How to Reach Leh Ladakh in February?
By Flights
Visiting Leh in February has now become simpler with daily flights to Leh. There are around 8 flights each day running between Leh Ladakh and other significant urban cities like Mumbai, Chandigarh, Srinagar etc. The airlines that can be booked to Leh include Air India, GoFirst, Vistara, SpiceJet and IndiGo.
The picturesque flight to Leh Ladakh in February from Delhi requires one and a half hours. The Leh airport or the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is probably the most elevated air terminal at a height of 3,500 meters above ocean level.
Leh-Manali Highway
The amazing Leh-Manali highway is the most marvelous route to reach Leh. It goes through stunning scenery and crosses a few high mountain passes including the well known Tanglang La pass (5,328m) which is the most elevated point on this route. On the subsequent day,
you will cross Rohtang La pass prior to arriving at the green Manali valley covered with pinewood woodlands. The distance is approx 473 km from Leh to Manali and it requires 2 enervating days to cover this distance with one night in Pang, Sarchu or Jispa. Hence, if you plan your trip to Leh in February from Manali, this is the best route.
Leh-Srinagar Highway
The Leh-Srinagar highway is another route that can be considered if you plan a road trip to Leh Ladakh in February. A large portion of the attractions are situated inside the initial 60 km from Leh, it incorporates Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and Sangam. On the subsequent day, you will drive through Zoji La pass (3,528m) and Sonamarg prior to arriving at Srinagar. It additionally requires 2 days to cover the 422 km from Leh to Srinagar with an overnight stay halfway in Kargil.
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Also Read: Manali to Leh Ladakh Highway Guide
Essential info about Ladakh in February
Weather and Temperature in Leh Ladakh
Ladakh is a high-elevation cold desert in the rain shadows of the Himalayas with 300 days of daylight and just 100 millimeters of precipitation every year. Leh weather in February is freezing cold. Leh temperature in February is between -27°C and -15°C. There can also be numerous long stretches of rain in Leh Ladakh in February.
Notwithstanding the chilly temperatures, an outing to Ladakh in February is certainly worth considering if you want to admire the great snow capped Himalayas and experience the excitement of strolling on a frozen lake.
Things to carry in Leh Ladakh in February
Here is the checklist for things to carry when you plan a Leh Ladakh trip in February-:
Documents:
To have a hassle-free, worry less one should carry all their Government issued identity proofs like Aadhaar Card, Voter Id Card along with a few photographs and the inner line permit as well
Must Checkout: Leh Weather Guide
Clothing Items
Leh Ladakh in February encounters outrageous cold and the temperature. Here’s the checklist of the essential clothing items that needs to be kept handy if you are visiting Leh in February:
- Thermals
- Lower
- Windcheaters
- Coat
- Monkey Cap
- Gloves
- Shoes and socks
- Woolen muffler
Medication:
In case you are experiencing any significant disease, it is prescribed to talk with your primary care physician prior to visiting Ladakh in February.
Skin care:
It is prescribed to carry sunscreens with SPF at least 70 to save your skin from sun related burns. The dry breeze may likewise hurt your lips and face, so it is also suggested to carry a decent quality lip medicine and profound skin cream.
Suggested Read: Leh Ladakh Temperature Guide
Cash:
A few conveniences during your Leh Ladakh trip in February are not easily accessible and one of such conveniences includes an ATM. It is highly recommended to carry sufficient money/cash with you so that you don't run out of money on your trip to Leh-ladakh.
Spare Batteries:
To ensure your phone’s and camera’s battery doesn't run out make sure you carry some additional batteries. It is also suggested to carry extra power banks for the times of emergency.
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Snow in Ladakh in February
February is the month when snowfall is at its best making the temperature underneath the edge of freezing cold. During this time, you will most likely be unable to get ordinary water supply and the supply pipes freezes down at places.
Close by this, power supply could be another issue that you may face while you are on a trip to Leh-Ladhakh in february. In accordance with the heavy snowfall this region receives during this time, practically the whole of Ladakh encounters successive power cuts and non-accessibility of power. What's more, this can go on for many days. Thus, you need to take extra precaution to sustain a lack of water as well as electricity supply during your stay in Ladakh in February.
Also Read: Srinagar to Leh Road Trip Guide
Mobile Connectivity in Ladakh in February
The mobile network that works best in Ladakh is a postpaid BSNL mobile connection. In Leh, and in the areas encompassing it, there is full availability. The network will start vanishing when you start slipping on the opposite side of Rohtang Pass. Taking everything into account, your network availability will vanish totally in the wake of leaving Srinagar and will stay the same during the whole way to Leh.
