Calendars list Tibetan Losar 2027 on Sunday, 7 February 2027, but Ladakh observes its own Losar earlier, around December. Ladakh Tourism lists 9 December 2026 (a Wednesday) for the coming one. We could not find a confirmed December 2027 date. Winter flights to Leh are limited and weather-dependent, so keep your plans flexible.
Updated October 2026 · HappyFares
Losar is the traditional New Year festival of Ladakh, and winter is a quiet, striking time to see it. The dates are a little confusing, so this guide separates the two.
When is Losar 2027?
There are two dates to understand. The Tibetan New Year, observed across many Tibetan communities, is listed by calendar sources for Sunday, 7 February 2027. One of those calendars warns that its own calculations may be off, so treat it as a guide and check closer to the date. The date each year is traditionally set by astrologers.
Ladakh is different. Its Losar falls earlier in the winter, around December, and not at the time of the wider Tibetan New Year. Ladakh Tourism, quoted on the national tourism portal, lists 9 December 2026 for the next Ladakhi Losar. We did not find a published date for the Losar that follows in late 2027, so we are not guessing one. Ladakh’s Losar is also linked to the lunar calendar, which means the Gregorian date shifts each year.
Why does Ladakh celebrate Losar earlier?
A commonly told explanation is historical: Ladakh moved its New Year celebration earlier by about two months, linked to a war in Skardu in the time of a past king. Sources disagree on the exact month used, so treat the story as tradition rather than a settled fact. What matters for a traveller is simple: look for the Ladakhi date, not the date in a general Tibetan calendar, if you plan to see celebrations in Leh.
The festival is marked with prayers, rituals, family gatherings and traditional music and dance, as described on the national tourism portal. Some events happen in homes and monasteries, and not everything is a public show. Be respectful, ask before taking photographs and follow local guidance.
Are there flights to Leh in winter?
Leh’s airport is the gateway to Ladakh, and airlines including IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet have been reported on Delhi to Leh routes. Winter timetables are usually smaller than summer ones, and schedules for the season tend to be published closer to the start of the season. Check the airline’s own timetable for the dates you want.
Weather matters a lot. In early January 2026, a news report said flights at Leh were temporarily halted because of heavy snowfall. Delays and cancellations can happen, so build in buffer days and avoid tight onward connections on the same day.
Did you know? Many mountain airports have strict limits on when and how aircraft can land, so a clear morning can make a difference between flights operating and being cancelled.
How should you prepare for the altitude and cold?
Leh sits at very high altitude, and the air is thin. Many people feel breathless or tired on arrival. Common advice is to rest on the first day, drink water, avoid strenuous activity and follow your doctor’s guidance, especially if you have a heart or lung condition. If you want to carry medicines for altitude, speak to a doctor first.
Winter is very cold. Pack thermal layers, a warm jacket, gloves, a cap and sturdy shoes. Some hotels and services in Ladakh are closed in winter, so confirm your stay and your transport before you go.
- Book a refundable or flexible fare where possible, since weather can disrupt flights.
- Compare fare families: IndiGo offers Saver, Flexi Plus and UpFront; Akasa Air offers Saver and Flexi; Air India and Air India Express offer Value, Classic and Flex.
- Keep one spare day at the end of your trip in case of a cancelled flight.
- Consider travel insurance, and read what it covers for weather delays.
How should you time your booking?
Because the December date depends on the lunar calendar and is confirmed by Ladakh Tourism, it makes sense to wait for the official date before locking in non-refundable plans. Meanwhile, a price alert lets you watch fares to Leh without committing. Once the date is announced, book as early as your plans allow, since the number of winter flights is small and seats on the better timings can go first. Arrive a day before the main events so that altitude and weather do not cost you the festival itself.
Common Questions
What is the date of Losar 2027?
Calendars list the Tibetan New Year on Sunday, 7 February 2027. Ladakh’s own Losar is observed around December, and we did not find a confirmed December 2027 date.
When is Ladakh’s Losar this year?
Ladakh Tourism lists 9 December 2026, a Wednesday.
Do flights operate to Leh in winter?
Yes, but schedules are usually smaller and weather can interrupt them. Check the current airline timetable.
Does check-in cost anything?
Checking in is free on Indian airlines, online or at the airport.
How do I handle altitude after landing?
Rest, drink water and take things slowly on the first day. Speak to a doctor before you travel if you have any health concerns.
Can I travel with a lap infant to Leh?
Airlines have their own rules and fees for infants, so check them with the airline before you book. Many families prefer to avoid very high altitude with very young babies and should seek medical advice.
Planning a winter trip to Ladakh? Search and compare flights to Leh on HappyFares with zero convenience fee on domestic bookings, set a price alert, add travel insurance, or ask Meera, our AI assistant, for help.
Festival dates, rules and fees change. Please verify current details with Ladakh Tourism, the airline or the airport before you travel.
