Ladakh in October

June through September is your window, period. Before June, half the roads are blocked by snow. After September, temperatures drop fast and many guesthouses close for winter. July and August are peak season — expect crowds at popular monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey, and book accommodations well ahead. But the weather is most reliable, with daytime temperatures around 20-25°C and minimal chance of road closures. June can be tricky with late snowmelt, especially for high passes like Chang La. September is actually ideal if you can swing it — fewer crowds, stable weather, and the landscape turns golden before winter hits. Here's what nobody mentions: even in summer, temperatures drop to near freezing at night. Pack layers. And if you're planning to visit during festival season (Hemis Festival in late June/early July), book everything months in advance. The entire region basically shuts down from October to May, with most hotels, restaurants, and even some monasteries closing until the snow melts.