If you are planning to go to Leh Ladakh from Manali in 2019, make sure you cross Rohtang pass before noon as Kullu administration has decided to set up a one-directional traffic system on Manali-Rohtang highway from May onwards. This post is to help tourists with the Rohtang pass timing system. In an effort to combat one of the worst traffic jams on the hill roads of the world, Kullu administration will start a timing system for better traffic management. Manali-Rohtang road is expected to open in May while Manali-Leh road may take little more time to open. Once Marhi and Rohtang pass are open to tourist vehicles, timing system and one-way traffic shall come into force. Huge crowd chokes the whole highway especially in May and June, the peak tourist season. Officials said they are planning to allow vehicles going beyond Rohtang pass (Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti, and Pangi) in the early hours and then they will send Rohtang pass bound vehicles. The cops have been asked to enforce the Rohtang pass timing system strictly. Kullu deputy commissioner Yunus, while holding a meeting with officials of all the departments, associations and stakeholders prior to the start of peak tourist season, said vehicles going to Rohtang, Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi and Ladakh would be allowed to go till noon after which entry from Manali side would be restricted completely. “Once all vehicles reach Rohtang (or cross Rohtang), the vehicles coming from the opposite side would be allowed to come towards Manali. This will probably end all traffic bottlenecks and traffic will move smoothly. The restriction would not be applied in emergency vehicles like ambulance,” he said. Highway connecting Manali town will also be made one-way during the summer season. The DC said vehicles entering Manali town will have to take another route for exit.
If you are planning to go to Leh Ladakh from Manali in 2019, make sure you cross Rohtang pass before noon as Kullu administration has decided to set up a one-directional traffic system on Manali-Rohtang highway from May onwards. This post is to help tourists with the Rohtang pass timing system. In an effort to
Srinagar - Leh Road (2018): OPEN Manali - Leh Road (2018): CLOSE (Officially closed on Oct 15 till 2019 summer season) Manali - Rohtang Road (2018): OPEN Click here to know the Manali-Leh Road Status for 2020 CLICK HERE to know the Manali-Leh road status for 2019 Police posts removed; Manali-Leh road closed officially Update on October 15, 2018 October 15, 2018: The Manali-Leh highway has been closed officially for vehicular traffic beyond Darcha village of Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal, about 145km from Manali. The road is still operational between Manali and Keylong up to Darcha and will be closed officially on November 15. Traffic between Lahaul and Leh is closed officially every year on October 15 under subzero temperature when everything starts freezing in the area. Lahaul-Spiti police have removed seasonal traffic check post from Darcha, the last village of district towards Ladakh, on Monday. Police check post from Sarchu has already been removed after recent heavy snowfall. Now there is nobody to monitor safe movement of the vehicles. People of Leh and tourists can now opt for Srinagar-Leh highway which closes weeks after this highway. Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Rajesh Dharmani said police check post at Darcha will remain shut during winter season. “Rescue posts would be set up on either sides of Rohtang pass on November 15. We have advised people not to drive towards Leh as it can prove fatal. The road surface has been covered with ice, making it very slippery.” Very heavy snowfall on September 22 and 23 and blocked all the passes including Rohtang and Baralacha pass and hundreds of tourists and vehicles had stranded for days. However, Border Roads Organization (BRO) had cleared snow from Manali-Leh highway on October 1 to facilitate the stranded people and vehicles. There is no snow on the highway but corners of the road are still protected by thick layer of snow at many places. BRO will keep working
Srinagar – Leh Road (2018): OPEN Manali – Leh Road (2018): CLOSE (Officially closed on Oct 15 till 2019 summer season) Manali – Rohtang Road (2018): OPEN Click here to know the Manali-Leh Road Status for 2020 CLICK HERE to know the Manali-Leh road status for 2019 Police posts removed; Manali-Leh road closed officially Update
LEH: “Biking Queens”, a group of 50 women bikers from Gujarat, who aims to ride over 10,000 km and cover 15 states, will reach 18,380 ft high Khardungla pass on August 15 and hoist National Flag here to mark Independence Day. This is the only one of its kind women only bike tours to Ladakh. The group, named Biking Queens, has reached Manali on Wednesday. On Thursday, they shall start their onward journey to Ladakh taking a midway halt at Jispa and Sarchu. The group will reach Leh on Saturday. The ‘All Women All India’ ride which was flagged off in the presence of Anandiben Patel, Ex Chief Minister of Gujarat, on July 19, had been to Gujarat and Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand states covering 5, 547 KM journey. The biking queens have taken inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” and “Swachch Bharat”. As part of an ambitious 10,438-km ride, covering 15 states to popularise the Central government campaign “Sashakta Nari, Sashakta Bharat”, “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” and “Swachchh Bharat”. In next 25 days these queens would visit Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan and conclude their voyage back in Gujarat. To spread the message of women empowerment and save the girl child, around 50 women riders on a mission to visit schools and interact with bikers from 15 states and would distribute educational kit to student and sanitary kits teenage girls. So far on their voyage these queens have received overwhelming response from the community groups, students, teaching staff of schools. These women bikers were astonished by the honour they received by 150 local male bikers from Dulapally village in Hyderabad. Also Riders of Bangalore, Bangalore’s Riders club and many other bikers met these queens and
