Winter Trip to Ladakh 2026-27: Tips, Temperature, Budget & Itinerary

Quick answer: Yes, a winter trip to Ladakh is very doable from December to February, but only by flying into Leh. Expect January nights around -13C in Leh (IMD average), Pangong frozen solid from January, and a budget of about Rs 40,000-56,000 per person for 7 days. Keep 2 acclimatization days and 2-3 buffer days.

Are you planning a winter trip to Ladakh and wondering whether it is crazy, brave, or simply the best decision you will make this year? Well, it can be all three 🙂 But here is the thing, my friend. A winter trip to Ladakh is not something you can take lightly. One layer of clothing less, one day without buffer, or one rushed drive to Pangong on arrival day, and you could find yourself in serious trouble at high altitude in sub-zero cold.

I have already shared a detailed day-wise plan in my complete travel plan and 7-8 day itinerary for Ladakh in winter, which is the starting point for planning this journey. This article is the companion piece with the essential tips, month-by-month conditions, and mistakes to avoid, gathered from my own Ladakh trips (including snow-bound days on Khardung La), my winter trips in Spiti, and DwD community members who have done Ladakh between December and February.

Quick Info: Winter Trip to Ladakh at a Glance

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Why Should You Visit Ladakh in Winter?

Ladakh in winter is a completely different world from the summer Ladakh most people know. The crowds thin down dramatically and the lakes freeze into solid sheets of turquoise ice. It is, in my opinion, the most honest version of Ladakh you will ever see.

Most of the high mountain passes start receiving snowfall by late October. The Manali to Leh Highway closes for the season because of snow at passes like Baralacha La, black ice, and the complete absence of shelter on the way. The Srinagar to Leh Highway traditionally shuts at Zoji La for several months too. Hence, for a tourist, the only reliable way to reach Leh in winter is to fly directly from Delhi.

A note on Zoji La in 2025-26: As per a Reach Ladakh report dated 24 January 2026, Kargil officials said Zoji La had stayed open for an unusually extended period and was kept operational even in January. However, the pass is time-bound and avalanche-prone, and in late March 2026 an avalanche near Zoji La caused several fatalities. “Open on some days” is not the same as “safe to plan a road trip on”. You can follow the live situation on my Srinagar Leh Highway status page.

Many senior travelers and lovers of Ladakh, including me, now see too much filth, garbage, and litter during the summer season. Hence, many of us prefer the winter months, which offer the Ladakh of old, peaceful, raw, and undisturbed.

You can help save this beautiful place by learning and sharing these tips for responsible travel in the Himalayas.

What Is Ladakh Like in December, January and February?

Quick answer: December is cold but the gentlest of the three, with festivals and partly frozen lakes. January is the coldest month (IMD average low of -13.1C in Leh) and the Chadar window. February is slightly milder, Pangong is fully frozen, and the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon is held towards the end of the month.

Winter is not one single season in Ladakh. The three months feel quite different on the ground, so let us look at them one by one. The numbers below are India Meteorological Department (IMD) long-term averages for the Leh station, as published in the Leh climate table on Wikipedia. Individual years can be warmer or colder.

Ladakh in December (and the December-End Rush)

Quick answer: December is the easiest winter month for a first-timer. Leh averages 4.5C by day and -11.7C at night, the roads to Nubra and Pangong are usually open, and you can catch Ladakhi Losar (9 December 2026). Pangong is usually only partly frozen, and flights get expensive in the last week.

December is when Ladakh celebrates. As per the Incredible India festival calendar (sourced from Ladakh Tourism), Ladakhi Losar falls on 9 December 2026. It follows the Tibetan lunar calendar, which is why it lands in December here. Galdan Namchot, the festival of lights, falls on the 25th day of the 10th lunar month, a few days before Losar, so expect it in early December 2026 (one Ladakh festival calendar lists 3 December). Please confirm lunar dates locally. I have covered both in my calendar of festivals in Ladakh.

A lot of you plan for December end because the Christmas to New Year week is the only long leave you get. That is perfectly doable, but keep in mind three things. Delhi-Leh fares climb sharply for the 24 December to 2 January window, Pangong may be frozen only at the edges by late December, and the few hotels that stay open in Leh fill up for New Year. Hence, book your flights and first 2 nights in Leh before anything else.

