Can you actually play hockey on a frozen lake at 14,000 feet? Temperatures drop to minus 20°C in Ladakh's winter, but locals lace up their skates and hit the ice without thinking twice. The frozen lakes turn into natural rinks where villages compete against each other with passion that surprises every visitor watching. Ice Hockey in Leh Ladakh is more than just a sport here; it's something communities have played for generations in the harshest conditions imaginable.
This blog covers everything about Ice Hockey in Leh Ladakh, including the best time to watch, where it actually happens, how to get involved, and tips for experiencing it properly. Adding ice hockey to a Leh Ladakh trip package during winter gives you something truly different from the usual tourist experience. Find out why this remote high-altitude sport captures hearts and why watching a game on a frozen lake feels like nothing else on Earth.
About Ice Hockey in Ladakh
Ice Hockey in Ladakh history dates back to the early 70s by the Ladakh Scouts Battalion of the Indian Army started playing ice hockey as a recreational sport. Due to a lack of facilities, the soldiers used to attach blades to their boots and play ice hockey. Normal hockey sticks were used, and sand filled a shoe polish can was used as a puck. Over time, the sport gradually got popular amongst the Ladakhis. Today, the game has evolved to the extent that several Ice Hockey tournaments are organised in Leh, Ladakh. It is one of the most popular adventure sports in Ladakh.
Best Time to Try Ice Hockey in Leh Ladakh
With the temperature falling to -25 degrees, Ladakh is a cold desert during winters. As Ice Hockey is a winter sport, the best time to visit Leh Ladakh, to ensure you can play ice hockey, is between December and mid-February. During this time, due to an extreme drop in temperature, the Karzoo Ice Rink and many other frozen lakes in Ladakh act as a perfect ground for ice-skating and ice hockey in Leh. Along with acting as a ground for adventure sports, the frozen lakes attract tourists from all around the world. Therefore, winter is the season for ice hockey in Ladakh.
Best Time: December to January
Weather: Extremely Cold
Accessibility: By Flight
Places for Best Ice Hockey in Leh Ladakh
If you are looking for places to visit in Leh Ladakh to try ice hockey and ice skating to have fun with your friends, here are some of the places you can consider:-
1. Karzoo Ice Hockey Rink, Leh
It is one of the highest ice hockey rinks in the world, situated at an altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level. The rink is a hub for some of the major and minor ice hockey tournaments during winters.
2. ITBP Rink
The ITBP ice rink located at the 24th ITBP campus is an international specification
ft ice rink used for higher-level matches. During the winter festivals, the rink hosts training camps for local children and tourists enthusiastic to play ice hockey and ice skating.
3. Guphuks Village
The village pond acts as a rink in the winter months, which makes the village a popular hub amongst tourists for ice skating and ice hockey in Ladakh. The village is hosting the Khelo India Winter Games 2026.
4. Shey Valley Ice Rinks
Shey Valley is a popular tourist destination in Ladakh because of the natural ice rinks formed in the months of December to February. The village has numerous small ponds that freeze in winters acting as a natural ice rink. The village offers community skating.
5. Frozen Lakes & Rivers
Some parts of the lake freeze during winter, acting as a natural rink for ice skating and ice hockey in Leh Ladakh. Situated between mountains, skating on the lakes like Khardung offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and the frozen bliss.
How Can You Try Ice Hockey in Ladakh?
Many villages in Leh Ladakh host local community ice hockey matches. In these matches, both the locals and the enthusiastic travellers take part. If you fear falling, many ice rinks offer beginners program to teach ice-skating and the basics of ice hockey to the willing travellers. Even if you don’t want to try ice hockey, you can witness some of the most spectacular tournaments happening in the country, like the Ladakh Ice Hockey Championship, the Women’s Ice Hockey Cup, and experience the local culture and enthusiasm.
Tips for Ice Hockey in Ladakh
While a trip to Ladakh sounds exciting, you need to be cautious of the cold. The cold weather of Ladakh can be deadly, especially if you are not prepared. Below are some of the precautions you should take while playing Ice Hockey in Ladakh.
Cover yourself in at least 5-6 layers of clothing from head to toe. When you land in Leh, the temperature of -30 degrees awaits you. Ensure to keep yourself warm.
Be prepared for the sickness that comes with the sudden change in altitude. Consult your doctor and carry some medicine beforehand to avoid falling sick and wasting some of your precious days in Ladakh.
The rinks provide gear for rent. Wear proper gear and guards to avoid getting hurt while playing ice hockey.
Ensure that you are wearing a waterproof and windproof jacket while playing ice hockey to protect yourself from falling sick.
Carry a moisturiser, drink lots of water to save yourself and your skin from dehydration in Ladakh’s cold winters.
Carrying a sunscreen with a good SPF is a must. Higher altitudes have a thin layer of atmosphere that fails to restrict UV rays effectively. If you don't carry sunscreen, you might get sunburn.
Conclusion
Ice Hockey in Leh Ladakh is not only an adventure sport but also a journey of survival, culture, and tradition that evolved in the tough climatic conditions and rugged terrain of Ladakh. Ladakh is well known for its beautiful lakes, landscapes, huge mountains, and peaceful monasteries. The recent float in ice hockey tournaments and the availability of natural rinks have made Ladakh one of the important places for ice hockey, not only in India but also in the world. Watching the surreal Pangong Lake would mesmerise you, while playing with the locals in Guphuks village would be one of the best ice hockey experiences in Leh Ladakh. Playing with locals would not only be fun but would also give you a glimpse of their rich cultural values. You must not miss this chance to experience the rich heritage of Ladakh.
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