Ladakh in June

Ladakh's weather window is brutally short. The region stays cut off from the rest of India for six months when snow blocks the mountain passes. Even the "tourist season" brings challenges you need to plan for. May marks the opening of the Srinagar-Leh highway, though nights still drop below freezing. This is shoulder season – fewer crowds but limited services as guesthouses and restaurants slowly reopen. The Manali-Leh highway usually opens by mid-May, weather permitting. June through August represents peak season for good reason. Temperatures climb to a comfortable 20-25°C during the day, though nights remain cold at 5-10°C. All roads stay open, including high-altitude lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. Expect crowds at popular spots and book accommodations well in advance. September and October offer the sweet spot for many travelers. The summer crowds thin out, but weather remains stable. October brings stunning autumn colors as poplar trees turn golden against the stark mountains. Night temperatures start dropping significantly after mid-October. Winter (November-April) sees Ladakh transform into an arctic landscape. Temperatures plummet to -20°C or lower, and the region becomes accessible only by air. The frozen Zanskar River trek happens during this time, but it's only for experienced winter trekkers with proper gear and guides.