For many of us, April is the month of extreme heat – a hot summer month ready to drain us off our energy. However, did you know that April is also one of the best months to pack your bags and head towards the mountains? And what better place to go to than Ladakh? The region is one of the most visually appealing and remote places in the country. Despite that, Ladakh is a favorite destination amongst travelers who’re in love with mountain life. If you too are one of them, here’s why and how you should visit Ladakh in April!
Ladakh In April: All That You Need To Know
About Ladakh
Ladakh is a region in the northernmost part of India, adjacent to Jammu & Kashmir. Ladakh is split between India (southeast), which is part of the Ladakh Union Territory, and Pakistan (northwest), which is part of Gilgit-Baltistan. Additionally, China is administering parts of northeastern Ladakh.
Tibet, Jammu & Kashmir, China, and Himachal Pradesh surround the region of Ladakh. It is one of the highest regions in the world – a cold desert, with its topography consisting of deep valleys, rivers, high plains, mountain passes and lakes. According to the 2011 Census, Ladakh’s population is about 2,74,289 people. This makes it one of the least densely populated regions in India. Despite it being a remote destination, Ladakh has emerged as a clear favorite for many Indian tourists and travelers.
Leh Ladakh Weather In April
The months of April and May are considered to be the shoulder season to visit Ladakh. This means that Ladakh in these months is neither inaccessible nor overcrowded with tourists. Such a time period is ideal for visiting Ladakh, considering that you will not be surrounded by tourists throughout your trip.
Leh Ladakh in April is no less than a dream – you have the chillness of winter and the tender warmth of spring elevating your experience. There was a time when Ladakh would be almost shut in April due to heavy snowfall, however, global warming in recent decades has caused Ladakh to lose its snowfall faster and earlier, which is why April is hardly a month of heavy snowfall today.
Average daytime temperatures in Ladakh in April are between 6°C to 15°C. However, temperatures can go sub-zero in the night, especially in the more high-altitude areas. If you’re visiting Ladakh in April, you’ll be greeted with pleasant, cool weather – not too cold nor too hot (or crowded).
Travel Tips For Visiting Ladakh In April
Acclimatize Well
Ladakh is a high-altitude area in general, and as you make your way there, you’ll be gradually gaining altitude. If you’re someone who hasn’t scaled such altitude before, we highly recommend getting acclimatized to the altitude. You can do so by halting overnight in between two destinations in your itinerary, avoiding a long, continuous drive, exercising at least for a few weeks leading up to your Ladakh trip, and consulting your physician if you have any medical condition.
As you gain altitude, there are chances that you can experience altitude sickness. Depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing, altitude sickness can be of three types. Given below are the names of the three types of altitude sickness and their symptoms.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty in breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Loss of appetite
High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
- Shortness of breath (even while sleeping)
- Pink cough
- Frothy spit
- Persistent coughing
High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
- Persistent headache
- Loss of coordination
- Severe lethargy
- Loss of focus
- Loss of consciousness/seizures (extreme cases)
Keep A Tab On Weather Conditions And Road Updates
While April sees most of Ladakh’s roads open for transport, weather can go unpredictable at times. This would mean unexpected snowfall and a resultant closure or blockage on the roads. Keep a tab on the local weather conditions, ask the locals about the same, and be prepared with an alternative route or plan in case you experience such a situation. The chances of unexpected snowfall is quite rare in April, but it is always best to remain prepared, especially in a remote region like Ladakh.
Avoid Overnight Stays Outside Leh City
If you’re visiting Ladakh in April (or in any other month), remember that Leh and Kargil are the only two cities that you can rely on for a comfortable overnight stay. This is because these places have plenty of hotels and homestays, good restaurants, and enjoy decent network and road connectivity. They’re also quite safe to halt overnight as they’re populated. From here, you can also visit many other destinations in Ladakh. So, make sure that you avoid overnight stays outside Leh City.
Have Buffer Days In Your Itinerary
We certainly wouldn’t want anything to go wrong in your itinerary, but it’s best to be prepared for an unexpected twist in the plan, right? We recommend having a day or two as buffer day(s) in your itinerary. Just in case that you experience a sudden road blockage or your health worsens, you should have buffer days to compensate for that. This will only help you by ensuring that you don’t miss out on experiencing Ladakh because of things not in your control.
