Synopsis: Keylong-Padum bus service is going to become reality very soon as HRTC has conducted a successful trial on this route. The plan is to run the bus on Rewalsar-Kullu-Manali-Keylong-Darcha-Padum route. Keylong-Padum bus service will help in tourism promotion in the region. Himachal Roads Transport Corporation (HRTC), which operates buses on the country's longest and highest route between Delhi and Leh, will soon start a bus service between Padum in Kargil district's Zanskar valley and Keylong and Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The bus service, depending on demand, will be operated from Rewalsar in Himachal’s Mandi district. HRTC has successfully conducted a trial run of a 29-seater mini bus between Lahaul-Spiti district’s headquarter Keylong and Zanskar’s headquarter Padum. First of its kind, the bus service will start immediately after completing the permit related formalities. Initially the bus may run on Keylong-Padum route but the plan is to run the bus on Rewalsar-Padum route. Anshit Sharma, HRTC regional manager at Keylong, was quoted as saying: “The trial run has been successful. Once we complete all the formalities, the bus service will be launched immediately. Initially we plan to run only one bus, but if passenger load increases, we may increase the buses. The route permit is between Rewalsar and Padum. We are hoping for the success of the bus service.” Zanskar being a Buddhist dominated valley, the residents have cultural and religious relations with Himachal, especially Lahaul-Spiti district and Rewalsar in Mandi district. Earlier, people of Zanskar used to enter Himachal after many days of hard trekking via Shinku-la pass or after three to four days long road journey via Kargil, Leh and Sarchu. Now the journey via 16,580ft high Shinku-la will be completed in just one day. The distance between Padum and Keylong via traditional road through Kargil and Leh is
Synopsis: Keylong-Padum bus service is going to become reality very soon as HRTC has conducted a successful trial on this route. The plan is to run the bus on Rewalsar-Kullu-Manali-Keylong-Darcha-Padum route. Keylong-Padum bus service will help in tourism promotion in the region. Himachal Roads Transport Corporation (HRTC), which operates buses on the country’s longest and
World’s longest highway tunnel above 16,000ft beneath 16,580ft high Shinku-la pass will be ready by 2025 that will provide Zanskar valley of Ladakh an all-weather connectivity, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) chief Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry said at Shinkula top. After attending the Golden Handshake Ceremony on occasion of opening of Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road amidst fresh snowfall, and in the middle of 5 to 6ft high walls of snow, the director general border roads (DGBR) Chaudhary said this new road, which has now opened for traffic movement, will be officially opened for all kinds of vehicles as widening and blacktopping of the highway will be completed in three years along with completion of the 4.25 km-long Shinkula tunnel. He said formation cutting of the remaining stretch between Padum and Nimmu in Ladakh will also be completed soon. He said a new Road Construction Company (RCC) will be established in the area. Chaudhary was quoted as saying: “The Shinkula pass tunnel will be 4.25 kilometer in length at altitude of about 16,000 foot. It will be the highest and longest tunnel at this altitude in the entire world. He said work on construction of the tunnel will start in July or August this year. The exercise to build the Nimmu-Darcha road had started 20 years back but the work faced many technical glitches. This new road is going to prove boon not only to the army but also it will bring positive revolution in the Zanskar valley of Ladakh.” He said it used to take many days to travel from Zanskar to Himachal in the past but now the travel time has been reduced to only a few hours. He said the travel time will further be reduced after widening and blacktopping of the highway. DGBR said the Yojak Project of BRO, which
World’s longest highway tunnel above 16,000ft beneath 16,580ft high Shinku-la pass will be ready by 2025 that will provide Zanskar valley of Ladakh an all-weather connectivity, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) chief Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry said at Shinkula top. After attending the Golden Handshake Ceremony on occasion of opening of Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road amidst fresh snowfall,
February 25, 2022: The tussle between Leh and Manali Bikers' Associations over tourism activities seems to be easing as commercially registered motorbikes from both territories will be allowed to enter each other's territories but only along the national highway. However, restrictions on private bikes will continue as usual. The different tourism-based unions and associations in Ladakh do not allow taxis from other states to ply on its internal routes connecting the popular sightseeing places like Pangong lake, Khardungla pass, Nubra Valley, Tsomoriri, etc. The taxis are allowed to ply on only Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh national highways. Only private cars are allowed to go anywhere in Ladakh. However, both private and commercially registered motorbikes registered outside Ladakh being used for tourism purposes are not allowed on internal roads. After a recent dispute