LEH: “Biking Queens”, a group of 50 women bikers from Gujarat, who aims to ride over 10,000 km and cover 15 states, will reach 18,380 ft high Khardungla pass on August 15 and hoist National Flag here to mark Independence Day. This is the only one of its kind women only bike tours to Ladakh. The
Permit for Rohtang pass and Ladakh Be it Rohtang pass, Manali-Leh highway or restricted areas of Ladakh, visitors are required to obtain a special permit to visit these places. While permits in Ladakh are mandatory due to security reasons, permit system in Manali is new that came into effect from 2014 after the intervention of National Green Tribunal (NGT) which is concerned about the fragile ecology of Rohtang area. NGT has limited the number of vehicles visiting Rohtang pass. To control the traffic flow, NGT has ordered Himachal government to issue permits to the limited number of vehicles (for tourism purpose) on daily basis. However, NGT has not restricted movement of tourists going beyond Rohtang pass (Ladakh, Lahaul-Spiti and Pangi) but as the Himachal government was facing problem in identifying the vehicles that are actually going beyond Rohtang pass and those going to Rohtang pass, it has started issuing separate permits in both the cases. Here we should make clear that permits in Manali are issued for vehicles and not for the persons while in Ladakh inner line permits are requested for individuals. Permit to visit Rohtang pass Daily 860 petrol and 440 diesel vehicles can be issued online permit to go to Rohtang pass. Vehicles are required to pay Rs 50 towards congestion charges and Rs 500 towards permit charges online. As per the NGT directions dated June 19, 2017, daily limit of vehicles that can go to Rohtang has been increased from 1,200 to 1,300 vehicles. Of the total, 1,200 permits can be issued to Himachali or non-Himachali vehicles but 75 permits will be reserved for non-Himachali vehicles and 25 permits will be reserved for Himachali vehicles other than registered in Kullu district. NGT has limited number of vehicles to control the carbon emission and not the number
Permit for Rohtang pass and Ladakh Be it Rohtang pass, Manali-Leh highway or restricted areas of Ladakh, visitors are required to obtain a special permit to visit these places. While permits in Ladakh are mandatory due to security reasons, permit system in Manali is new that came into effect from 2014 after the intervention of
Srinagar - Leh Road (2017): CLOSE Manali - Leh Road (2017): CLOSE CLICK HERE to know the Manali-Leh road status for 2021 Click here to know the Manali-Leh Road Status for 2020 CLICK HERE to know the Manali-Leh road status for 2019 CLICK HERE to know the Manali-Leh road status for 2018 Manali-Leh highway closes for vehicular traffic November 15, 2016: Passing through some of the highest mountain passes of the word, Manali-Leh highway, which is experiencing extreme cold conditions and some of its stretches are covered with layer of frost, is officially closed till next year. Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti administration has requested people to avoid traveling on this route. Water sources along the highway have frozen completely. A layer of frost is covering the road at Rohtang, Baralacha, Sarchu, Keling Sarai, Taglang-la, Pang and other high altitude areas. Frost remains round the clock in shady areas, increasing possibility of skidding of the vehicles. Apart from icing, the temperature is such that mountains can experience snowfall any time. Taking precautionary measures, the highway is officially declared closed every year on November 15. Though vehicular movement continues at own risk between Manali and Lahaul as this highway is the only lifeline to the residents but people traveling would be responsible for any accident. However, the traffic movement between Keylong (Lahaul) and Leh is almost nil. The main risk after October 15 remains of sudden snowfall which may trap vehicles at secluded areas away from any help. Police posts from Sarchu, too, have been removed until next season. In the past, too many such incidences have put people in trouble because weather between Rohtang and Taglang-la is unpredictable which changes within a few minutes. No telephone network works in this area. Meanwhile, vehicular traffic is still continuing on the Srinagar-Leh highway. However, its too cold at Zojila and other passes
Srinagar – Leh Road (2017): CLOSE Manali – Leh Road (2017): CLOSE CLICK HERE to know the Manali-Leh road status for 2021 Click here to know the Manali-Leh Road Status for 2020 CLICK HERE to know the Manali-Leh road status for 2019 CLICK HERE to know the Manali-Leh road status for 2018 Manali-Leh highway closes
