossssssssss.
Thanks a lot Sohan for finding this article useful.
want to go ladakh in december'09.
everyone is telling me december is not the right time to go there.
But I really want to feel the extreme there..
pls help me out dude..
I am in a great problem
Hi Sohan, I think early December is the right time to visit Ladakh and not the later part of the December. It is better to plan for visiting Ladakh in the first week of December if you love visiting it in December. You can also try visiting it in November. It is fine at that month of the year to visit this place.
No I don't have any more dates . \
I will be there in late december .
and I want to know what type of precautions should I get???
If you really want to visit Ladakh in late December, I would suggest using the tips written above in the article.
I really want to visit ladakh. I will visiting India in feb.I live in Canada, im used to -20 to -30.... so I dont mind the cold. I am really interested in seeing the lakes... but if they will be frozen in Feb (provided I can get to them)...then it would be dissapointing?? whats your advice?
I think if you are so keen on visiting Ladakh in February month and you are able to tolerate temperature as low as -20 and -30, then your visit will be worthwhile. Go ahead with your adventurous trip to Leh Ladakh sukh. Smart and adventurous people make their own way and can tolerate extreme conditions such as experienced in any part of the world.
Best of luck for your journey.
Planning a trip to Ladakh in the month of May. How is the weather normally during that time of the year. Please advise.
Hi subhro,
In May, weather is fine in Ladakh. You can go forward with your trip in this month. Best of luck. Tell us about your experience when you return. Don't forget buddy.
Thank you for your quick response
It's my pleasure subhro.
Hi Im really enjoying this link. The only problem is my disappointment an finding out that the Manileh road is closed at the end of February. I was really hoping to fly to Leh at this time and thought maybe it would be getting a little warmer?? Thanks../
Thanks a lot Ceevers. Don't worry and wait for some more time for Manali road to open up after end of February. Best of luck for your visit to Ladakh.
Can you confirm if its alright to travel on the first week of March? (5,6,7) to be precise
It's fine to visit after 10th of March Hemanth. Best of luck for your trip. One more thing, check with the Ladakh Tourism about weather conditions before planning your trip for unforeseen circumstances like heavy snowfall or something.
Soni2006 you are the first person that I have found on the net who just answered the question straight in one word Yes you can travel to Ladakh by road after 10th March. I am planning to do a road trip to Ladakh from New Delhi with my two other mates and hopefully roads will stay out of snow at that time of the year....
Thanks Soni2006
I pray to God Mohammad that your trip become memorable and full of adventure plus best of luck for enjoying your trip with your friends. Take care and as salaam alaikum.
Soni2006 you da man buddy :)
Straight forward answer to a straight forward question. :)
BTW I am visiting to India for the first time from Canada.
Thanks for your appeciation Mohammad. Best of luck for your visit from Canada to India.
Hi,
I have a trip planned to Ladakh during the first week of March. I will be staying there for a week.
Could someone tell me what to expect in March? How would the weather be and how is tourism during this time of the year?
Best of luck for your trip to Ladakh in first week of March. The weather is pleasant that February and tourism starts up during this time of the season.
Hi,
can someone please tell me if Manali-Leh Road is open in the first week of March?I am planning a trip to Ladakh with my friends during that time.
Hi Shivangi, why don't you check out with http://www.ladakh-tourism.com/ They have loads of information on this. The best thing would be to open the site and click on contact us button and then ask them your query or you can go through the site. Frankly speaking, I am unsure about Manali-Leh road opened or closed in first week of March and that is why I do not want to misguide you.
its hopless .its so beautiful
Thanks a lot Bhoomika but why it is hopeless.
Hi soni..i have been told that september is not the right month to visit ladakk...however i am planning a trip to ladakh in the last week of september...please advice
Hi Kavita, if you can postpone your visit to October 1st week that will be the better idea.
Hi Soni, Could you please suggest why September won't be a good month to visit Ladakh. I have made the bookings for September. Please advise.
Hi Soni,
We are going in the last week of september ,how is the weather and everything there.Is that the good time to go
Okay no probs Nik and Pooja. You can visit Ladakh in September last week. I have checked with my friends in Manali.
my friends and i am planning to visit leh via delhi srinagar kargil leh kyelang manali and back to delhi ,
we will be on two wheelers , would like to know the status of the roads as to when they are open/closed.