between the bike unions of Leh and Manali, the bikes from Manali side were not being allowed to enter Ladakh, and similarly bikes from Ladakh were not being allowed to enter Himachal. This was hurting the tourism business of both the regions and tourists were being harassed. The talks to resolve the matter remained unsuccessful. The officials of the Manali Bikers Association and Ladakh Biker Cooperative Association had a meeting on the issue in Leh on Friday (February 25, 2022). And it was decided that commercial bikes from both regions will be allowed on the Leh-Manali national highway. It was decided in the meeting that tourists who ride rented private bikes will not be allowed as it is unauthorized. Manali bikers association general secretary Tenzin Bodh said this is for the first time that both the unions have come on the same platform to resolve the issue. “Now it has been decided that movement of bikes will be allowed only on the Leh-Manali national highway. Commercially registered bikes will
February 25, 2022: The tussle between Leh and Manali Bikers’ Associations over tourism activities seems to be easing as commercially registered motorbikes from both territories will be allowed to enter each other’s territories but only along the national highway. However, restrictions on private bikes will continue as usual. The different tourism-based unions and associations in
Manali - Leh Road Status (2021): CLOSE Manali - Keylong highway: Open Keylong - Baralacha pass: Close Baralacha pass - Sarchu highway: Close Sarchu - Leh highway: Close Srinagar - Leh Road Status (2021): Open (since April 20) Official date of opening of Manali-Leh highway: March 28, 2021 Please note that Manali-Leh highway is closed for traffic since 2nd November 2021 due to winter snowfall, drop in temperature and icing of the road. The highway will now open in April or May in 2022. There is uncertainty about the opening or closing of both Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways due to snowfall, landslides etc. Confirm the latest status before planning a trip. Excerpt: 31 October 2021: The Manali-Leh highway will officially close for civilian vehicles (both locals and tourists) from Tuesday, November 2 and will reopen in next summer season (April/May 2022). The decision was taken by Lahaul-Spiti administration after driving on the highway has become very risky due to icing of the road surface. Vehicles are required to ply through snowy road between Patseo in Lahaul and Taglangla pass in Leh and road is very slippery. Also, there is possibility of more snowfall from Tuesday onwards. 22 October 2021: The Darcha-Sarchu section of Manali-Leh highway is still closed at Baralacha pass. Snow clearing works are still continuing. The vehicles can go only till Darcha from Manali side and Sarchu from Leh side. There is prediction of more snowfall from October 23 to 25 and 26 to 28. The highway may take more time to open for vehicles. Meanwhile, trucks (goods carriers) will not be allowed to go beyond Atal tunnel for safety reasons. 17 October 2021: Manali-Leh highway has been blocked after fresh snowfall. Vehicles are not being allowed to go beyond Darcha in Lahaul. Baralacha has received more than
Manali – Leh Road Status (2021): CLOSE Manali – Keylong highway: Open Keylong – Baralacha pass: Close Baralacha pass – Sarchu highway: Close Sarchu – Leh highway: Close Srinagar – Leh Road Status (2021): Open (since April 20) Official date of opening of Manali-Leh highway: March 28, 2021 Please note that Manali-Leh highway is closed
The availability of mobile network with high-speed internet connectivity at 14,000 ft high Sarchu on Manali-Leh highway is leaving tourists surprised these days. Reliance Jio has launched its service at Sarchu a few days back. In an effort to strengthen the mobile and internet connectivity in border areas and along important border roads, the 14,000ft high Sarchu on Manali-Leh highway has received 4G mobile connectivity. Strategically important 428km long Manali-Leh highway had no mobile connectivity in more than 260km long stretch of the road between Himachal’s Darcha and Ladakh’s Upshi. Sarchu, 176km from Manali, is a non-inhabited remote plateau at the boundary of Himachal and Ladakh. Sarchu is a popular mid-way halt point on Manali-Leh highway. People from Himachal and Ladakh operate seasonal shops, dhabas and tented accommodations here for tourists and military convoys. The area also serves the Indian Army as its transit point. Now, Sarchu, the most important place on Manali-Leh highway, which has no residential houses or electricity supply, has mobile connectivity with high-speed internet. The travellers, who are listening to ringtone on their mobile phones at Sarchu, are being left surprised these days as nobody had expected mobile network in such a remote area. IT and tribal development minister Ram Lal Markanda was quoted by media as saying, "Reliance Jio is installing a large number of telecom towers across the tribal areas. The company has connected major places of Lahaul-Spiti with 4G connectivity. Most areas along Manali-Sarchu highway is now covered with mobile network. More such towers are proposed to be established." People in trouble used to be left at the mercy of God on this highway as they had no option to call for help. Usually, Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) used to help people in distress but the non-availability of the network