Must Checkout: Delhi to Leh Ladakh by Road Guide
Inner Line Permit for Ladakh
Ladakh Inner Line Permits (ILP) are expected for Indian Tourists to visit the internal line places like Nubra Valley, Khardung La, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Dah, Hanu Villages, Man, Merak, Nyoma, Loma Bend, Turtuk, Tyakshi, Chusul, Hanle, Digger La, Tangyar. You don't need these licenses in case you are a resident of J&K state or for children below the age of 12 years.
You will have to pay an Environment charge of Rs 300, Red Cross Fund expense of Rs 100, and an inner line permit expense of Rs 20 every day for each individual to get these licenses. You need to provide a valid photo ID proof to apply for these Inner Line Permits in Ladakh. You can pay the fee for the Inner Line Permits when you choose the option of the tour operator and pay them the required fee after applying for the permit
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Routes Conditions
Leh to Pangong Route in February
Pangong Lake presumably comes amongst the best places to visit in Leh Ladakh. To get Pangong Tso, you will cross Chang La. This pass is among the most noteworthy motorable streets on the planet. The way to the lake is easily accessible from June to September however the route is open throughout the year unless it is barricaded with intense snow during the winter season.
Nubra Valley in February
Tourists can visit the Nubra Valley even when they plan to visit Leh in February. The only time one cannot visit the place is when there is heavy snowfall and the route is lathen with the snow obstructing the Khardung La.
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Tso Moriri in February
Tso Moriri is open throughout the year. But due to the heavy snow on the roads, there are chances that it is not easily accessible if you plan to visit it during your trip to Ladakh in February.
Agham Shyok Road
Agham Shyok Road connects the major tourist spots in Ladakh i.e Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. By taking this route, you can reach the two spots in around 5 hours. However, due to heavy snow on this route, you might not be able to visit it on your trip to Leh-Ladakh in February.
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Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Route
One can reach Tso Moriri from Pangong Tso via two routes. Both of these routes are connected through Chushul with a stretch of about 330 Km. The two routes to reach Tso Moriri from Pangong Tso are:
Route 1- Pangong Tso – Man – Merak – Chushul – Tsaga La – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Sumdo – Kiagar Tso – Tso Moriri
Route 2- Pangong Tso – Man – Merak – Chushul – Nama – Kaksang La – Horala – Mahe – Sumdo – Kiagar Tso – Tso Moriri
It takes approx 10 hours to reach Tso Moriri through Chushul depending upon the road conditions. If you are planning your Leh trip via road then you can expect a thrilling experience while crossing this route.
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Festivals Celebrated in Ladakh in February
Dosmoche Festival
Dosmochey or "Festival of Scapegoat", is a well known Ladakhi prayer festival that is seen in Lower Ladakh's Like, Leh Palace and the Diskit Monastery in Nubra. This festival is celebrated during the month of February (or 28th and 29th day of the twelfth month Tibetan schedule). This is a two-day celebration where the priests and Lamas play out the chham dance to denote the last festival related to a specific year.
Yargon Tungshak Festival
Nubra Valley observes Yargon Tungshak, a good 'old fashioned winter celebration, in the period of February. Entertainers spruce up in their best clothing types and play local music, low-level syllables representing the Ladakhi culture.
If you are in Leh-Ladakh in February you can visit this festival and enjoy some of Ladakh’s local dishes like Gurgur Cha, Skyu and Thukpa. What's more in conclusion, the monastery holds a fantastic prayer meet, wherein the lovers serenade Sanskrit and Tibetan mantras.
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Stok Guru Tsechu Festival
Third, on the rundown of Ladakh Festivals is the Stok Guru Tsechu celebration. This festival begins on the 10th day after the Tibetan New Year. Stok Guru Tsechu marks the 2-day festivity where monks of Spituk and Stok monasteries participate in different activities to make a spiritual appearance before the public.
People from different cultures who visit Ladakh in February attend this festival to witness the various customs followed here from, particularly how people belonging to different cultures are involved in the merriments.
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Matho Nagrang Festival
Matho Monastery is almost celebrated in the same manner as the Stok Guru Tsechu Festival. This is also a two-day festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the primary month of the Tibetan schedule. This is Buddist festival where monks wear bright brocade and silk robes during the celebration and perform cham dance or mask dance portraying Gods and Goddesses in Buddhism.
