7 Reasons Why Ladakh in Winter Rocks – Must visit winter destination

Have you ever dreamt of walking straight into a picture postcard? If yes, then it’s time to plan your most magical trip to one of the best destinations in India – Ladakh.

We visited Ladakh in January last year and were completely blown by its beauty. You might have seen thousands of breathtaking captures floating all over the internet but believe me, nothing does justice to it or no article can actually define the real beauty that can only be seen or felt in person.

The trip to Ladakh is one such enriching experience that must be on everyone’s bucket list and we promise you won’t come back to the city hustle without leaving a piece of you.

Here we share our top 7 reasons why Ladakh in winter rocks –

1. It is not crowded

Summer in Ladakh is jam-packed, on the other hand in winter crowds thin out, you are the only soul and no one is around for miles.  You can actually count the number of vehicles plying on the road or at times you might be the only one driving around.

Empty roads, empty valleys, empty monasteries… No photo bombing or traffic jams, no long waits in queues to visit a Monastery, no one to share this piece of paradise with … Sounds Perfect!! Isn’t it? 😀

The famed Shanti Stupa which is jam-packed during summers lies deserted in the winter. You can spend as much time as you would need to click on that perfect picture with the perfect backdrop.

In a nutshell, you have the entire of Ladakh to yourself.

2. It’s magical.

Ladakh is blessed with jaw-dropping landscapes. Frozen waterfalls, lakes, and rivers are a common sight. The landscape is a mix of barren mountains to snow-capped mountains and each and every corner is begging to be Instagrammed. The contrast of the brown barren mountains to the white snow is breathtaking and is a photographer’s delight.

Every nook is straight out of a Pinterest Board

3. More time with the locals

Another benefit of traveling during winters in Ladakh is that because there are few tourists around, locals are quite chilled out and are more open to chat with the tourists. Strike up a conversation with locals and get to know the culture first hand. Visit a Ladhaki home to get the authentic feel of Ladakh. There cannot be a better time to hang out with the locals and get a feel for the culture up close.

4. Winter Treks & Sports 

Imagine walking on a frozen river or a frozen lake !!! Yes, winter is the time to head to Ladakh for the famous Chadar Trek. Chadar Trek is not for faint-hearted. You need to be physically fit and the trek guarantees spectacular sights at every inch and steps you take.

Other challenging treks like Stok base camp trek, Markha Valley Trek, Sham valley trek are quite popular and cheap during winter.

Ice hockey in India? Yes, of course. During winter, most of the lakes are frozen and is a perfect time to try your hands at playing Ice Hockey to your heart’s content.

5. Spot the Snow Leopard

Winter is the right time to spot the snow leopard in this region, so get your DSLR’s ready to capture this majestic animal. The snow leopard could be spotted at the Hemis National Park, and in Sham area west of Leh, the famous spots are Ney Phu, Ule Phu, and hills of Skindyang village.

6. Festivals 

Ladakh has many winter festivals. Ladakhi Losar, Spituk Gustor, Thiksay Gustor and Stok Monastery Festival to name a few. A perfect time to join the locals and immerse yourself in the Ladakhi culture.

7. Surprise! It’s cheaper!

This must be a no-brainer at all, Ladakh is actually cheaper in winter. Woohooo !!!

During winter, most of the hotels and homestays are shut. Some of the hotels which stay open during the winters even their rates drop too, prices go down everywhere and you are pretty much guaranteed a deal wherever you go.

Don’t forget to haggle 😉 Taxis are available at a very reasonable rate.

Hope these reasons are enough to entice you to visit Ladakh in winter.

Shop the style :

 

PIN ME:

Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Youtube | Google+ for more travel stories, idea and photos from around the world.

Many thanks to Hotel The Grand Dragon Ladakh for making this amazing trip possible.

Subscribe to travel stories, ideas, and contests: