Leh temperatures drop to minus 35 degrees, what makes this cold desert unique
While Rajasthan's Thar desert is known for scorching heat, Leh in Ladakh is a cold desert where winter temperatures fall to minus 35 degrees Celsius.
The name Rajasthan usually brings to mind hot winds and scorching sand. The Thar desert is known worldwide for its golden sand, tall dunes and searing heat. Large parts of Rajasthan see vast stretches of sand and harsh sunlight, with summer temperatures rising so high that walking on the sand during the day becomes difficult. But India also has a desert where icy cold winds blow instead of hot ones.
This cold desert of India lies in the Leh district of Ladakh. The area sits at a height of 3,000 to 3,500 metres above sea level, meaning its elevation in many places exceeds 10,000 to 11,500 feet. Because of the high altitude, very little rainfall and cold weather, its geography is completely different from Rajasthan's hot environment. Along with golden sand, the region has rocky mountains, dry valleys and large stretches of barren land.
The question is why it is called a cold desert. Its distinctive feature is the region's unusual weather. Because it lies behind the towering ranges of the Himalayas, monsoon winds cannot reach this area, which is why rainfall here is very low. Along with this, the summer season does not last long here. Conditions become quite harsh in winter, with heavy cold that can sometimes become unbearable. According to available information, temperatures at this time of year typically range from minus 20 to minus 35 degrees Celsius. Because of the lack of rain and the extreme cold, very little greenery is seen here, which is why the region remains full of rocky mountains, dry land and desert.
Leh district is naturally very beautiful and also offers a glimpse of a distinct history and culture. Pangong Tso lake, located here, is famous worldwide for its beauty. It is a saltwater lake, and the colour of its water keeps changing as the light changes with the weather. Besides this, the region has major sites such as Leh Palace, Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery and Diskit Monastery, which see considerable tourist footfall. Visiting these places offers a close look at Ladakh's religious and Buddhist culture.