The major attraction of the event is the oracles who appear in front of the public after the two months of complete isolated mediation and predict the future happenings. The locals of the region attend the festival in great numbers and they even consult the oracles for any advice or any problem.
Must Read: Delhi to Leh Ladakh Guide
Places to see & things to do in Ladakh in February
Nubra Valley
If you are visiting Ladakh in February, you can see the entire valley covered in a white bedsheet of snow, and in summer it is loaded with vegetation.
Chadar Trek
Another place to visit in Leh Ladakh in February is Chadar Trek. The Chadar frozen river trek is an incredibly adventurous trek. It is a 6 day trek with harsh conditions and is experienced over a frozen waterway in Ladakh. Normal temperature in Chadar trek during the day is approx 10 degrees.
In the evening, temperatures tumble to minus 20 to 25. One can witness the ice breaking while they move on the frozen trek. Every little thing about this trek is novel. From the landscape, temperature, environment, to the frozen stream, sledges, strange camping areas, caves and the always evolving Chadar, this trek gives you an experience of your lifetime.
Also Read: Mumbai to Ladakh Travel Guide
Pangong Lake
Pangong Lake or Pangong Tso is a picturesque lake located in the Himalayas, It is 134 km long, stretching out from India to China. Pangong Lake is arranged at a staggering height of 4350m and is one of the greatest tourist spots in Ladakh. The magnificence and charm of this lake has drawn in individuals from everywhere.
The lake is currently being recognized as a wetland with worldwide importance under the Ramsar Convention; it's said to be the first Lake in South Asia to be a trans-limit wetland under this convention.
Tso Moriri
Tso Moriri is one of the most magnificent places to visit in Leh Ladakh in February. Also known as the Mountain Lake, Tso Moriri is one of the two most well known lakes situated in the northern Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir. While Pangong Tso is the more well known out of the two,
it's Tso Moriri which figures out how to lure the guests with its peaceful magnificence. The lake is surrounded by high snow peaks, making it an invaluable treasure. It is an ideal travel location for the explorers as well as the people who wish to delve into the immaculate magnificence of Ladakh.
Leh Palace
The Leh Palace, synonym of 'Lhachen Palkhar,' is a seventeenth century imperial castle and one of the local attractions in Leh. Worked under the support of King Sengge Namgyal, it used to house his loved ones. The nine-story dun-shaded castle presently houses a gallery and a supplication room.
This palace offers a 360 perspective of Leh and the Zanskar mountain from the roof. The castle looks significantly beautiful when it is lit on different ladakh festivals.
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Shanti Stupa
Shanti Stupa is a significant tourist spot in Leh that offers a 360 view of the Leh city. This spot in Leh was constructed in order to promote peace and prosperity amongst the people. The architectural uniqueness of the Stupa makes it a must see Tourist spot while you are on a trip to Leh in February.
Under the stupa is the remnant of the Lord Buddha. Early morning and late evenings are the best times to visit the Shanti Stupa to see the astounding beauty of Leh.
Hemis Monastery
The number of religious significance this place holds is unimaginable. You’d be surprised to see the vastness of this monastery. House of numerous ancient Buddhist items, Hemis monastery is one of the most beautiful historical places situated in Ladakh.
The beauty of its unique sculptures and architecture will wow you from every angle. Besides experiencing the majestic sights of historical aesthetics, you will get to view the huge monuments of Lord Budhha and Guru Rinpoche placed inside the vast area of Hemis monastery. Besides, another major attraction of this place is Hemis festival, held every year to pay tribute to Padmasambhava.
Location: Hemis, Ladakh
Best time to visit: perfect time to visit this place is during the Hemis festival which occurs around the month of June. Apart from that, you can try visiting around June to September.
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Deskit Gompa
Deskit is well known for the old monasteries that are situated nearby; it is the administrative center of the Nubra valley in Ladakh. As one of the largest and oldest monasteries situated in the Nubra Valley , Deskit Gompa belonged to the 14th century.
The prominent and the most noticeable attraction of the monastery is the gigantic Maitreya Buddha sculpture that was inaugurated by HH Dalai Lama. Tourists can have a panoramic view of the Nubra Valley from the sculpture. The monastery also houses a myriad of frescoes and murals. The best time to visit the monastery is December as then you can also attend the Dosmoche festival held here.
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