The availability of mobile network with high-speed internet connectivity at 14,000 ft high Sarchu on Manali-Leh highway is leaving tourists surprised these days. Reliance Jio has launched its service at Sarchu a few days back. In an effort to strengthen the mobile and internet connectivity in border areas and along important border roads, the 14,000ft
While the Darcha-Shinkula-Padum road is set to strengthen Indian Army at Ladakh by cutting short travel time between Manali and Kargil by one day, the Ladakh government is promoting this road to welcome tourists to the hidden valleys of the district. The word “Kargil” has been sending shivers down the spine ever since India-Pakistan war was fought in 1999. As India won the war and entire district is free from war threat due to presence of Indian Army, tourism in the area is also picking up the pace. Kargil district shares a huge border with Himachal. But the district was too far to reach by road. Now that Darcha-Shinkula-Padum road has been built, Zanskar valley of Kargil is reachable in one day from Manali and Kargil town in just two days. Now the Ladakh government is asking visitors to travel through this new road to explore the new places which were earlier unreachable. The tourism department of union territory of Ladakh is organising cultural and road shows in Himachal to promote cultural tourism in Zanskar valley and other parts of Kargil with major focus on this new road. The officials said the new road will lead visitors to hidden valleys. The officials, who organised one such cultural programme involving Ladakhi folk dance and music in Manali, said this road is going to become the foundation to new ties between Kargil and Himachal. Punchok Tashi, who looks after tourism, rural development and all affairs of Zanskar valley as an elected member of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, said, “Many people can think that why a government and officials are promoting just a road. The reality is that this is not just a road. This is path to freedom from remoteness. Many people of Zanskar had never gone out of the valley
While the Darcha-Shinkula-Padum road is set to strengthen Indian Army at Ladakh by cutting short travel time between Manali and Kargil by one day, the Ladakh government is promoting this road to welcome tourists to the hidden valleys of the district. The word “Kargil” has been sending shivers down the spine ever since India-Pakistan war
Kela pass is a high mountain pass in the Changthang region of Leh district in Union Territory of Ladakh which has become the highest motorable pass of the country connecting Leh with Pangong Lake. The altitude of Kela pass is 18,600 ft from mean sea level. Kela pass is the gateway to Kela tso (Kela lake) or Lchagri Gyamtso Lake and further to Tharuk, Sarkunchar and Tangste village, and Pangong Lake. Kela pass was used by shepherds and trekkers until recently when Indian Army connected the pass by a motorable road. The Kela pass or Keyla pass is approachable from both Tangste and Zingral (below Changla pass). Surpassing 18,380 ft high Khardungla pass, the Kela pass has become the highest motorable road of the country that will be open for general traffic movement. However, 19,300 ft high Umling-la pass of Ladakh is the highest motorable pass/road in the country but the pass is not open for the general public. The Leh-Kela pass-Pangong lake road will be open to general traffic movement in a few days. The road via Kela pass will reduce the distance between Leh and Pangong lake by 41 KM after bypassing 17,586ft high Chang-la pass. This new road will not only reduce distance and travel time from Leh to Pangong lake but will also become a new tourist destination with its all-new landscapes. Tourists will get to see Kela lake (Kela tso), unexplored villages, nomads, snow and glaciers. This road will also be strategically important for the Indian Army as it will allow fast and safe movement of the military convoys to Pangong Lake. The new road that connects Zingral (Leh side) to Tharuk (Pangong side) has provided an alternative road to Durbuk sub-division. The local residents of the area were also demanding an alternative and shorter
Kela pass is a high mountain pass in the Changthang region of Leh district in Union Territory of Ladakh which has become the highest motorable pass of the country connecting Leh with Pangong Lake. The altitude of Kela pass is 18,600 ft from mean sea level. Kela pass is the gateway to Kela tso (Kela
Discover Leh Ladakh is offering special tour packages for doctors, health practitioners, and all the health warriors who have been working hard to save humanity in this time of Covid-19 crisis. To help doctors and other health workers unwind the stressful times, we are offering special discounted packages to Ladakh this season. In honour of the frontline workers, we are taking special care of them. The idea of launching dedicated tour packages for doctors and other healthcare workers was suggested by Dr Neelesh Shah from Mumbai who gave us the opportunity to serve him and he told us that how doctors, nurses and other staff members in hospitals are spending stressful time and that they need a break to restart work afresh. Why special tour packages for doctors? The doctors in most of the hospitals in the country are working day and night, without taking a break for a long time. The corona warriors are living a stressful life with inadequate rest or sleep. As the required rest and peace of mind is not possible at the hospital or home close to the hospital, they are in a dire need of a short break. What can be better than visiting a hill station with clean air, snow-laden mountain peaks, sparse population and an almost negligible number of Covid-19 patients? What is special in the package? The doctors and other healthcare workers are given a special traditional Ladakhi welcome on arrival as a gesture of thanks. We know their need as they would be planning the trip to refresh the body and mind. Depending on the availability of the time (number of days for tour), the trip begins with a slow start, majorly focussing on scenic and quiet places. Camping in beautiful Nubra valley and quality time by the shores of
