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 1 ft fresh snow.
13 September 2021: Manali-Leh highway was blocked after snowfall at Baralacha pass on Monday early morning. The trafic was being stopped at Darcha. However, BRO cleared the snow at vehicular movement was restored by 5pm.
5 August 2021: The Manali-Leh highway is open for all types of vehicles. The authorities have cautioned the tourists to stay alert if driving in inclement/rainy weather which can lead to landslides or flash floods. Tourists have also been advised not to travel at night time.
28 July 2021: The Manali-Leh highway has been blocked following flash floods in nullahs near Keylong and Baralacha pass. The highway will remain closed for the next 24 hours.
29 June 2021: Manali-Leh road is open via both Atal tunnel and Rohtang pass. Vehicles need to obtain permit from SDM office Manali to use Rohtang pass route while there is no need of permit to use Manali-Atal tunnel – Leh highway.
02 June 2021: The Manali-Leh highway via Rohtang pass has also opened to vehicles. However, tourist vehicles are not being allowed so far. Tourists will have to continue using the Atal tunnel route until online permits to use the old road via Rohtang pass are available.
10 May 2021: Manali-Leh road has again opened for light vehicles today. The road is expected to open for all vehicles in 2-3 days.
29 April 2021: Manali Leh road is still closed. Snow clearance work underway. Expected date of opening of road for general movement is estimated to be 8 May.
21 April 2021: Very heavy snowfall along Manali-Leh highway in Lahaul valley, Atal tunnel, Baralacha pass etc has again blocked the highway. The highway is expected to remain closed for next one week.
18 April 2021: Lahaul-Spiti police advised not to attempt driving on Manali-Leh highway for at least one week as it can be risky.
17 April 2021: Baralacha received heavy snow. The traffic movement on road suspended.
16 April 2021: 117 passenger vehicles stranded at Lahaul since April 4 allowed to go to Leh but couldn’t tread the icy road at Baralacha. Police and BRO helped them cross Rohtang pass in late night rescue operation.
15 April 2021: 57 vehicles from Sarchu to Manali were allowed but only 16 reached Darcha while 41 stranded at Baralacha pass following sudden snowfall. Over 40 people rescued to Keling Sarai and Zingzingbar BRO camps.
10 April 2021: The highway continues to remain closed. Over 200 Leh-bound vehicles carrying over 800 people are stranded in Lahaul. Police said tourists vehicles and bikers will not be allowed to travel until road conditions improve.
4 April 2021: Manali-Leh highway has blocked following snowfall at Baralacha pass.
28 March 2021: Manali-Leh road has officially declared open today. Seven oil tankers and some other vehicles crossed over to Ladakh from Manali.
27 March 2021: Manali-Leh highway has connected unofficially. The road is expected to reopen officially on Sunday, March 27, 2021.
15 March 2021: Baralacha pass has been connected by road. BRO has cleared snow from Keylong-Baralacha pass section.
14 March 2021: BRO starts clearing snow from Baralacha from both sides — from Zingzingbar side and from Sarchu sides. Two attack points have been made as a team of jawans managed to reach Sarchu after risking lives. Snow clearing machinery, spare parts, diesel and required gears were stocked/kept safe at Sarchu before the highway had blocked with snow.
04 March 2021: BRO conducts aerial recce of Manali-Leh highway. Jawans have cleared snow till Zingzingbar below Baralacha-la.
21 February 2021: The snow clearance operation on Keylong-Sarchu section has continued. As snowfall is predicted from February to 22 to 27, it may affect the work.
09 February 2021: BRO has started clearing snow in Lahaul valley. Snow from the Manali-Leh highway has been cleared upto Patsio. The jawans are now moving towards Baralacha pass.
27 January 2021: BRO to keep Manali-Patseo stretch clear of snow in the winter season. Manali-Leh highway may open in May month.
08 January 2021: BRO is trying to keep the Manali-Atal Tunnel-Keylong-Darcha section of Manali-Leh highway open throughout the winter season but frequent spells of snowfall are blocking the road again and again.
02 December: BRO said it will not clear snow from Manali-Leh highway. The highway will now open next year after April.
01 December: Leh DC Sachin Kumar Vaishya said Leh-Manali highway is closed for vehicular movement from Upshi to Sarchu.
26 November: Very heavy snowfall in four days has blocked the Manali-Leh highway.
23 November: Heavy snowfall at Atal tunnel, Lahaul valley Baralacha pass, Sarchu and areas near Taglangla pass have blocked the Manali-Leh highway. Snowfall is expected to continue for the next three days.
Manali-Leh highway officially closes till next summer
Updated on October 31, 2021
The Manali-Leh highway has been officially closed from November 2 beyond Darcha in Lahaul following winter snowfall and deposit of ice on the road surface. The road has become slippery and dangerous. People will be able to travel on this road after April/May next year.
Manali-Leh road reopens after 36 days
Updated on May 10, 2021
The traffic movement on Manali-Leh highway was resumed on Monday after 36 days as Border Roads Organisation (BRO) removed snow and stranded vehicles from 16,050ft high Baralacha pass.
Lahaul-Spiti SP Manav Verma said 23 vehicles were sent towards Leh while five vehicles from Leh reached Darcha in Lahaul. “127 passengers went to Leh while 11 passengers came from Leh. The road is open now,” he said.
According to BRO officials, only light motor vehicles were allowed on Monday and the work to improve the road surface has continued at Baralacha. The highway was expected to become fit for all kind of vehicles this week.
According to officials, the vehicles from Leh and Manali are now being allowed to use the highway but there will be certain timing for vehicles. Vehicles from Manali side will have to cross Darcha in Lahaul by 12pm. All the people going to Ladakh will have to undergo Covid-19 screening at Sissu in Lahaul. The passengers will also have to carry negative RT-PCR report to enter Ladakh.