Pack For A Cold Weather
While it is true that by April, Ladakh starts losing most of its snow and temperatures become warmer. However, it won’t ever be as hot as the cities we live in. Ladakh is a cold place throughout the year and going unprepared for the weather would only further increase your problems. While packing your bags, make sure that you carry enough winter-appropriate clothing and other gear. Here’s all that you must carry:
Clothing and accessories
- Down jackets, woollen sweaters, winter coats, fleece jackets
- Thermal wear
- Rain jacket and waterproof pants
- Gloves, hats, scarves, socks, mufflers, etc
- Heavy-duty trekking shoes
- Sunglasses, hats, and caps
Personal care/skincare items
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Hydrating moisturizer or cold cream
- Lip balm
- Hand and feet cream
Electronic gadgets
- Power banks
- Batteries
- Travel adapter
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Tripod or selfie stick
Essential documents (both original and photocopies)
- Valid government issued ID card
- Travel insurance
- Driver’s license
- Bike/car documents (if self-driving)
- Ladakh permit
Food and snacks
- Energy bars
- Dried nuts
- Instant food packets
- Water bottle
Places To See In Ladakh In April
Nubra Valley
Did you even visit Ladakh if you did not visit Nubra Valley? Also called the ‘Valley of Flowers’, the Nubra Valley is a favorite destination for those visiting Leh. It takes about 4 hours from Leh city to reach Nubra Valley via the Khardung La Pass. The valley is known for its green meadows, sand dunes, and snow-capped mountains. Here, you can visit the Diskit Monastery and Samstanling Monastery as well as ride camels on the enormous sand dunes and try quad biking near Hunder. While you can camp in Nubra Valley, many people return to Leh city after a day trip to Nubra Valley.
Pangong Lake
If you’ve watched the climax of the Hindi film 3 Idiots, you will find that it was this lake that served as the backdrop for the last scene. This high-altitude saltwater lake stretches across India and China and is known for its azure blue waters that change colors depending on sunlight and the reflection of the mountains around it. The lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and offers stunning views paired with a peaceful environment. Despite being a saltwater lake, it freezes completely in the winter, so if you visit Ladakh in April, there are chances that some parts of the lake would be frozen.
Lamayuru
This region of Ladakh will make you feel like you’re on the moon, thanks to its moon-like terrain. This is why Lamayuru is known as the ‘Moonland of Ladakh’. The small village is home to the Lamayuru Monastery dating back to the 11th century. Lamayuru is easily one of the best one-day trip destinations from Leh, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, picturesque views, and easy accessibility.
Hanle
Situated in the eastern part of Ladakh, Hanle is home to one of the world’s highest astronomical observatories. The village offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains as well as offers stunning views of the night skies due to its minimal light pollution. The Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, home to many rare flora and fauna, is also nearby.
Other Sites And Activities
You can also take a day or two to do local sightseeing in Leh, including the Leh Palace, Central Asian Museum, Shanti Stupa, Spituk Gompa, Stok Palace Museum, Datun Sahib, and Hall of Fame. Also, the region is known for its elaborate historic monasteries such as Thiksey Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Diskit Gompa, Lamayuru Monastery, Hemis Gompa, and others. So, make sure that you visit them. Besides, don’t forget to try exciting activities like camel ride, paragliding, trekking, mountain biking, and river rafting when in Ladakh.
Summing Up
Ladakh in April is no less than a dream! You have pleasant weather, open roads, and comparatively less crowds, allowing you to explore the region in your own way. So, are you already packing your bags to experience the beauty of Ladakh in April?
FAQs
Is April A Good Time To Visit Ladakh?
Yes, April is a good time to visit Ladakh. It is the month when the region is slowly opening up for tourism, meaning you’ll have a lesser crowd and get affordable accommodation.
Can We See Snow In Ladakh In April?
Yes, you can see snow in Ladakh in April. This is because even though it is slowly entering the spring season, there are some high-altitude regions here that can experience snowfall.
Which Is The Coldest Month Of Leh?
January is typically considered to be the coldest month of Leh due to the winter season. Temperatures are almost always in single digits or sub-zero, both during the day and night.
