What’s Open or Closed in Leh Ladakh in April? A Complete Guide
Leh Ladakh in April offers a magical experience with snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and fewer tourists. However, April is also a transitional month, meaning some places are accessible, while others remain closed due to heavy snowfall.
If you’re planning a Leh Ladakh trip in April, it’s crucial to know what’s Open or Closed in Leh Ladakh in April. This guide covers road conditions, tourist attractions, lakes, monasteries, accommodations, and transport options so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Open or Closed in Leh Ladakh in April
1. Roads and Highways: Open or Closed?
🚗 Leh is accessible by flight year-round, but roads have seasonal closures.
Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH1) – May Open in Mid/Late April ✅
Connects Srinagar → Sonamarg → Zoji La → Drass → Kargil → Leh
Zoji La Pass (3,528m) is the biggest obstacle; it depends on BRO’s snow clearance.
If open, it’s the only way to reach Leh by road in April.
Manali-Leh Highway – Closed Until May/June ❌
Major passes like Rohtang Pass, Baralacha La, and Tanglang La are buried in snow.
Road clearance begins in May, with opening expected in late May or June.
Internal Roads in Ladakh
✅ Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La – Mostly open, but snowfall may cause temporary closures.
✅ Leh to Pangong Lake via Chang La – Usually open, but icy roads can make travel risky.
❌ Leh to Tso Moriri via Chumathang – May remain inaccessible due to snow.
💡 Verdict: The Srinagar-Leh Highway is your best bet for reaching Leh by road in April, but be prepared for delays. Manali-Leh remains closed.
2. Lakes in Ladakh: Open or Closed?
✅ Pangong Lake (Open, but partially frozen)
April Beauty: The lake is still partially frozen, creating stunning reflections.
Road Conditions: Accessible via Chang La Pass, but snow can cause roadblocks.
Accommodation: Some camps start opening in late April, but limited options are available.
✅ Tso Moriri (Difficult to Reach, Mostly Frozen)
April Beauty: Completely frozen or semi-frozen, offering surreal views.
Road Conditions: The roads via Chumathang may remain blocked due to snow.
Accommodation: Korzok village has a few basic homestays open.
✅ Tso Kar (Open but extremely cold)
April Beauty: The lake remains frozen, with extreme temperatures.
Road Conditions: Difficult to access due to icy roads.
💡 Verdict: If you want to see a frozen or semi-frozen Pangong Lake, April is a great time. However, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar may be inaccessible due to snow-covered roads.
3. Tourist Attractions: Open or Closed in Leh Ladakh in April?
✅ Open Attractions in Leh
Shanti Stupa – Open, offering breathtaking views of Leh covered in snow.
Leh Palace – Open, providing a glimpse into Ladakh’s history.
Magnetic Hill & Sangam Point – Open, perfect for a day trip.
Hall of Fame Museum – Open, honoring Indian soldiers.
Thiksey Monastery & Hemis Monastery – Open, welcoming visitors.
❌ Closed or Partially Accessible Attractions
Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary – Difficult to reach due to snow.
Chadar Trek (Frozen River Trek) – Ends in February, so it’s not possible in April.
Most high-altitude passes (like Tanglang La) – Covered in snow.
💡 Verdict: Leh’s main attractions and monasteries are open in April, but remote wildlife areas and treks remain inaccessible.
4. Villages and Valleys: Open or Closed?
✅ Nubra Valley (Mostly Open)
Road Conditions: The route via Khardung La Pass is usually open, but snowfall may cause temporary closures.
Best Places to Visit: Diskit Monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes (camel rides), and Turtuk (Baltic village).
Accommodation: Basic guesthouses and homestays are available.
✅ Sham Valley (Completely Open)
Road Conditions: Smooth, with year-round accessibility.
Best Places to Visit: Alchi Monastery, Likir Monastery, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
❌ Hanle & Umling La (Mostly Closed)
Hanle (for stargazing) and Umling La (world’s highest motorable pass) remain inaccessible due to snow.
💡 Verdict: Nubra Valley and Sham Valley are open, but regions beyond Turtuk, Hanle, and Umling La are mostly closed.
5. Hotels and Homestays: Open or Closed in Leh Ladakh in April?
✅ Leh Town – Most budget guesthouses and hotels reopen in April.
✅ Nubra Valley – Some homestays and guesthouses are available.
✅ Pangong Lake – Limited camps open by late April; homestays in Spangmik are available.
❌ Tso Moriri & Hanle – Very few options; better to confirm in advance.
💡 Verdict: Book in advance, as many guesthouses start reopening in April, but remote areas have limited options.
6. Food and Restaurants: Open or Closed in Leh Ladakh in April?
✅ Leh Market Cafés & Restaurants (Mostly Open)
Gesmo Restaurant (for momos & Tibetan food)
Neha Snacks (for North Indian food)
Lamayuru Restaurant (for authentic Ladakhi food)
✅ Local Dhabas in Nubra Valley & Pangong (Some Open, Some Closed)
❌ Camps with In-House Dining (Pangong & Tso Moriri) – Limited Options
💡 Verdict: Leh’s restaurants are open, but in remote areas, food options are limited.
7. Permits and Accessibility in April
✅ Inner Line Permits (ILP) – Required for Indian Citizens
Needed for Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, Hanle.
Apply online at www.lahdclehpermit.in.
✅ Protected Area Permit (PAP) – Required for Foreigners
Must be obtained via a registered travel agent.
💡 Verdict: Permits are easily available, so get them online to save time.
Final Verdict: Open or Closed in Leh Ladakh in April
✅ Yes, If You Want:
✔️ Less crowded places & budget-friendly stays.
✔️ Partially frozen lakes & snow-covered landscapes.
✔️ A unique experience before peak tourist season starts.
❌ No, If You Want:
Easy accessibility by road (since Manali-Leh is closed).
Luxury hotels in Pangong & Tso Moriri (limited options available).
Would you visit Leh-Ladakh in April, or would you wait for summer? Let us know your thoughts!
