Complete Travel Guide to Leh Ladakh in May – Weather, Road Conditions, & What to Expect
Leh Ladakh, often called “The Land of High Passes,” is a dream destination for adventure seekers, bikers, and nature lovers alike. Visiting this Himalayan wonderland in May is an excellent idea as it marks the beginning of the tourist season — roads start opening up, the weather is pleasant, and the landscape slowly transitions from icy whites to vibrant greens and browns. Here’s a detailed Travel Guide to Leh Ladakh in May covering everything you need to know about visiting Leh Ladakh in May — weather, road conditions, things to pack, places to visit, and useful tips for a smooth journey.
Travel Guide to Leh Ladakh in May
Why Visit Leh Ladakh in May?
Better weather: The harsh winter ends, and temperatures become bearable.
Open roads: Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways usually start reopening by mid to late May.
Fewer crowds: Compared to peak season (June-July), May sees fewer tourists, giving you a more peaceful experience.
Stunning landscapes: Snow starts melting, revealing lush valleys and turquoise lakes, while mountain peaks remain snow-covered. Travel Guide to Leh Ladakh in May
Weather & Travel guide to Leh Ladakh in May
In May, Leh Ladakh starts warming up, but it’s still relatively cold compared to other destinations.
Daytime temperature: 10°C to 15°C
Night temperature: -2°C to 5°C
Wind: Cold winds are common, especially in high-altitude areas.
Sunlight: Plenty of sunshine with clear skies, though nights remain chilly. Travel Guide to Leh Ladakh in May
What to expect:
You’ll witness snow at high-altitude passes like Khardung La, Chang La, and Baralacha La.
Lower regions like Leh, Nubra Valley, and Pangong Lake will have a mix of snow patches and exposed landscapes. Travel Guide to Leh Ladakh in May
The rivers and lakes start thawing, creating beautiful contrasts of ice and water.
Road Conditions in May
May is a transitional month for Leh Ladakh’s road network. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Manali to Leh Highway
Status: Usually opens by the last week of May, though early-May travelers may face roadblocks.
Condition: Roads might be slushy, with melting snow and occasional landslides. BRO (Border Roads Organisation) continuously works to clear paths.
Key spots: Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, and Tanglang La may still have heavy snow walls along the road.
2. Srinagar to Leh Highway
Status: Generally opens by early May (subject to weather conditions).
Condition: Better than the Manali route, with fewer high-altitude passes. Zojila Pass may still be tricky with snow and slush.
Key spots: Zojila Pass, Drass (second coldest inhabited place in the world), Kargil, and Magnetic Hill.
3. Leh to Nubra Valley (via Khardung La)
Status: Open year-round, though May still sees snow at Khardung La.
Condition: Mostly navigable, but expect rough patches near the pass.
4. Leh to Pangong Lake (via Chang La)
Status: Open year-round.
Condition: Slippery near Chang La, but manageable with a sturdy vehicle.
How to Reach Leh Ladakh in May
By Air:
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh) is operational year-round. Direct flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities. Travel Guide to Leh Ladakh in May
By Road:
Srinagar-Leh Highway is a safer bet if you’re traveling in early May.
Manali-Leh Highway is adventurous but riskier in early May — better for late-May travel.
Things to Pack for Leh Ladakh in May
Packing smartly is crucial for a comfortable trip:
Clothing:
Thermals (base layers)
Fleece jackets/sweaters
Windproof and waterproof jacket
Gloves, woolen cap, muffler
Comfortable trekking pants and warm socks
Sunglasses (UV protection) and sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Comfortable, sturdy shoes
Essentials:
Medicines: Diamox (for altitude sickness), painkillers, and personal medications. Travel Guide to Leh Ladakh in May
Toiletries: Wet wipes, moisturizer (cold weather dries skin), and lip balm.
Electronics: Power banks, extra camera batteries (cold drains battery faster).
IDs and permits: Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Pangong, Nubra, Tso Moriri, etc.
Top Places to Visit in May
1. Leh Town: Explore Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and the local market.
2. Magnetic Hill: Experience the gravity-defying phenomenon.
3. Hall of Fame: A museum dedicated to Indian Army martyrs.
4. Nubra Valley: Visit Diskit Monastery, Hunder sand dunes, and enjoy a Bactrian camel ride.
5. Pangong Lake: The famous blue lake, partially frozen in early May, fully thaws by month-end.
6. Tso Moriri Lake: A quieter, equally mesmerizing alternative to Pangong.
7. Khardung La Pass: One of the highest motorable roads in the world.
8. Lamayuru Monastery: Known for its moon-like landscapes.
9. Zanskar Valley: If open, try the thrilling Zanskar River rafting.
Accommodation in Leh Ladakh in May
Most guesthouses, hotels, and camps start reopening by Travel Guide to Leh Ladakh in May. Options include:
Leh: Budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and luxury stays.
Nubra Valley: Guesthouses and camps in Diskit and Hunder.
Pangong Lake: Basic campsites (luxury tents may not open until June).
Tso Moriri: Limited guesthouses, so book in advance.
Important Travel Tips for May
1. Acclimatize properly: Spend at least 24 hours in Leh before heading to higher altitudes to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
2. Carry cash: ATMs are limited to Leh, and many remote areas don’t accept cards.
3. Fuel up: Petrol pumps are scarce beyond Leh — carry extra fuel if self-driving.
4. Travel permits: Obtain Inner Line Permits (ILP) online or from the Leh DC office.
5. Keep buffer days: Weather can be unpredictable, leading to roadblocks or delays.
6. Drive cautiously: Roads are slippery near high passes, and black ice may still exist in shady areas.
7. Respect the environment: Ladakh is ecologically sensitive — avoid littering, and use refillable bottles.
Final Thoughts: Travel Guide to Leh Ladakh in May
Leh Ladakh in May is an adventurer’s delight — offering snow-covered passes, vibrant landscapes, and fewer crowds. It’s the ideal time for those who want a balanced experience between winter’s remnants and summer’s warmth. Plan smartly, pack wisely, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of India’s most stunning regions.
