Ladakh is simply unreal. Finally after visiting ladakh I realised why ladakh is so many people's dream destination. People are very kind and it is just a completely difference expericne. Walking on Khardung la and Chang la pass and views like this from flight is just unbelievable
Usually best time to visit ladakh is considered from June- August but in my opinion may is also a great time to visit ladakh if you want to see snow covered mountains, less tourists and overall a peaceful trip. Most places in ladakh is open by this time and you're not stuck in long traffic jams as compared to peak tourist season.
The reason why I say may is a good time to visit ladakh is because since the peak tourist season is just starting, ladakh isn't overcrowded with too many tourists. You'll feel the peace and you'll be able to see snow covered mountains almost everywhere. Most places are also open by this time and you can visit any place in ladakh without facing the issue of weather.
I covered Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar. If you want to experience Gulmarg ropeway you need to book it well before in advance and there's ice only in phase 2 atm. If you want to save money on travelling you need to travel with sharing taxis. Rooms in places like sonmarg, pahalgam and gulmarg are very expensive but srinagar has good rooms at cheap rates.
If you're booking a flight from/to leh try to book window seat for yourself to see views like this. Avoid spice jet as they often delay flight to leh and waste your time. In worst case you could lose one or two whole days because of flight cancellation. Book Air India or Indigo instead
I recently went on a 6 days trip to ladkah and it was just amazing and cold. Ladakh really tests and exhausts you but the views make it all worth it. Ladakh peak season has also just started so no better time to visit than now.
I recently went on a 6 day trip to Ladakh. I took diamox 2 days before arrival and 2 days after arrival. First day I just rested in my hotel. On second day did local leh sightseeing. After that I booked a sharing taxi 3 days tour to Nubra, Turtuk and Pangong. After that one day to explore market and shop for stuff. Try to book your hotel near leh market. There are many sharing taxi agencies in leh market but you'll have to inform them one or two days before your actual tour for them to find people to share taxi with you. It's cold in ladakh so pack clothes properly. Rooms are not that expensive in ladakh and homestays provide food too for a small price.