Ladakh in January

Quick answer: January is the coldest and most “winter” month in Ladakh. Leh averages 1.5C by day and -13.1C at night, Pangong freezes solid, and the Chadar Trek is normally scheduled from early January. It is also the cheapest month for flights if you avoid the first few days.

If you want the full frozen-Ladakh experience, January is the month. The lakes are solid and Leh market is almost empty. However, this is also when your body is tested the most, with frozen pipes, power cuts, and brutal cold at Pangong after sunset. In case you are travelling with elderly parents or small kids, I would suggest late February instead. For a detailed January road status and planning guide, check my article on Ladakh, Spiti and Zanskar in January.

Ladakh in February

Quick answer: February is slightly milder (IMD average 4.2C high, -9.2C low in Leh) with Pangong still frozen solid. It is the best balance of comfort and frozen scenery, it is prime snow leopard season, and the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon was held on 24-25 February in 2026.

February is my personal recommendation for most first-time winter travellers. The days are a little longer and yet Pangong is still frozen hard. Keep in mind that late winter is when Western Disturbances bring the heaviest snow to the passes. In 2025, for example, heavy late-winter snow shut Zoji La for about 32 days, and BRO reopened it only on 1 April 2025 (as reported by ETV Bharat and IBTimes). Hence, buffer days matter even more in February.

What Are the Top Winter Experiences in Ladakh?

Winter in Ladakh is not just about surviving the cold. Here are the experiences you simply cannot get in any other season.

Frozen Pangong Tso

Between January and February, Pangong Lake freezes solid. The thick frozen surface develops dramatic blue ice cracks and mirror-like patterns that are nothing short of surreal. The Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon set a Guinness World Record on 20 February 2023 as the highest-altitude frozen lake marathon, held at 4,273 meters. As per the UT Ladakh government’s own update, the 2026 edition was held on 24-25 February 2026 and was organised by The Thin Ice Adventure in collaboration with the Government of UT Ladakh. Only walk on the ice where locals and organisers say it is safe, and never alone.

Chadar Trek on the Frozen Zanskar River

The Chadar Trek is the most famous winter adventure in Ladakh. The Zanskar River freezes into a sheet of ice (called “chadar”) between January and February, creating a trekking path through a narrow gorge. Operator costs were in the range of Rs 20,000-25,000 per person, and you will need to budget an additional Rs 6,000-10,000 for permits, wildlife fees, and adventure insurance payable to the Ladakh administration (as of the last regular season, verify with your operator).

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Important 2026 Update: The Chadar Trek did not run normally in winter 2026. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Leh first postponed and then suspended the trek in January 2026 after recce teams found unstable ice. As reported by 101Reporters in April 2026, the operators’ association said at least 30-35 km of continuous solid ice is needed to run the trek safely, and the ice never extended that far. The same report cites Meteorological Centre Leh data calling winter 2026 the warmest in eight years. Hence, do not book non-refundable flights only for the Chadar, confirm the status with the DDMA Leh or your registered operator, and keep a backup plan.

Snow Leopard Spotting in Hemis National Park

Winter is prime season for snow leopard sightings. Hemis National Park holds one of the highest densities of snow leopards in Asia. During winter, prey animals like blue sheep (bharal) descend to lower altitudes, and the snow leopards follow. The areas around Hemis, Ulley Valley, and Rumbak Valley are the best spots. Dedicated snow leopard expeditions typically cost Rs 40,000-80,000 per person for a 7-10 day trip. If you want a second wildlife trip in the same winter, Kaziranga National Park in Assam is worth a look.

New for winter 2026-27: On 7 October 2026, the Lt Governor of Ladakh flagged off six safari vehicles at Choglamsar for India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari (PTI, via ThePrint). The vehicles will initially run in Rumbak, Shang and Uley. Fares were not published at launch, so check with the Forest Department in Leh. I have covered spotting tips, homestays, and costs in my snow leopard safari guide for Ladakh.

How Cold Does It Get in Ladakh During Winter?

Quick answer: In Leh, IMD long-term averages for January are a 1.5C daytime high and a -13.1C night low, with a record low of -28.3C. Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri get much colder, with nights that can drop to -25C or even -30C. Wind chill at Khardung La and Chang La makes it feel colder still.

