Ladakh in January

Introduction

How to Plan a Trip to Ladakh in January - Everything you need to know!

Visiting Ladakh in January is a unique experience, offering extreme weather conditions and breathtaking snowy landscapes. The high altitude and challenging terrains make Ladakh an unconventional holiday destination, and January's peak winter season adds an extra layer of adventure. If you're not deterred by the cold, January is the time to visit. Just be prepared for the extreme conditions and the need for extra caution. So, if you've been wondering, ‘Can I visit Ladakh in January?’ the answer is a resounding yes.

Leh Ladakh in January is not the most favorable season; thus, consider the challenges you might face on your Ladakh trip. For a safe winter Ladakh tour, we have compiled this comprehensive Ladakh travel guide to help you conveniently plan your trip to Ladakh in January.

Is Ladakh open in January?

Yes, you can plan a Ladakh trip in January. However, it is not the tourist season, and many places are closed. For instance, the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh Highways are closed in January due to heavy snowfall. However, the interconnecting roads in Ladakh, leading to tourist attractions like Pangong and Nubra Valley, remain open even in the freezing climate of Ladakh in January.

Is it safe to visit Ladakh in January?

While Ladakh is generally safe in January, it's important to be prepared for the heavy snowfall at high-altitude passes. Road blockages and avalanches are potential risks, so caution is advised. As long as you avoid the international borders, follow the rules, and don't venture out alone at night, Ladakh is a safe and rewarding destination for tourists in January.

Additionally, you already know that Ladakh is close to international borders. So, as long as you do not go near them, break any rules, or explore alone at night, Ladakh is entirely safe for tourists in January.

How’s the weather and temperature in Ladakh in January?

Ladakh’s weather in January is not favorable for everybody. You need to be tough mentally and physically to stand the freezing nights, fall sick quickly or often, or work around the cold. Plus, if you have Asthma, heart disease, or cold-related ailments, it will only add to your problems and make your Ladakh trip unpleasant.

The weather in Ladakh in January is not for the faint-hearted. The cold winds are harsh, and you must be fully covered at all times. Even when the sun is out, the Leh weather in January can still cause sunburn. The temperature in Leh in January hovers around 0°C, dropping to -10°C at night. In places like Tso Moriri and Pangong, the temperature can plummet to -25°C or lower. During the day, the temperature at passes like Khardung La and Chang La remains below 0°C. With the right clothing and preparation, you can fully enjoy this winter wonderland in January.

Which route is better for a Ladakh Trip in January?

Both Manali to Leh and Srinagar to Leh routes remain closed in January. Snow covers the entire route, and you need to find alternatives to travel to Ladakh in January. Below mentioned are the conditions that the Ladakh routes are in during January -

Manali Leh Highway in January

Unfortunately, you can’t witness the scenic beauty of Manali Leh Highway in January. There is snow (a lot of it!) that starts falling by September end or early October and, thus, gets closed for vehicles. This highway gets covered by 50 feet of snow, making it impossible for any vehicle to pass through. From Manali, you can only reach Gulaba by Rohtang Road. And by Atal Tunnel, you can only get to Jispa and not beyond that.

Srinagar Leh Highway in January

The Srinagar-Leh route is also closed during winter, so you cannot plan a trip from the Srinagar-Leh Highway in January. It closes sometime in November and remains so until April. So, you can only get to Gagangir from Srinagar and not even reach Sonamarg.

How to reach Ladakh in January

How to Plan Leh Ladakh Trip in January in Flight

Flights are the only option to reach Ladakh in January. Flights to Leh are operated in January, and you can book a flight to Leh from major Indian cities and reach the destination of your dreams. Book the flight a few months in advance to save some extra pennies. Also, keep in mind that flights to Ladakh are more prone to cancellation in the winter months.

