From November to March the road routes to Ladakh, Manali to Leh and Srinagar to Leh, are generally closed by snow for several months, so flying into Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) is the main way in. Winter flights face snow and fog delays, and Leh sits at about 3,500 metres, so rest for 24 to 48 hours on arrival.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Ladakh in winter is quiet, cold and very beautiful, and it rewards travellers who plan for the weather. Here is how flying in works from November to March and what to check before you book.
Why are flights the main way to reach Leh in winter?
The two road routes into Ladakh cross high passes that fill with snow. The Leh district administration’s travel page lists the Srinagar to Leh highway (434 km) and the Manali to Leh highway (473 km), and describes them as usually open only for part of the year. Its usual open periods are roughly May to November or December for the Srinagar route and about May or June to September or October for the Manali route. Reopening dates in spring differ each year depending on snowfall and clearance work, so no one can promise a date in advance.
That leaves air as the dependable link in winter. Leh’s airport is the main airport for tourist travel in Ladakh, so winter visitors usually fly in from Delhi or another gateway city.
Which airlines fly to Leh in winter?
Leh has had scheduled links to Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar and Chandigarh. A news report in April 2026 said daily flights at the airport had risen to 18 from 8 at the start of the tourist season, with Air India named as the carrier for two further approved flights. Winter timetables are usually smaller than summer ones, and the airlines publish them closer to the season, so a full winter list for 2026-27 is not yet something we can confirm. Check the airline websites for your dates.
The Ladakh administration is working on winter readiness. A review meeting on 11 August 2026 covered winter operational capacity, measures to avoid flight cancellations in the winter season, and a new terminal at Leh airport that officials aim to commission as early as possible. Do not count on the new terminal being open for your dates, and check before you travel.
How do weather delays work on Leh flights?
Winter brings two kinds of disruption. Snowfall in Leh can interrupt operations, and fog in Delhi can hold flights at the other end. Flights are generally less frequent in winter, and cancellations are often linked to fog in Delhi and snow in Leh. Flights to Leh also tend to be scheduled in the morning, when conditions at the high-altitude airport are usually calmer, so a late morning delay can turn into a cancellation.
- Book a morning flight, but allow a spare day at the end of your trip in case of a cancellation.
- Choose a flexible fare when you can, and read the airline’s rules on changes and cancellations.
- Avoid a tight onward connection on the day you fly out of Leh.
- Check the airline’s status page the evening before and again on the morning of travel.
An aviation fact: thin air at high altitude affects how aircraft perform on take-off and landing, which is one reason flights at a high-altitude airport like Leh are planned so carefully.
How should you handle altitude and cold?
Leh is at about 3,500 metres. Ladakh Police advise resting for 24 to 48 hours in Leh before going to higher altitudes, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and avoiding strenuous activity while your body adjusts. Visitors who arrive by air gain altitude very quickly, so the first two days should be easy. If you have a heart, lung or blood pressure condition, talk to your doctor before booking, and ask a doctor before taking any altitude medicine.
Winter is cold. Ladakh Police describe temperatures between November and March that can fall extremely low, and IMD’s Leh climatology shows January as the coldest month, well below freezing. Pack thermal layers, a windproof jacket, warm socks, gloves, a cap and sun protection, since the sun is strong at altitude. Some facilities and services in Leh run on reduced winter schedules, so confirm bookings in advance.
Do you need a permit for Ladakh?
Permit and fee rules in Ladakh depend on the area you plan to visit and on your nationality, and information online is inconsistent, with several guides contradicting each other. We have not been able to confirm the current rule from an official notice, so please do not rely on a blog, including this one. Before you travel, check the official Leh district administration and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) permit portal for the areas on your itinerary. Most winter travellers stay in and around Leh town, but permit rules can still apply to sites outside the town. Keep your ID with you, because it is usually checked at entry points.
Planning a trek? Our guide to the Chadar trek 2027 and Leh flights covers the frozen river season. For fares and routes from the capital, see Delhi to Leh flights.
Common Questions
Is Leh open to tourists in winter?
Yes, Leh can be visited in winter, mainly by air. Roads from Manali and Srinagar are generally closed for several months, and flights are fewer and more weather-dependent than in summer.
Which months are the Ladakh highways closed?
Typically they are closed through much of the winter. The Leh district page gives the usual open period as roughly May to November or December for the Srinagar route and May or June to September or October for the Manali route. Exact dates change every year.
How long should I rest after landing in Leh?
Ladakh Police advise 24 to 48 hours of rest in Leh before going to higher altitudes. Many travellers take it easy for two days.
Why are Leh flights often cancelled in winter?
Snowfall in Leh and fog in Delhi are the usual causes. Keep a spare day in your plan and choose flexible fares where possible.
Do Indian tourists need a permit for Ladakh?
Sources conflict, so check the official Leh district or LAHDC permit portal for your exact itinerary before you fly. Rules differ by area and nationality.
Which airport serves Leh?
Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, code IXL. It has had scheduled flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar and Chandigarh.
Thinking of a winter Ladakh trip? Search and compare flights to Leh on HappyFares, set a price alert for your dates, and ask Meera, our AI assistant, to help choose a morning departure. Domestic bookings carry zero convenience fee.
Road status, permits, airline schedules and fees change. Verify current specifics with the airline, the Ladakh administration and the airport before you travel.