Discover Leh Ladakh is offering special tour packages for doctors, health practitioners, and all the health warriors who have been working hard to save humanity in this time of Covid-19 crisis. To help doctors and other health workers unwind the stressful times, we are offering special discounted packages to Ladakh this season. In honour of
With the Defence Ministry speeding up the exercise to connect Ladakh with a new shorter, better and safer highway, the Darcha-Shinku la-Zanskar valley road, which will become the main road to connect Ladakh with mainland, reopened one month ahead of schedule on Thursday. This road was lying closed following snowfall since October. After completing winter snow clearance operations on Manali-Sarchu-Leh and Srinagar-Zojila-Leh highways, the third road connecting Ladakh with the mainland via 16,600ft high Shinku-la also reopened on Thursday. Ministry of Defence (MoD) is spending thousands of crores on this road to make it the main road to reach Ladakh. As snow clearance on this road has completed, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will engage in road alignment, widening, and blacktopping of the road between Darcha in Himachal and Padum in Zanskar valley of Ladakh. “Snow has been cleared from Shinku-la. We would have cleared snow much earlier but snowfall remained hampering our works in April and May. We shall now concentrate on widening and blacktopping of the highway along with building retaining and breast walls and culverts. Some bridges are also proposed to be built on the road. The work on traffic tunnel below Shinku-la is also expected to start this year,” a BRO official said. In strategic point of view, the 297-km-long Darcha-Shinku la-Padum-Nimmu road will have many advantages over other two highways which have many mountain passes and take a much longer travel time. This road passes away from both Chinese and Pakistan borders and will allow safe movement to the military convoys. The highway will become the main road for military supply in near future and will be India’s reply to China which is developing its border infrastructure. Darcha, 100km from Manali on Manali-Sarchu-Leh highway, will connect the Leh-Kargil highway at Nimmu, 35km from Leh. Over 50km
With the Defence Ministry speeding up the exercise to connect Ladakh with a new shorter, better and safer highway, the Darcha-Shinku la-Zanskar valley road, which will become the main road to connect Ladakh with mainland, reopened one month ahead of schedule on Thursday. This road was lying closed following snowfall since October. After completing winter
Having spent his all earnings and time in building 38km-long road across Shinkula pass to connect Ladakh’s Zanskar valley with Himachal’s Lahaul, the 79-year-old Tsultim Chinjor, who has been conferred with Padma Shri award, wants better road connectivity between Himachal and Zanskar. A resident of Stongdey village of remote Zanskar valley, lama Chinjor is among 102 recipients of Padma Shri this year. He has been conferred with this prestigious award for social work after his name was recommended by Kargil district administration. Lama has spent many years in Stongdey monastery and also served as a government employee. As a large number of villages in Zanskar were not connected with road and the lone road connecting Zanskar with Kargil used to get blocked after snowfall at Pensi-la pass, lama was searching for better road connectivity. Although Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had planned to connect Zanskar with Himachal via Shinkula pass, lama Chinjor was unhappy with the work progress. Finally, he took up the task to connect nearly 30 villages of the valley with Darcha village of Himachal’s Lahaul. He discussed his plan with the local residents and started raising funds. He finally started building road, for which he even sold his land, and built 38km road from Shinkula to Kargiakh. Lama started building the road on Shinkula pass on June 28, 2014 with help of a hired earthmover, jeep, labourers and ponies. BRO had built 27km of road beyond Darcha and lama started building road beyond this point. In first season, before onset of winter, Lama completed 13km of the jeepable road from Himachal and entered Zanskar. He had a lot more road to build to connect Kargiakh, the first village of Zanskar and then towards Padum. “I spent all my savings in building this road. People of Zanskar and some
Having spent his all earnings and time in building 38km-long road across Shinkula pass to connect Ladakh’s Zanskar valley with Himachal’s Lahaul, the 79-year-old Tsultim Chinjor, who has been conferred with Padma Shri award, wants better road connectivity between Himachal and Zanskar. A resident of Stongdey village of remote Zanskar valley, lama Chinjor is among
