We visited at the end of October, right before the season ended, when the crowds were gone, and the cold was starting to kick in. A week filled with natural wonders, peace, and a lot of awe (literally and figuratively). For us, it was the highlight of our four-week trip through India – and probably the most breathtaking natural experience we've ever had.
Weather in Ladakh in October
By the end of October, it gets pretty cold in Ladakh, especially once the sun goes behind the mountains. The days are mostly clear and sunny (we even got sunburned!), but as soon as the shade hits, it gets chilly. Most restaurants and places to stay don’t have heating, so it doesn’t get much warmer inside either. We often slept in hats, jackets, and thick socks – and didn’t shower much, since there was no hot water in our accommodations. There was now snow apart from the really high peaks and some areas in during the Khardung La Pass. But in general, the area is very dry. By November, it gets even colder, and many hotels and roads close down. So, October is your last chance to experience Ladakh without the tourist crowds, but still accessible.
Is Ladakh Crowded in October?
Definitely not. We stayed in a homestay in Leh – and we were the only guests. A lot of guesthouses had already closed or were getting ready for the winter. The owner of our homestay even mentioned that the high season can sometimes be overwhelming – too many people, too much traffic. By the end of October, however, it was peaceful, authentic, and much more personal. So, if you’re not looking for crowded Instagram spots but want peace, open spaces, and real connections, October is a perfect time to visit Ladakh.
Our Route: 7 Days in Ladakh
Our itinerary was compact but intense – and perfect for experiencing the region in one week:
Arrival in Leh (the flight over the Himalayas alone was an adventure!)
Such a nice and chilled atmosphere in Leh's city center, with lots of restaurants and shops around. Day trip to the monasteries: Shey, Thiksey, and Hemis – diving into Buddhism with jaw-dropping mountain views
Shey Monastery: Watching monks' preparation for a ceremony Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass – incredible landscapes, a pass at 5,359 meters, and sand dunes at the valley
Khardung La Pass: At 5000m altitude, the air got really thin and the snow started. 
The beautiful sand dunes in the Nubra Valley, something we didn't expect in the Himalaya A day in Nubra Valley – Yarab Tso Lake, monasteries, and wide open spaces
A destination we hadn't seen in any guidebooks, but our driver recommended it: Lake Yarab Tso. Head to Pangong Tso – the turquoise lake at 4,200 meters, surrounded by colorful mountains
The Pangong Tso lake near the Chinese border, with its beautiful colors, is something you shouldn't miss. Back to Leh – check out Stok Village and explore Leh itself
The Leh Palace. From the top, you have a great view over the city. Flight home
Roads, Transport & Tours
Before we went, we were worried about dangerous, unpaved roads. Surprise: The roads and passes were actually in pretty good shape. Only on the way back from Pangong to Leh, when snow suddenly appeared on the road and our driver still overtook another car, did things get a little exciting. We booked all our tours locally – super easy, cheap, and spontaneous. Our homestay arranged a driver for us on the night of our arrival for the following day. In the off-season, everything’s really chill.
Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization
We flew into Leh, and right away, we noticed the lack of oxygen – climbing the stairs at the airport left us a little out of breath. But since we’re pretty active and often hike, we had no problems with the altitude. By the evening, we were feeling fine, and by the second day, we went on a monastery tour without any issues. From our experience, altitude sickness can really depend on the day, so we’d recommend keeping your second day flexible, just in case you feel off. Tip: If you take it slow, drink plenty of water, and don’t rush, you’ll probably be fine. Ladakh in October is doable even if you’re not in perfect shape, as most tours are done by car – many Indian tourists come here without any hiking plans.
Highlights & Personal Impressions
The landscapes in Ladakh completely blew us away: stunning mountain views, deserts at 4,000 meters, turquoise lakes, impressive monasteries, and the chance to experience Buddhist culture up close. The flight over the Himalayas alone was an unforgettable experience. Leh itself was also amazing – it has a vibrant city center with lots of great restaurants and cafés. The Leh Palace is another highlight, and if you realize you didn’t pack enough warm clothes, you can find affordable winter gear there.
Conclusion: Is Ladakh Worth Visiting in October?
Absolutely. For us, Ladakh was the highlight of our trip to India. The nature is breathtaking, the landscapes unique – we couldn’t stop staring in awe. The peace and quiet was refreshing, and the people were so friendly. If you don’t want to trek for days but prefer day trips, October is the perfect time to experience the region in all its beauty and authentic culture. It’s cold – but that’s what makes it so exciting. Watching the locals go about their lives and laugh despite freezing nights and long winters was incredible. We got to experience the Buddhist culture up close, which made this trip even more special. It was physically demanding for us as tourists, but also a big part of the adventure. After seven days, we were definitely ready for the warmth and chaos of Delhi.