It will be cold. Read that again. Very, very cold. Flying directly to a high altitude place like Leh (11,520 Ft / 3,500+ meters) can cause serious health issues if proper care is not taken for Acute Mountain Sickness. And when it is winter, the challenge doubles because your body has to fight extreme cold plus high altitude together.

Away from Leh, it gets much worse. At places like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, temperatures can plummet to -25C or even -30C, and the wind chill at Khardung La and Chang La makes it feel colder than the actual reading.

Hence, you must always be aware of the importance of acclimatization before venturing to higher altitudes in Ladakh. Keep in mind that flying in means you land at 11,500 Ft with zero gradual gain. Give yourself at least 2 full days in Leh before heading to Nubra or Pangong. You can also carry oxygen cylinders as a safety backup, especially if you are traveling with elderly family members.

How Much Does It Actually Snow in Leh Town?

Leh town itself sees almost no snow. IMD’s Leh weather station recorded monthly December snowfall totals of just 0.1mm to 3.7mm across 2019-2024, barely a trace most years. Real snow in the region falls at the surrounding passes (Khardung La, Chang La), not in the valley bowl where the town sits.

This surprises most first-time winter visitors who expect Leh to look like a snow globe. Leh sits in a high-altitude rain shadow desert, so it stays largely dry and sunny even at -15C, with the dramatic snow-capped views coming from the surrounding mountains, not fresh snowfall in town. If you specifically want snow underfoot, the Chadar Trek route and the passes deliver that; the town itself mostly does not.

When Is the Best Time to See Snowfall in Leh Ladakh?

Quick answer: January and February. IMD long-term averages show Leh gets 9.5 mm of precipitation in January and 8.1 mm in February, about double December’s 4.6 mm. For guaranteed snow, head up to Khardung La or Chang La, where snow lies on the ground through most of winter even when Leh stays dry.

In case snowfall is the main reason for your trip, be realistic. Even in a snowy month, Leh may get only a couple of light spells, and late-winter Western Disturbances that dump snow on the passes are also what cancel flights. A day trip to Khardung La Top is the most dependable way to stand in deep snow. Also, 101Reporters, citing Meteorological Centre Leh data, notes that winter snowfall in Leh has become highly irregular over the past decade, so nobody can promise you snow on specific dates.

What Should You Pack for a Winter Ladakh Trip?

Packing correctly is the difference between a memorable trip and a miserable one. Here is what you absolutely need for a winter trip to Ladakh.

Clothing (layer system is key): Start with thermal innerwear (top and bottom), add a fleece or wool mid-layer, and finish with a windproof, waterproof outer jacket rated for -20C or below. Carry insulated snow boots (not regular shoes), heavy gloves (two pairs, one liner and one outer), a balaclava or face mask, UV-protected sunglasses, and a warm muffler. Keep zippers of jackets closed at all times to cover your neck and chest. You can read more in my detailed guide on what clothes to carry for a Ladakh trip, and in case you are on a tight budget, check my list of winter jackets under Rs 5,000.

Sleeping gear: Carry your own sleeping bag rated at least 0 to -10 degrees Celsius. A fleece liner inserted inside your sleeping bag adds another 5-7 degrees of warmth. Guest houses and homestays will provide quilts and blankets as additional layers, and some may offer a bukhari (wood stove) heater if power is available. But your sleeping bag gives you that mental satisfaction of survival in such cold conditions.

Health essentials: Carry Diamox (for AMS prevention, consult your doctor before the trip), ORS packets, lip balm, heavy moisturizer, sunscreen (the winter sun at altitude burns just as badly), and basic medicines. Keep sipping warm water, black tea, black coffee, or hot honey lemon tea throughout the day to combat cold and stay hydrated. Garlic and black pepper in your food provide warmth and help your body fight the cold.

Electronics: Cold temperatures drain camera and phone batteries quickly. Carry extra batteries and keep them inside your jacket pocket (close to body heat) when not in use. A power bank is essential since power supply can be erratic in winter.

What Are Hotels, Water and Heating Like in Winter Ladakh?

Quick answer: Expect fewer open hotels, frozen pipes, hot water by the bucket, frequent power cuts, and rooms heated by electric heaters or a bukhari. Pay extra for a room with reliable heating in Leh, and never sleep with a bukhari or gas heater burning in a closed room.

