Quick Answer
Ladakh in winter: temperatures, flights as the only way in, which roads stay open, the Chadar trek, snow leopards, frozen Pangong, Losar and winter festivals, and how to stay warm.
From December to February, Ladakh is very cold and very quiet. The Srinagar and Manali roads are closed, so Leh is reached only by air. Daytime temperatures in Leh often stay below freezing and nights fall far lower. In return you get empty monasteries, frozen lakes, the Chadar trek, snow leopard trips and winter festivals.
Quick answer
Fly into Leh and rest 2 full days. Expect daytime temperatures around or below freezing in Leh and much colder nights. Khardung La and Chang La usually stay open with snow clearance but can close after storms. Many hotels and camps close; choose a heated hotel in Leh. Highlights: Chadar trek, snow leopards, frozen Pangong, Losar.
What is open in winter
| Place | Winter status |
|---|---|
| Leh and the Indus valley monasteries | Open |
| Nubra via Khardung La | Usually open; closes after heavy snow |
| Pangong via Chang La | Usually open; the lake freezes |
| Tso Moriri, Hanle | Very cold; limited stays |
| Srinagar-Leh and Manali-Leh roads | Closed |
| Zanskar | Reached by the Chadar trek in mid-winter |
Winter experiences
- Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar (mid-January to February)
- Snow leopard trips in Hemis National Park (January to March)
- Frozen Pangong Tso
- Losar, Spituk Gustor and Dosmoche festivals
Staying warm
- Choose a hotel with central heating or reliable room heaters.
- Pack thermals, a heavy down jacket, insulated boots, warm gloves and a cap.
- Water pipes can freeze in some hotels; ask how they manage water in winter.
- Carry lip balm and moisturiser: the air is extremely dry.
Leh sits at about 3,500 m. Spend your first 36 to 48 hours resting in Leh before going higher, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. Anyone with a heart or lung condition should ask their doctor before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ladakh open in winter?
Yes, by air. The roads from Srinagar and Manali close, but Leh and nearby areas stay open.
How cold is Leh in January?
Daytime temperatures are often around or below freezing and nights fall far lower.
Is Pangong frozen in winter?
Yes, the lake usually freezes in the coldest months.
Can I see snow leopards in winter?
Yes, winter is the best season, especially in Hemis National Park.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.