May at Khardung La is the year's opening window. The pass typically declares open to civilian traffic between May 25 and May 30 — the date depends on BRO snow-clearance completion and the LAHDC notification. Daytime at the pass touches 5C, nights -10C. The Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the LAHDC Leh permit office is required for Khardung La and the onward Nubra Valley loop — apply online at lahdclehpermit.in (the official Leh District Permit Tracking System) the day before; permit fee ₹400 environment fee plus ₹100 Wildlife Conservation Fee for Indian travellers (foreigners pay slightly different rates). Acclimatisation in Leh (3,500m) for 48-72 hours before driving up to the pass (5,359m) is non-negotiable — AMS at Khardung La is the most common medical incident in Leh tourism. The South Pulu and North Pulu army cafés at the foot of the pass run free oxygen-administration for serious AMS cases. The Khardung La cafe at the top runs from late May; staff rotate weekly because of altitude exposure. Visitor stay-time at the pass is recommended at 20-30 minutes maximum.

Why May scores 8.0/10