This is the part nobody tells first-timers. A large share of hotels and guesthouses in Leh close from November until spring. The ones that stay open often have frozen pipes by January, hot water comes in a bucket, and many homestays switch to the traditional dry (compost) toilet because flush systems freeze. None of this is a problem once you know it, but it is a shock if you expect a summer-style hotel.

For heating, I suggest you ask three questions before you pay: Is the room heated through the night? What happens during a power cut? Is there a generator? A properly heated room is worth paying more for in January. At Nubra and Pangong you will mostly stay in basic homestays, where the family kitchen with its bukhari is the warmest room in the house.

Safety warning: A bukhari, gas heater, or angithi burning inside a closed room produces carbon monoxide, which has no smell and can kill in your sleep. Never sleep with one burning and always keep a small vent open. Please take utmost caution on this, my friend.

How Much Does a Winter Trip to Ladakh Cost in 2026?

Quick answer: A budget 7-day winter trip to Ladakh costs about Rs 40,000-56,000 per person, assuming two people share a private taxi. A mid-range trip with your own private taxi and heated hotels costs about Rs 96,000-1,45,000 per person. Flights and the taxi are the two biggest costs.

Winter Ladakh trips can actually be lighter on the wallet than summer ones, if you plan smartly. Here is a realistic budget breakdown based on rates as of early 2026. Prices change every season, so please verify the latest flight, hotel, and taxi rates before you finalise.

Do not expect many discounts, as most hotels and accommodation options close for winter in Ladakh. The ones that remain open may charge the same tariff or even more to cover heating costs. This is mostly limited to Leh. At places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, or Tso Moriri, you will rely on basic guesthouses or homestays run by local families.

Some hotels provide rates inclusive of meals, which is worth checking because finding food at night in Leh during winter is not something you will want to do in bone-freezing conditions. In past winters, only a handful of places in the main market stayed open, with Lamayuru and Gesmo being the names readers mention most among the well-known restaurants in Leh. Ask your hotel what is open that week. For a detailed budget calculator, check my complete Ladakh trip cost guide.

Important: Do not depend on ATMs as they might not be functional due to power outages or cash shortage. Hence, carry enough cash with you for the entire trip. I would suggest keeping at least Rs 15,000-20,000 in cash per person.

How Do You Get Around Ladakh in Winter?

Transport is one of the biggest challenges and expenses during a winter Ladakh trip. Shared taxis are rare, most public buses to tourist places stop, and with fewer tourists the chance of splitting a taxi is low.

Prepare your budget keeping in mind that you will likely need a private taxi. The Ladakh Taxi Union rates for the full circuit (Nubra + Pangong + Tso Moriri) run around Rs 45,000-55,000 for 6-7 days. You can check the latest Ladakh taxi rates on my dedicated page. Getting in touch with local taxi drivers directly can save you 10-15% compared to booking through an agent. Talking in person in Leh always helps in negotiating better rates.

In winter there is no need to pre-book taxis, you can easily find drivers in Leh. The Indian Army and BRO keep the roads to Khardung La (for Nubra Valley) and Chang La (for Pangong Tso) open throughout winter, though temporary closures happen during heavy snowfall. Roads are usually cleared within 24-48 hours by BRO. I would not recommend self-driving a rented bike or car in winter. Black ice on shaded bends is the real danger, and local drivers know exactly where it forms.

Why Should You Keep Buffer Days on a Winter Ladakh Trip?

This is one tip I cannot stress enough. Always keep at least 2-3 buffer days in your winter Ladakh itinerary. Here is why.

Check weather forecasts before venturing over Khardung La or Chang La. If heavy snowfall hits, you can easily get stuck for 2-3 days in Nubra Valley or Tangtse. The passes close, BRO works to clear them, and you wait. It is also common for snowfall in Leh to cancel flights, and that can throw your entire return plan off balance. The IMD weather portal and your driver’s network are the best sources before a pass crossing.

Hence, always keep a couple of buffer days to be spent in Leh exploring the local sightseeing spots or making a day trip to Sham Valley for such contingencies. Hemis, Thiksey, and Diskit monasteries are all accessible during winter, and without the crowds the experience is deeply personal.

Keep in mind that if you are visiting Tso Moriri, it will be extremely harsh there. I always recommend staying at Chumathang (3,950 m / 12,960 ft) instead, which is a much warmer place compared to the lakeside and has hot springs where you can take a warm dip after a freezing day.

What About Mobile Network and Connectivity in Winter?