LEH: The Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir State Dr Nirmal Kumar Singh who is also the Minister for Housing and Urban Development today inspected the site for construction of multi tier parking facility at Leh under AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) and ongoing initial works for Solid Waste Management Plant under Leh beautification project across the mountain of Skampari Leh today morning. He was accompanied by Minister for Ladakh Affairs and Cooperative Chhering Dorjey, Chief Executive Councilor LAHDC Leh Dr. Sonam Dawa, Executive Councilors, DC, Leh Prasanna Ramaswamy G and engineers. While inspecting the site for construction of multi tier parking facility at Leh, the minister was informed that tender for this parking facility with capacity of 263 Cars with a total estimated cost of Rs. 26 crore has already been flouted and Kinetix Company has been engaged as a consultant agency for all the projects in Leh under AMRUT. For earliest completion of this much awaited project, Dy CM Dr. Nirmal directed DC Leh for earliest demolition of all the buildings from the site and also directed him to ensure time bound completion of the facility. Later, while inspecting the initial works of Solid Waste Management system of Leh Town across the mountain of Skampari Leh with the a total sanctioned cost of Rs. 10.94 crore, Dr. Nirmal and Minister Dorjey observed that besides completion of approach road and 2 Nos of Trench executed by Construction Division, no progress was achieved at the site. Inquiring about the reasons for delay in installation of In Vessel Composed Plant at the site from the engineers of WAPCOS Ltd engaged for the project, Dy. CM and Minister Dorjey directed DC Leh to take written dateline statement from the CMD of WAPCOS for earliest completion of this project and
LEH: The Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir State Dr Nirmal Kumar Singh who is also the Minister for Housing and Urban Development today inspected the site for construction of multi tier parking facility at Leh under AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) and ongoing initial works for Solid Waste Management Plant under
LEH: The Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh today said that the contribution of late Kushok Bakula is exemplary which should be propagated especially among the younger generation and he is the architect of the, modern Ladakh The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at the centenary birth celebration function of Padma Bushan 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche at Leh today. Minister for Cooperatives Chering Dorjay, Chief Executive Councilror LAHDC Dr. Sonam Dawa, MLA Leh Rigzin Jora, Senior officers and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the late Rinpoche was responsible for the social transformation of the Ladakhi society. He said that he was the main architect for the modernization of the Ladakh region and people still remember him through the country for his contribution towards the development of this part of the nation. “We should all be thankful to the late leader Kushok Bakula for his visionary and modern outlook which was responsible for bringing the transformation of this hilly region of the State,” Dr. Singh said and maintained that the younger generation should follow the teachings and path shown by the legendary spiritual leader. While referring to various developmental initiatives and schemes undertaken in Ladakh region, the Deputy Chief Minister said that special focus has been given to develop the historic Leh and Kargil towns and they have already been undertaken under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) under which every facet of urban development would be addressed. “An amount of Rs 15.20 crore has been earmarked under urban sector for Leh, whereas Rs 12.26 crore are for Kargil region,” he added. Dr. Singh while directing the officers to ensure that the region gets requisite supply of electric power said that it is essential for the tourist season as well as
LEH: The Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh today said that the contribution of late Kushok Bakula is exemplary which should be propagated especially among the younger generation and he is the architect of the, modern Ladakh The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at the centenary birth celebration function of Padma Bushan 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche
LEH: Sending a message of environment protection and encouraging government employees to adopt the habit of cycling at least one day a week to come to the office, officers of many departments on Saturday peddled in the city. The Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Leh Dr. Sonam Dawa Lonpo led a cycle rally comprising of Executive Councilor for Tourism Tsering Sandup, Executive Councilor for Animal & Sheep Mumtaz Husain, Deputy Commissioner Leh Prasanna Ramaswamy G, SSP Leh Uday Bhaskar Billa, ADC Leh Moses Kunzang and govt officers and officials of Leh district including one female employee (JE, PHE ) which was flagged off from Tourist Information Centre Leh and culminated at Council Secretariat this morning. Inspired from the Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpochey's initiative through cycling for environmental protection, the Hill Council Leh has decided to propagate cycling in the district in order to disseminate a sense of healthy lifestyle amongst the