Ladakh's high-altitude Buddhist plateau holds Leh's old town below Stok Kangri (6,153m), the monasteries of Hemis and Thiksey, the Pangong Lake straddling the Chinese border, and Nubra Valley's double-humped Bactrian camels.
Highlights
Leh
Nubra Valley
Pangong Lake
Monasteries
When to Visit
Jun-Sep
Mountain passes (Khardung La, Chang La, Wari La) accessible after snow clears in May, Hemis Festival late June-early July with masked dances, and Pangong Lake at peak.
Jul-Aug
Peak season with Leh accessible by both Manali and Srinagar highways, Tso Moriri and Pangong roads open, and trekking from Markha Valley to Stok Kangri at year's window.
Oct-May
Heavy snow closes Manali and Srinagar highways October-May, but Leh remains accessible by air year-round, and Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar river runs late January-February.
Sep
Late season with passes still open, Ladakh Festival in early September, and crisp air giving the year's clearest mountain photography.
Best time to travel — world map
Explore the best months to travel around the world based on weather, temperature, and travel conditions.
Best time to visit Europe
Explore the best months to travel across Europe based on weather, temperature, and travel conditions.
Best time to visit Asia
Discover when to travel across Asia, from Southeast Asia to East Asia, based on climate and weather patterns.
Best time to visit Italy
Plan your trip to Italy with monthly insights on temperature, rainfall, and travel conditions.