BSNL postpaid has the widest coverage in winter and works in Nubra Valley, the Pangong Tso area, and along the highway. Jio and Airtel now offer 4G/5G coverage in Leh town (Jio 5G since April 2023, Airtel 5G since April 2024), but both become unreliable or nonexistent outside Leh city limits.

Important: Only postpaid SIMs from outside J&K/Ladakh work in Ladakh. Prepaid SIMs from other states do not work. If you have a Jio or Airtel postpaid connection, it will work in Leh. For anything beyond Leh, BSNL postpaid is your best bet. You can read the complete breakdown in my Ladakh mobile connectivity guide.

Hotel Wi-Fi in Leh works but is slow. Forget connectivity at Pangong or Tso Moriri, and download offline maps before leaving Leh.

How to Book Flights and What Permits Do You Need?

Flights from Delhi to Leh operate daily throughout winter. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India (including the merged Vistara operations), and SpiceJet fly this route. January is typically the cheapest month for flights, with return tickets available from Rs 6,000-9,000 if booked 45-60 days in advance (as of early 2026, verify current fares). December and February can be pricier, especially around New Year and the Chadar Trek season.

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Pro tip: Book a window seat on the left-hand side of the aircraft. The aerial views of the snow-covered Himalayas during the Delhi-Leh approach are absolutely magnificent. Since the flight is only about 1 hour 20 minutes, this is a quick but spectacular experience. For more tips about flying to Leh, check my detailed guide on flying to Leh Ladakh.

Permits: Indian nationals need to pay the Ladakh Environment and Development Fee (EDF) for visiting Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and Hanle. Since 2021, the old ILP has been replaced by this EDF system. You can apply online at lahdclehpermit.in or from the DC Office in Leh. The process is straightforward and usually takes a few hours. The fee is Rs 400/person (environment fee) + Rs 20/person/day (wildlife fee) + Rs 50/person (Red Cross contribution). Foreign nationals have additional permit requirements, which I have covered in my guide on protected area permits for foreigners.

What Health and Safety Mistakes Should You Avoid in Winter Ladakh?

Quick answer: The common mistakes are going to Pangong or Nubra within 48 hours of landing, skipping water because you do not feel thirsty, ignoring numb fingers and toes, sleeping with a heater burning in a closed room, and self-driving on black ice. Each one has sent winter travellers to hospital.

These are the mistakes I hear about most often from readers after their winter trips.

• Rushing to altitude: Pangong (about 14,000 Ft) or Khardung La (above 17,000 Ft) on day 2 is the classic error. AMS symptoms are harder to notice when you are already shivering.
• Not drinking enough: Cold air is extremely dry and you will not feel thirsty, which is exactly the trap. Keep sipping warm fluids all day.
• Ignoring frostbite signs: White or greyish, numb, waxy-feeling skin on fingers, toes, nose, or ears is an early warning. Warm it gradually, never rub it with snow, and get medical help if feeling does not return.
• Hypothermia at the lakes: Uncontrollable shivering, confusion, and slurred speech mean the body is losing the fight. Get the person indoors and out of wet clothes.

In case of a medical emergency, the main government hospital in Leh is SNM Hospital. Share your daily plan with someone back home, since your phone may have no signal at Pangong or Tso Moriri.

How to Enjoy Winter Ladakh to the Fullest?

Apart from all the planning, do not forget the most important part: enjoy the journey.

Since there will not be many tourists around, you can enjoy the monasteries, frozen lakes, and the company of the incredibly hospitable people of Ladakh in a calm, relaxed manner. Visit the monasteries around Leh at sunrise when the prayer bells ring across empty valleys. Walk through the old town in Leh. Sip butter tea with a local family. These are the moments that make a winter Ladakh trip truly special.

If you are a photographer, winter Ladakh is paradise, with golden light on white snow and prayer flags against frozen mountains. Carry extra camera batteries and shoot in morning and late-afternoon light. My winter photography guide for Ladakh has the settings and locations I would pick.

Sample 7-Day Winter Ladakh Itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long winter trip to Ladakh. Adjust based on weather conditions and personal pace. For a detailed day-by-day version with timings and a Tso Moriri extension, see my 7-8 day Ladakh winter itinerary.

For more itinerary options, check my Ladakh itinerary by air or the complete Ladakh road trip itinerary (for reference when highways reopen).

