Good Time
Alchi in August
Ladakh, India
August continues peak season with an added wildcard: Ladakh gets occasional cloudbursts now that climate change has introduced monsoon-fringe weather. Roads can wash out. The monastery stands unaffected â it has survived 1000 years of everything Ladakh throws.
The August story
August adds an element of unpredictability that some travellers love and others hate. Ladakh's traditional claim of being rain-shadow is weakening â cloudbursts in August 2010 and 2023 caused serious damage in the Leh region. Alchi, being in the valley, is relatively protected, but the access road can be affected. When the weather cooperates, August is warm (25°C days), green, and vibrant. The apricot harvest is in full swing â buy dried apricots directly from village families for a fraction of Leh bazaar prices. The monastery is busy but manageable. If you're in Ladakh anyway, Alchi remains a highlight. Just keep flexible about which day you visit.
Why August scores 4/5
Weather
August continues peak season with an added wildcard: Ladakh gets occasional cloudbursts now that climate change has introduced monsoon-fringe weather.
Roads & Access
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 3/5. rescue: Indian Army, SDRF. helpline: DC Leh: 01982-252010. ambulance: 108 (limited). police station: Khalsi Police Station (20km). nearest hospital: PHC Khalsi (20km), SNM Hospital Leh (68km)
Network
JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, AIRTEL: No
Kids
Kid-friendly (3/5) â
Elevation
3,100m â Moderate altitude
Who should go
- âFirst-time travelers
- âSenior citizens
- âFlexible Ladakh travellers who can adjust plans around weather
- âApricot lovers wanting to buy harvest-fresh fruit from families
- âCulture-focused visitors balancing monastery visits with adventure
Who should think twice
- âTravellers with fixed itineraries â weather disruptions are real
- âThose uncomfortable with altitude (3100m) and limited medical access
- âFirst-time India visitors â Ladakh in August requires experience
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1/5 | â |
| February | 1/5 | â |
| March | 1/5 | â |
| April | 2/5 | â |
| May | 3/5 | May is Alchi's sweet spot for most travellers. |
| June | 5/5 | June brings the first wave of Ladakh tourism, but Alchi â 70km from Leh â stays quieter than Hemis or Thiksey. |
| July | 5/5 | July is peak Ladakh season. Tour buses visit Alchi as a day trip from Leh. |
| Augustviewing | 4/5 | August continues peak season with an added wildcard: Ladakh gets occasional cloudbursts now that climate change has introduced monsoon-fringe weather. |
| September | 5/5 | September is Alchi's autumn grace period. |
| October | 3/5 | October is Alchi's last accessible month for most travellers. |
| November | 1/5 | â |
| December | 1/5 | â |
Practical Details
How to reach
Contact local transport
Elevation
3,100m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
budget
Nearby in Ladakh scoring high in August
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