Avoid
Leh in February
Ladakh, India
February is Chadar Trek's second window, often more reliable than January because the ice has had another month to thicken. Temperatures remain brutal: -15 to -25Β°C at night, rarely above 0Β°C during the day. Flights continue to be the only access β roads won't open for another three months. Leh town stays mostly shuttered, though a handful of cafes and guesthouses in Changspa cater to trekkers staging for Chadar or returning from it. The frozen Indus river running through town is surreal. By late February, days start getting marginally longer and you'll notice the first hints of thaw on south-facing walls.
The February story
The Chadar Trek window typically runs through mid-to-late February, and many operators consider this the sweet spot β the ice is at its thickest, refreezing overnight is more reliable, and the Zanskar gorge is at maximum photogenic drama. The frozen waterfalls along the route are massive ice curtains by now. If your trek finishes early, Leh's winter festivals sometimes fall in February β Dosmoche (a Buddhist festival at Leh Palace) involves masked dances and is one of Ladakh's most authentic cultural experiences with zero tourist crowds. The 17th-century Leh Palace itself is open and hauntingly beautiful under snow. Shanti Stupa is accessible via the road (not the 500 steps β they're icy death traps). SNM Hospital and the army hospital are both operational. Stock up on supplies in Changspa before heading out β options are extremely limited.
Why February scores 1/5
Weather
Same. Chadar Trek window. Not for casual visitors.
Roads & Access
self drive: 4WD recommended. Fuel up at every pump.. road condition: Manali-Leh: 5 passes, rough sections. Srinagar-Leh: better road.. public transport: Flights from Delhi, Mumbai. HPTDC buses Manali-Leh seasonal.. from nearest city: ManaliβLeh 474km 2 days (Jun-Sep only). SrinagarβLeh 434km 2 days. Or fly to Leh directly.. last km difficulty: moderate
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 3/5. rescue: ITBP, Army. helpline: Ladakh Tourism: 01982-252297. ambulance: 108 (works in Leh town). police station: Leh Police Station. nearest hospital: SNM Hospital Leh. Army hospital in emergency.
Network
VI: No, JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Good in Leh town. Zero in Nubra, Pangong, Zanskar. Download everything before leaving Leh.
Kids
Not ideal for kids β Older teens who love adventure will find it transformative, Monasteries are deeply educational
Elevation
3,524m β High altitude, acclimatisation needed
Who should go
- βTravelers with basic fitness
- βChadar Trek participants β February ice is typically the most stable
- βBuddhist culture enthusiasts timing a visit around Dosmoche festival
- βWinter landscape photographers who want frozen Indus and snow-capped passes
- βSolo travellers comfortable with isolation and extreme cold
Who should think twice
- βThose with mobility issues
- βAnyone expecting tourist infrastructure β it does not exist right now
- βTravellers dependent on reliable phone/internet connectivity
- βPeople with circulation issues β frostbite risk is real at these temperatures
- βFirst-time high-altitude visitors β winter compounds every altitude risk
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1/5 | Frozen. -20C nights. Flights only. Most things shut. Chadar Trek season. |
| Februaryviewing | 1/5 | Same. Chadar Trek window. Not for casual visitors. |
| March | 1/5 | Still winter at -10 to 5Β°C. Flights cancel frequently due to weather. Most hotels and restaurants closed. |
| April | 2/5 | Thawing at -2 to 12Β°C. Roads still closed. Flights only. Some cafes reopening. Limited activities available. |
| May | 3/5 | Srinagar-Leh road may open late May. Manali road still shut. |
| June | 5/5 | Both roads open. Perfect. All permits, all routes accessible. |
| July | 5/5 | Peak season. Warm days, festivals (Hemis in Jul). Busy. |
| August | 4/5 | Still great. Some rain possible. Crowds manageable. |
| September | 5/5 | BEST. Post-monsoon clarity. Roads still open. Fewer crowds. |
| October | 3/5 | Getting cold. Roads closing by mid-Oct. Last window. |
| November | 1/5 | Roads closed for winter. Flights only, often cancelled. -10Β°C nights. Most guesthouses and tours shut. |
| December | 1/5 | Deep winter, -15 to -25Β°C nights. Flights only. Town hibernates. Only for Chadar Trek preparation. |
Practical Details
How to reach
ManaliβLeh 474km 2 days (Jun-Sep only). SrinagarβLeh 434km 2 days. Or fly to Leh directly.. Roads: Manali-Leh: 5 passes, rough sections. Srinagar-Leh: better road.. Self-drive: 4WD recommended. Fuel up at every pump.. Public transport: Flights from Delhi, Mumbai. HPTDC buses Manali-Leh seasonal.. Last stretch: moderate
Elevation
3,524m
Difficulty
moderate
Budget tier
mixed
Nearby in Ladakh scoring high in February
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