Winter Tour

Ladakh is also a great place to visit during winter! There are a lot of things to do, and the region is quieter than during the main tourist season. Those looking for adventure tourism would perhaps want to consider a trek on the Chadar, the name given to the Zanskar River when it freezes in winter. Traveling on the Chadar means engaging closely with the icy world of the Himalayas. Down in the gorge, the noise of the city gives way to silence, to the sound of the water flowing, and the noise made by footsteps on ice. The colors are superb, with the bright blue of the river, the sparkling white of the snow, and the brown hue of the mountains. A typical trek is about 19 km (up to Nehrag) but can also bring you all the way to Zanskar.

Snow leopard watching is also another great activity. Wildlife enthusiasts are coming from all over the world to Ladakh to get the chance to spot the elusive mountain animals, known as one of the last remaining icons of nature. Seeing the endangered animals requires patience but it is such a rewarding experience! Besides the snow leopard, winter is the perfect time to track wildlife, including the Tibetan argali, ibex, urial, blue sheep, Pallas’s cat, and Eurasian lynx. Avid bird watchers will also have the opportunity of seeing many species of resident birds of Ladakh.

Finally, for those interested in the cultural dimensions of Ladakh, the winter festivals are a unique opportunity to see some traditional monastic dances. There are several festivals taking place in winter, including the one at Spituk, Matho, and Likir monasteries, and Dosmochey in Leh. In January, there is also the Ethnic Mamani Festival in Kargil where you can taste dozens of different traditional dishes. Ladakh may be cold in winter, but the perfume of the cooking food filling the streets and the delicious taste of the meals makes this quite a warming event.

Interested travelers can contact me for to design their own winter trip!