Freezing temperature in Ladakh prompts winter sports

One of the coldest times of the season, the temperature of Ladkh has not been going above the freezing point from the beginning of December. The nights are chilling and temperatures hover around -20°C. Days are still bearable with 2°C as average temperature. Today, 29th December, the temperature is -17 °C

Most highways are closed and Ladakh remains practically inaccessible during these months. Frostbites are common and most locals develop scales and cracks on their skins.

The freezing temperature is making favourable environment to promote winter sports as well as winter tourism in the region.

Ice Hockey has been played commonly in every corner of Ladakh by converting the ponds or reservoirs into rink while braving the bone biting cold weather conditions in open field.

In view of popularity of the ice hockey in Ladakh, the district police department under civic action programme is organizing 10 day coaching for the children between the age group of 7 to 17 years old.

It was started from Friday. They have converted a ground into a rink by filling the water in the night during which it freeze to build a rink.

Chader trek on the frozen Zanaskar River is another adventure tourism activities carried during the harsh and inhospitable climatic conditions.

The preparation for the upcoming 45 days chader trek scheduled to start from January 1 on the frozen Zanaskar river has begun by the district administration, wildlife department and All Ladakh Tour Operators Association.

January is also expected to have snowfall and it is not uncommon to see 6” plus thick ice sheet formations over rivers and lakes.