Lamayuru in January

The January story

This is extreme-cold Ladakh at its most raw. The 11th-century Yungdrung monastery, possibly the oldest in Ladakh, operates with a skeleton crew of monks who maintain winter prayers regardless of weather. Heating is basic—bukhari stoves and thick blankets. The road from Leh (127 km) may require chains on tires and takes 5-6 hours when open at all. No restaurants operate; you eat what your homestay cooks—mostly thukpa and butter tea. But if you're the kind of traveler who wants to understand monastic life without the summer tourist overlay, January strips everything to its essence. Pack expedition-grade thermals and expect no mobile signal for stretches.