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Intelligence
Season & Weather Guide
Best Time for Poat La Expedition — Month-by-Month Guide
Pass Window
When is it climbable?
Pass Crossing Window
Early Start
04:00 AM
Lightning Risk
July
August-September is the best window, offering stable pass conditions and post-monsoon clarity. May and June provide pre-monsoon access. July carries flash flood risks in the Baspa valley.
Season at a Glance
Editor's Notes
Late August provides optimal glacial snowpack stability on the 5,490m pass col and clear autumn visibility across the Zanskar range.
Month by Month
What each month looks like
January
Conditions
Extreme winter conditions.
Crowds
none
Sub-zero blizzard conditions and impassable deep snow on the high pass.
Closed. Extreme winter conditions.
February
Conditions
Extreme winter conditions.
Crowds
none
Sub-zero blizzard conditions and impassable deep snow on the high pass.
Closed. Extreme winter conditions.
March
Conditions
Deep unconsolidated snow.
Crowds
none
Impassable deep snow on the high pass.
Early season. Deep snow accumulations.
April
Conditions
Deep unconsolidated snow.
Crowds
none
Impassable deep snow on the high pass.
Early season. Deep snow accumulations.
May
RecommendedConditions
Pleasant temperatures and stable weather windows in Baspa.
Crowds
low
Prime pre-monsoon window. Good snow stability.
June
RecommendedConditions
Pleasant temperatures and stable weather windows. Ideal clear views.
Crowds
low
Prime pre-monsoon window. Good snow stability.
July
Conditions
Monsoon rains in Baspa valley. River crossings swell.
Crowds
none
Baspa river crossing flash flood risks and snowfield slide hazards on approach.
Peak season in rain shadow. River crossings swell.
August
RecommendedConditions
Monsoon easing. Best pass crossing conditions begin.
Crowds
low
Peak season in rain shadow. River crossings swell.
September
RecommendedConditions
Crystal clear skies. Best visibility of the year.
Crowds
low
Crystal clear skies. Best visibility of the year.
October
RecommendedConditions
Crisp visibility before winter onset. Cold.
Crowds
low
Crystal clear skies. Best visibility of the year.
November
Conditions
Winter onset.
Crowds
none
Sub-zero blizzard conditions and impassable deep snow on the high pass.
Winter setting in. Sub-zero temperatures rapid.
December
Conditions
Extreme winter conditions.
Crowds
none
Sub-zero blizzard conditions and impassable deep snow on the high pass.
Closed. Extreme winter conditions.
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