How to Travel to Leh Ladakh in January by Local Transportation

The only way to explore this beautiful place is by cab. If you were thinking of a bike trip, then Leh in January weather is not the best time. Black ice is the major threat during this time. Hiring a cab is the way to explore places in Ladakh, as you will be an experienced driver who knows how to handle the roads. However, if you plan your Ladakh tour with Leh Ladakh India, you don’t have to worry about transportation. Our experts will handle all your needs, from customized itineraries to local transportation, to ensure a fun Ladakh adventure.

Places to Visit in Ladakh in January

While snow is a major feature of Ladakh in January, it doesn't mean all the routes are closed. The internal roads to Nubra Valley and Pangong remain open, offering a unique opportunity to explore the snow-covered beauty of Ladakh. As long as the internal roads are clear, there are several places worth visiting in Leh in January.

Nubra Valley
Pangong Lake
Tso Moriri
Chunsul Route and Hanle Village
Lamayuru
Zanskar Valley

Things to do in Ladakh in January

It is not unknown that Ladakh is an adventurer’s paradise, and being so cold and bitter in January, here are thrilling things to do in January in Ladakh –

Chadar Trek
Visit the magical Magnetic Hill.
Witness the beauty of the Indus-Zanskar confluence.
Pray for peace at Shanti Stupa.
Pay your respects at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
Ice-hockey and Skiing

Where to stay in Ladakh in January?

As you know, January is not the best month to visit Ladakh. Hence, you will find it difficult to find places to stay in Leh in January. Most of the hotels and guesthouses do not operate during the winter months. But a tour package from Leh Ladakh India will ensure a smooth and worry-free Ladakh journey without any pressure to locate accommodations. Our tour packages are equipped with comfortable stays ranging from luxurious to budget-friendly options, catering to each need.

Some of the hotels in Ladakh remain open throughout the year and offer a comfortable stay with decent amenities. But remember not to expect a luxurious treatment. As January is off-season, few people travel here, so guesthouses and paying guests do not entertain their guests with the best services.

They also have to prepare for the guests before they arrive. Also, you do not want to run into a situation when you arrive at the hotel and find it closed. So, simply call in advance and book your accommodation in Ladakh in January.

Also Read:

What clothes should you carry for the Leh Ladakh trip in January?

Now that you know how extreme the temperatures can get in January, here are clothes you must carry for the Leh Ladakh tour –

Thermals and thick woolens
Heavy windproof jacket
Good quality warm & waterproof gloves
Woolen socks
Cap/muffler
Good pair of sturdy shoes

Some essentials you must carry to Ladakh in January –

Sunscreen lotion
A pair of sunglasses
Medicine kit
Cold cream & lip balm
Pain relief spray
Other toiletries

Also Read: Things to Carry for Your Ladakh Winter Trip 2021: A Complete Guide

Visiting Leh Ladakh in January? Follow these Travel Tips

It is best to avoid visiting Ladakh in January as the weather is not suitable for everybody. If you can handle the tough weather, freezing nights, and working around snow, then plan your Leh Ladakh tour in January.
Book your flights in advance as they are more likely to cancel in winter.
Drop the plan of a bike tour to Ladakh. The road blockage may hinder your bike journey.
As Ladakh is located close to international borders, you need an Inner Line Permit from the Office of the District Magistrate.
High altitude and extreme climatic conditions in January may lower oxygen levels, leading to AMS or Acute Motion Sickness. You need to be very careful, and if you see any symptoms, take necessary precautions immediately and remedies to handle AMS in Ladakh.
Check places that are open during Leh weather in January before visiting.
The BSNL network works great in Ladakh, even in the most remote areas. Airtel and Jio work fine in Leh and Nubra Valley with 4G data speed. To learn more about mobile network connectivity in Ladakh, visit here!
Hospitals are located in Leh. So, for emergencies, visit Leh.
Cabs are available in Ladakh in January. However, they are expensive. So, if you plan a budget trip to Ladakh, skip January and wait for the summer months.
Book accommodation in advance to avoid the last-minute hassle.