Hi Naresh, please check this hub for latest updates on visiting Leh Ladakh on bikes and also different routes and climatec conditions: http://hubpages.com/hub/Adventure-Trips---Less-tra
We are planning this year Feb end & March. Any further inputs for this would be really helpfull..thanks
And great job Soni saab
Thank you so much Manoj. This February the weather will be really really chilly as evidenced by the recent fall in temperature.
I have been to Ladakh in Winters..that too in January and here is my travel experience.
Thank you so much Vishnukumar for sharing your recent travel experience to Ladakh. I will check it out.
Interesting hub, I have never heard of Ladkh but now I would like to visit. Thank you for your useful hub.
Hello Gypsy, I am really glad that you found Ladakh via my article and that also for the first time in your life. I guarantee you will enjoy your trip to this beautiful place. Best of luck.
can we visit leh during firs2 week of april via road
Why not. I think that should not be a problem Atul.
We are planning a trip in may, please tell about the 1)clothings in May month.
2)Is it possible to daily cover a destination from Leh by vehicle. Thus make Leh as the center point for the trip. So that the lodging may be planed there alone. We plan to visit Zaskar, Nubra and Pangong lakes.
Kindly reply asap...
Thanks
Hi Parul, May is a very good month to visit Leh and you need to take a mix of light and heavy woolen clothing. Yes definitely it is very much possible to cover a destination by vehicle. And if you are planning for going in your motorcycle, i would suggest you to gather some very important information from this site: http://www.planetwayround.com/planet-way-round/mot
Hello Soni,
Can you please suggest if the our regular City cars (say verna, SX4, Swift) can be driven to Leh, Laddkh or it can be only travelled by 4X4. kindly suggest.
I would love to visit Leh with my Family, and would like to make the trip by driving up. I have the same question as Sing Bimal in terms of vehicle suitability as I plan to drive my Ford Fiesta. In addition are there any other preparation for the car which I should take care of before proceeding from Delhi. Preparations such as changing of engine oil, adding Anti Freeze to the Radiator water and change of tires. All these to the freezing conditions and road / snow conditions. My journey would start from Chennai all the way up to Delhi and then to Simal and Leh. As there is a vast change in climate condition my concern is try and avoid any brekdowns of the vehicle. Travel period 3rd of November to Mid December.
Hope you can give me some tips on the above and any other necessary details for personal preparations as the other 3 members of my family are all ladies.
hi,
is it advisable to go to ladakh by bike in november
Hi! I'm planning to travel Leh in this winter time. End of Jan I'll be in delhi and then go to Ladakh on Feb. I'm a 21 years old girl. so I wanna ask that it is okay to travel ladahkh in winter time? I heard that It is soooo cold and no one is going there in winter time. but I do wanna see the lakes. and I wanna know there has a good hotel and restaurent. I'd appriciate someone suggest me to travel some good places.! and frozen lake is beautiful? I want to enjoy only Peace and see beautiful things.
If anyone is interested in traveling with us, you guys can connact with me! Thank you!!!
Hi
Ladakh in january. Weather is not problem if only -20. What about renting car or motor bike? How much for a day?
is there is any need of take any permission from govt. Or any dept. Before going to ladakh?
Hi, My plan is to arrive Leh late february, and my interest is to trek across Stok La, about 5000 meter. Do you have any knowledge about this? Snow kondition and temperature?
In my mind it must be killing cold, but you dont mentian a downdress. Can i trek in ordinary good boots?
Regards Ole
HI, WE ARE PLANING TO TRAVEL IN MARCH END WEEK WITH FAMILY ( KIDS ), WILL U SUGGEST ME THE ITS RIGHT TIME OR NOT ?
Hello anyone, will land in ladakh tomorrow. Will be up to share expenses for trip/room or whatever. let me know! p.inderkummen@gmail.com cheers
Hi Soni - just wondering - I am booked to be in ladakh from the 10th to 15th of February (flying in) - have heard from some people that it's better to get cold-weather clothes there than Delhi (I'll be there on the 9th after I finish my Rajasthan trip) - what's your opinion on this? I have 2 jackets, a coat, and a set of thermal underwear as well as normal clothes. Thanks!
Hi. I am planning to visit Ladhak in third week of March 12. I want to know how would be weather at that time ? Would we get fortune to see the pangong lake not frozen ? Would hotels and restaurants can be found open that time ? Pls If any one can give some idea on these Q. Thanks...
cashmere Level 5 Commenter 2 years ago
Personally I feel its not advisable to go there in Feb. I feel april or May would be better to plan the visit. I lived in Spituk while my husband was posted there, and it was only during April and May that the tourists would arrive.