Snapshots
Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Leh and Ladakh is where heaven meets the Earth and in every turn what gets created is the most exceptional sight of beauty. A high altitude desert that is way more than just a destination, Leh Ladakh offers to you the most soul stirring adventures, unforgettable landscapes and timeless monasteries.
Summer in Leh Ladakh is when the actual magic happens. The months between May and September is when the snow melts, ancient trails reopen once again, rivers begin to freely flow and the desert bursts into beautiful shades of ochre, green and turquoise. The perfect season to lose yourself and find yourself in the mystic wilds of Leh and Ladakh, here’s the ultimate travel guide to explore summer in Leh Ladakh.
Why visit Leh Ladakh during summers?
The summer season in Leh Ladakh feels like being a part of the most beautiful picture that is painted by mother nature herself. A prime destination for travelling in India that particularly comes alive during the months of May to September, with its stark landscapes and high mountain passes, Leh in summer feels like the most ethereal setting that one can ever witness.
The temperatures of the region during the summer months range between 15 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius, which is the most comfortable climate to indulge in outdoor activities and for sightseeing purposes. Although the nights can get a little cold, this time is still the best.
Moreover, since the snow starts melting during this time of the year, the conditions make it possible to witness the most picturesque sights while also making the roads most accessible to venture out on street journeys. With clear skies and the best of conditions available, summers in Leh Ladakh is definitely the best time that turns this winter desert into a true wonderland.
Check out some these best places to visit in Leh & Ladakh during summertime to make the most of your trip
1. Pangong Lake
Among the most well known and most visited places in Ladakh, the Pangong Lake turns into the most splendid sight during the summer months. Stretching like a surreal sapphire ribbon between India and Tibet, the Pangong Tso is located at a dizzying altitude of 1400 feet approximately. The most appealing feature of this lake is that its waters change colour throughout the day, and transform from shades of deep blue to turquoise and grey. Summers make for the perfect time to visit the Pangong Lake due to factors of accessibility. So indulge in the pristine silence, surrounded by the snow dusted mountains and open skies to have the most magical experience ever!
2. Leh Palace
The timeworn crown of Leh that towers over the town like a forgotten guardian, the Leh Palace is a stunning nine-storey structure that echoes stories of both the Ladakhi royalty and Tibetian influence. A monument that dates back to the 17th century, the mud brick corridors and wooden balconies of the palace offer you some of the most sweeping views of the town, along with that of the Zaskar Range and the Stok Kangri peaks. A place that feels like you are entering into a sepia toned memory, exploring the Leh Palace is especially wonderful during the summertime as the structure beautifully shines in the soft golden light of the afternoon sun.
3. Nubra Valley
Hidden behind the towering Khardung La Pass, the Nubra Valley offers its visitors the most mesmerizing blend of landscapes. From golden sand dunes to lush apricot orchards and shimmering rivers, that are all framed by the jagged Himalayan peaks, exploring the Nubra Valley during summer in Leh & Ladakh is an absolute must.
The village of Hunder offers you a surreal experience. From camel rides to exploring the Diskit Monastery, the Nubra Valley feels like the sentinel of peace.
4. Hemis Monastery
The largest and the richest monastery of Ladakh, the Hemis Gompa especially comes alive during the summer months. With the renowned Hemis Festival being celebrated during this time of the year, what one gets to witness is the most beautiful scene of colours, chants and masked dances. Set against the backdrop of barren hills, the ancient murals of the monastery and thangka paintings whisper to you centuries old Buddhist philosophy and Himalayan history.
5. Lamayuru
Popularly known as the ‘Moonland of Ladakh’, Lamayuru lets you witness the most surreal topography. With its oddly eroded and moon-like terrain, that is together combined with the Lamayuru Monastery, this place in Ladakh is the perfect spot for both introspection and photography.
6. Zanskar Valley
Remote, rugged and wildly beautiful, the Zanskar Valley is best accessed during the months of summer, since it is during this time that snow finally melts and the mountain passes open. Boasting of the most dramatic gorges, frozen rivers and isolated villages, the Zanskar Valley along with the Phugtal Monastery feels like a completely different world altogether.