local populace and especially amongst the Government employees, the CEC, LAHDC, Leh Dr. Sonam Dawa Lonpo has desired that from 1st April 2017 on every Saturday, all Govt. employees should endeavour to ride cycle to their place of work. Talking to the media persons on the occasion, Dr Dawa said that this initiative is actually aimed at finding a way out to contribute a small whatever possible to protect the fragile ecology of Ladakh which is on the severe threat in the wake of hugely increasing vehicles and pollution. He expressed happiness over the overwhelming support from the local people on this idea and also appealed the local media to play a vital role about propagation of the importance of healthy environment for better life for all. Hoping for adopting cycle riding by a larger people in the coming days, Dr Dawa said that once the high stature leaders as well as
LEH: Sending a message of environment protection and encouraging government employees to adopt the habit of cycling at least one day a week to come to the office, officers of many departments on Saturday peddled in the city. The Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Leh Dr. Sonam Dawa Lonpo led a cycle rally comprising of Executive Councilor
LEH: Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Dr Sonam Dawa, held a meeting and was attended by district officers for smooth regulation of traffic in view of the upcoming tourist season in the region. Speaking during the meeting, Dr Dawa said that Leh was facing a serious challenge of increasing traffic snarls which disturbs the eco-system of Ladakh. “To minimize the impact on the environment, we must collectively find a way out,” he suggested. Dr Dawa told the meeting about upcoming multi layer parking facility in the heart of the city to accommodate nearly 250 vehicles at a time and asked taxi union to vacate their space so that work on new parking space can be started at the earliest. He said expanding capacity of parking in Leh was need of the hour. He also referred to the proposal to make another underground parking lot at Polo Ground to meet growing demand. CEC also directed the administration to ensure parking space while issuing building permits. Deputy Commissioner Prasanna Ramaswamy told the meeting that Rs 25 crore has been sanctioned for the parking space in the city and existing taxi union and bus union and others will be relocated to a new place. He also instructed to remove the unauthorized check points along the National Highway and asked the senior superintendent of police to keep a check on it. The meeting discussed on various issues which included traffic management, retiring of 15 year old vehicles from service, erecting of unnecessary barricades at various locations by army, self driven hired cars in view of court case on the matter and operation of non local taxis. Responding to a query of Dorjay Angchok, chairman, All Ladakh Transport Union, who demanded issuance of new permits to unemployed youth, Ramaswamy said that
LEH: Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Dr Sonam Dawa, held a meeting and was attended by district officers for smooth regulation of traffic in view of the upcoming tourist season in the region. Speaking during the meeting, Dr Dawa said that Leh was facing a serious challenge of increasing traffic snarls
Is Ladakh open for tourists in winters? This is a common question that arises in thousands of minds. And the answer is yes. A large number of tourists now visit Ladakh in winter months to experience the winter season, for winter photography, to see snow, to see frozen Pangong lake or for winter trekking. Large number of adventure enthusiasts visit Ladakh in January and February, the peak winter months, for Chadar Trek, the trekking on frozen Zanskar river. Though both Srinagar – Leh (Ladakh) and Manali – Leh highways get blocked in winters, Ladakh still remains connected with Delhi by regular flights. Climate and Preparations Temperature in Ladakh may plummet to minus 20 or even less anytime in winters. If bone chilling cold is not a problem, you are most welcome to experience the winters of beautiful Ladakh. All you need to do is some preparations to fight cold. You need to bring woollens, warm shoes (or good sports shoes), goggle, sunscreen lotion, cap and muffler (if available. Generally, most hotels in Ladakh remain closed during winters and only few hotels remain operational round the year. Many hotels have centralized heating system while others provide electrical room heaters to their guests at extra charges. For detailed information about Weather in Ladakh and seasons to visit Ladakh, click this link: https://discoverlehladakh.in/best-time-to-visit-leh-ladakh.htm Do internal roads of Ladakh remain open in winters Yes, mostly all roads of Ladakh remain open in winters. Local sightseeing places, including major monasteries, around Leh remain open and even road to Pangong Lake and Nubra valley remains open in winter. However, heavy snowfall on Chang-la and Khardungla top blocks the highway for some time or a couple of days. The traffic is resumed soon by BRO. Road to Zanskar valley generally remains closed in winters. Tips for winter
Is Ladakh open for tourists in winters? This is a common question that arises in thousands of minds. And the answer is yes. A large number of tourists now visit Ladakh in winter months to experience the winter season, for winter photography, to see snow, to see frozen Pangong lake or for winter trekking. Large