Video: Ladakh Winter Trip Tips

Don’t have time to read the full article? Check this video on the Discover With Dheeraj YouTube Channel for these tips about a winter Ladakh trip. If you like the video, please subscribe to the channel for more Himalayan travel content.

Related Reading

• Complete Guide to Ladakh in Winters
• Best Time to Visit Ladakh and Zanskar Valley
• Snow Leopard Safari in Ladakh: Complete Guide
• Festivals in Ladakh: Month-by-Month Calendar
• Budget Hotels and Accommodation in Leh
• Hanle in Ladakh: Complete Travel Guide
• How to Get Ladakh Permits and Pay EDF Online
• Solo Trip to Ladakh: Tips and Guide

Conclusion

A winter trip to Ladakh is not for everyone, but for those who go prepared, it is one of the most rewarding trips in India. In one line: fly in, sit still for two days, keep buffer days, and respect the cold.

I hope these tips help you plan your winter Ladakh trip. If you have questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below, and I will try my best to help. If you have been to Ladakh in winter and have tips of your own, please share them with the DwD travel community so everyone benefits. That is what the DwD community is all about, my friend, helping each other travel better 🙂 …

Feel free to share this article with your friends or family who are planning a trip to Leh Ladakh in winter.

Last Updated: November 2026. Updated for the December 2026 to February 2027 season with IMD temperature averages, month-by-month conditions, Losar 2026, the 2026 Chadar suspension, and the new snow leopard safari.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to visit Ladakh in winter?

Yes, Ladakh is safe for winter travel if you prepare properly. Acclimatize for at least 2 days in Leh, carry proper winter gear, hire experienced local drivers, and keep buffer days for weather disruptions. The Indian Army and BRO keep the internal roads to Nubra and Pangong open throughout winter, though temporary closures happen during heavy snowfall.

How to reach Leh in winter?

For a tourist, the only reliable way is to fly from Delhi. The Manali-Leh Highway is closed for the season, and Zoji La on the Srinagar-Leh Highway is time-bound and avalanche-prone even in a mild winter like 2025-26. Daily flights run from Delhi, with return fares from about Rs 6,000 if booked early.

What is the best month for a winter trip to Ladakh?

February is the best balance for most people, with Pangong frozen solid and slightly milder temperatures (IMD average low of -9.2C in Leh). January is the coldest and best for the full frozen experience and the Chadar Trek, if the ice forms. December is the gentlest and has Losar, but Pangong is only partly frozen.

What is the temperature in Ladakh in December?

As per IMD long-term averages for Leh, December has an average daytime high of 4.5C and an average night low of -11.7C, with a record low of -25.6C. Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri are much colder at night.

Does it snow in Leh in December?

Very little. Leh is a high-altitude cold desert, and IMD’s Leh station recorded only 0.1mm to 3.7mm of December snowfall across 2019-2024. The passes like Khardung La and Chang La hold snow all winter, so that is where you will find it. January and February bring more precipitation than December.

Can I visit Pangong Lake in winter?

Yes. The road to Pangong Lake via Chang La remains open throughout winter, with temporary closures during heavy snowfall. The lake freezes solid between January and February, creating a stunning frozen landscape. You will need to pay the Ladakh EDF and hire a private taxi since public transport does not run in winter.

How much does a 7-day winter trip to Ladakh cost?

A budget winter trip to Ladakh costs around Rs 40,000-56,000 per person for 7 days, including flights, guesthouses, food, and a private taxi shared between two people. A mid-range trip with your own taxi and heated hotels costs Rs 96,000-1,45,000 per person (rates as of early 2026).

Do I need a permit to visit Ladakh in winter?

Indian nationals need to pay the Ladakh Environment and Development Fee (EDF) for visiting Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and Hanle. The EDF can be paid online at lahdclehpermit.in or at the DC Office in Leh. The fee is Rs 400/person + Rs 20/person/day + Rs 50 Red Cross. No permit is needed to visit Leh town, Sham Valley, or monasteries near Leh.

Is the Chadar Trek possible every year?

No. The Chadar Trek depends on the Zanskar River freezing sufficiently, which normally happens between January and February. In January 2026, the DDMA Leh suspended the trek because the ice was unstable, and operators say at least 30-35 km of continuous solid ice is needed. Always confirm the status with the DDMA Leh or a registered operator before booking.