Is August the Perfect Time to Visit Spiti or Ladakh?

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I am among the most fortunate humans visiting Spiti & Ladakh in August—though in different years. But, the decision comes with a lot of fear.

• Fear of Landslide
• Fear of Roadblocks
• Fear of Flood

Indeed, August is a peak monsoon season, especially in north India. Therefore, traveling to mountain locations becomes treacherous.

Visiting in August was a genuine coincidence that ultimately turned out into a jaw-dropping adventure.

Spiti in August

Finally, got a shared vehicle after walking a few km because of a landslide

In July 2023, I had completed my Filmmaking Diploma. 

Thus, the next step was to build a portfolio. As a Nature and Travel student, I was required to travel to some places. 

After research, I chose to visit Spiti in August.

I came to a final decision after thorough research and many cancellations and date changes.

Notably, I wanted to cover the Spiti La Darch fair, which takes place in August every year. Also, I desire to do Astrophotography in Spiti. Hence, August becomes indeed vital.

However, hearing about the floods in Spiti Valley made me scared. Eventually, I canceled my plan.

Afterward, I researched & found that there are two routes to travel to Spiti Valley—the Manali route was more affected by floods. Thus, the Shimla route would be suitable for travel. But, it would take a little more time to reach. 

I contacted the Himachal Roadways info center in Shimla via phone to confirm the safety of the route to Spiti.

Shimla route remains open throughout the year and is normally safer than Manali route to travel to Spiti during monsoon.

A fearsome moment on the way to Spiti

Before reaching Reckong Peo, I saw a landslide, where small boulders were falling. Eventually, blocking the road on the spot—I stood afraid!

But soon, the bus driver showed courage, and with the help of others, he took a steel rod and cleared the road so the bus would pass.

I felt relieved!!

A fearsome moment in Spiti

During the Spiti trip, one day, it rained the entire daytime in Spiti, and I couldn’t move out anywhere.

Simply, I was sitting on my dorm bed & saw 2 individuals enter. They came from Manali to Spiti to spend just 1 night, can you believe it?—To spend just a night, they traveled approximately 177km.

The next day, the news broke that after a certain point, the police were not permitting the vehicles to pass because of a landslide.

Hence, those 2 individuals got stuck in Spiti for the following 2 days.

Thankfully!! I had enough time. Nevertheless, I stayed in Spiti for 20 days. 

Traveling to Spiti for 1-2 days isn’t a plan, it’s a hasty plan.

I feel grateful to be in Spiti in August

I photographed the above image using my drone

Traveling to Spiti in August is not only about the fearsome moments. But, it’s also about the opportunity to witness and adore the spectacular moments.

Notable things to cherish when visiting Spiti in August:

1. August is not a peak tourist season in Spiti, so, you would get hotels/hostels to stay at a discounted price. 
2. If you love astrophotography, June and July are the best months, but August is still a good time to see the stars and the Milky Way. However, I captured my first stunning Milky Way shot & awestruck Perseid Meteor shower shot that peaks in August.
3. Visit Spiti La Darch Fair which happens every year in August.
4. No crowd = no traffic on the roads. 

Ladakh in August

On the way to Thiksey Monastery

Another adventure I took in August 2022—Ladakh.

At that time, I was engaged in WFH. So, after consideration, I chose to travel to my dream location.

Furthermore, I asked my cousin to accompany me to Ladakh to which he agreed. Immediately, I booked a morning flight from Delhi to Ladakh.

A fearsome moment in the Delhi to Leh flight

As the flight was about to land at the Leh airport, the pilot informed the passengers that:

Unfortunately, due to bad weather, we would not be able to land at the Leh airport. Furthermore, the plane could not stay in the air for longer because of less fuel.

The flight to Leh headed back to Delhi.

I was confused about what would happen next—will we be given the refunds?

When the plane landed, the pilot came out of the cockpit and informed us that:

After some time, we’d again attempt to land at Leh airport

Everybody cheered!

And,

This time, the plane successfully landed!

A fearsome moment on the way to Pangong Lake

You might have read online it doesn’t rain in Ladakh.

Indeed, it does rain in Ladakh!! I have experienced rainfall.

We were on the way to Chagla Pass when the showers started happening. When we reached the top of the Changla Pass, we were all wet—being a high mountain pass, it remained cold. 

Hence, wet + cold = high chances of illness

At Changla Pass Top, there’s only a Changla Cafeteria, so we went there.

I took off my jacket, drank 2-3 cups of khawa, ate hot Maggie, and waited for some time before leaving there.

The drizzling was not stopping. Anyhow, we have to leave for Pangong Lake. Indeed, we had to return from Pangong to Leh on the same day.

Somehow, we crossed the changla pass, and when we came down from the pass, the shower seemed to be left behind.

Successfully, we completed Leh to Pangong and Pangong to Leh on the same day. 

Eventually, due to wearing wet clothes the entire time, we became sick when we reached the homestay. We took the medicines and slept in the hope of a better morning coming ahead.

A fearsome moment in Leh

It also rained in Leh almost every day of the 5-day trip in Ladakh.

When visiting the Shanti Stupa, it started raining on and off. Ultimately, my idea was to make a timelapse from the Shanti Stupa, but it started raining when I reached there.

I carried my umbrella, knowing it might rain when visiting Shanti Stupa

Though, I had to change the idea.

The rain was challenging my body and forcing me to change a well-made plan.

Indeed, I was carrying an umbrella, but the wind was also blowing at a high speed—even the umbrella got broken!!

I feel grateful to be in Ladakh in August

Photographed while on the way to Changla Pass top

Visiting Ladakh in August is not merely about getting wet and changing plans but also admiring nature.

1. In monsoon, the lush greenery of Ladakh becomes even more appealing. You can reach an elevated place like Shanti Stupa or Thiksey Monastery and admire the landscape.
2. The weather remains perfect for travel. Being a high-altitude area, Ladakh remains cold and becomes colder after September as the snowfall starts happening.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, it rains in high-altitude places like Spiti and Ladakh, and the risk is also involved in visiting mountain places.

Primarily, traveling in August has its advantages and drawbacks.

I have shared my experience with you—plan carefully!

Have you traveled to Spiti or Ladakh in August?—share your extraordinary experiences with me.