As there is almost no tourist movement on the highway, there will be no traffic this season. However, a large number of trucks including military convoy carrying essentials will start using the highway in a few days.
After remaining blocked with snow in winter season, Manali-Leh highway was opened officially on March 28 but heavy snowfall had blocked it again on April 4. The highway was reopened four times since then to evacuate stranded vehicles but general traffic movement was not allowed.
26 days on, Manali-Leh highway continues to remain closed
Updated on April 29, 2021
The Manali-Leh highway, which was reopened on March 28 after clearing the snow from the 428 KM long stretch, has continued to remain closed since April 4. A large number of vehicles are still stuck in snow along the highway.
According to police, it will take more than a week to restore traffic on the highway. A large number of vehicles, including four police vehicles, are trapped in snow near Baralacha pass since April 20. Many trucks are also lying stuck in the region which can be evacuated only after Border Roads Organisation (BRO) completes snow clearance works. First, the local vehicles, trucks carrying essential supply and military convoy will be allowed. Tourist vehicles can be allowed on the highway after May 10.
“A police team had left for Baralacha on Wednesday to bring back our four vehicles that had stuck during rescue operation of April 20. The vehicles are stuck close to KM 190 but there is no trace of road beyond KM 175. BRO officials have said they will clear snow from the highway by May 3. This means it is unlikely that road will open before May 8 as we have to retrieve and evacuate many stranded trucks as well,” Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma said.
A large number of vehicles are buried in the snow between Zingzingbar and Keling Sarai following heavy snowfall. The drivers and other passengers of the vehicles were rescued in four different rescue operations conducted in a month.
The Manali-Leh highway, which remains closed in the winter season following heavy snowfall every year, was opened in March for the first time ever. However, only a few vehicles could use the highway and it got blocked with snowfall on April 4. Since then, the road was cleared four times to evacuate stranded vehicles but the highway has not been opened so far for general traffic movement including tourists and bikers.
A large number of people are still waiting for the opening of this highway. Meanwhile, the alternative road to Leh from Srinagar via Kargil is also closed following avalanches. The highway had opened on April 20 but only stranded and four-wheel-drive vehicles were being allowed. Few more days are likely to open the road for general traffic movement.
30 trucks stranded at 16,050ft high Baralacha amid snowfall
According to Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials, the drivers have denied leaving the trucks. “The area is under very heavy snowfall. Baralacha has received over 100cm of fresh snow since Tuesday afternoon. BRO personnel were trying hard to evacuate the trucks but snowfall is not stopping. The area is also hit by avalanches. We were keeping an eye on the situation. Our men are there to help the drivers. All are safe. Once the weather turns favourable, we shall again start the rescue operation,” a BRO official said.
Traffic suspended on Manali-Leh highway for a week following heavy snowfall
Updated on April 18, 2021
The early opening of the Manali-Leh highway for vehicular traffic for the first time in history has not proved to be of many benefits as police have declared the highway unfit for traffic for at least a week following heavy snowfall in the last 36 hours.
Baralacha pass has again received over 90cm of snow on Saturday and Sunday early morning. Most parts of the highway including Patseo, Zingzingbar, Baralacha, Bharatpur, Keling Sarai and Sarchu have received snow which has undone the snow clearance works of Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The snow clearance works have again started on a large length of the highway.
“Snowfall and snowstorms have filled the highway with deep snow. The traffic has come to a complete standstill. Most parts here have received very heavy snow. The high-velocity winds also brought snow on the road. Work to restore traffic is underway on war footing,” a BRO official said.
Lahaul-Spiti police have advised that people should not attempt to travel on this highway for next few days. Police said they will announce officially opening of the road once it is safe for all kind of vehicles.
Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma said, “Baralacha has received very heavy snow. The road is unlikely to open for stranded vehicles in the next 24 hours. Baralacha has become very prone to avalanches. The road is expected to remain unfit for general vehicles. Therefore, we advise people not to attempt to travel on Manali-Leh highway for at least one week,” he said.
Nearly goods vehicles are still stranded in Lahaul since April 4. Although Lahaul-Spiti administration is taking care of their meal and other needs, most trucks are carrying vulnerable items like fruits and vegetables for two weeks now. Given the current conditions at Baralacha, the heavy vehicles may have to wait for little more time.
The Manali-Leh highway was declared open to traffic on March 28, about two months ahead of schedule. After remaining open for just a week, the highway again got blocked. It was reopened after attempt of more than one week but not all vehicles could cross Baralacha where road surface is very slippery due to deposit of snow and ice. Nearly 140 vehicles could cross this mighty 16,050ft high pass. The road is again lying blocked since Saturday.
Meanwhile, Srinagar-Leh highway is also blocked and is expected to open within a week. A large number of trucks are waiting for its opening between Srinagar and Baltal. Opening of Srinagar-Leh highway will release some pressure from Manali-Leh highway.
788 people rescued, 121 vehicles evacuated from snow-bound Manali-Leh highway
Updated on April 17, 2021
As many as 788 people were rescued while 121 vehicles were evacuated in a joint operation conducted by Lahaul-Spiti police, administration and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Friday. The operation continued for over 14 hours till late night amid temperature below minus 20 degrees C.
Stranded in Lahaul for last 13 days, Leh-bound 117 passenger vehicles carrying 747 persons were helped in traversing the snow-bound Baralacha pass. The vehicles were helped in crossing the pass one by one. Of the 41 vehicles stranded between Baralacha and Bharatpur on Thursday evening, four vehicles were evacuated after hours of efforts and were brought to Darcha. 41 persons who were rescued and moved to BRO camps at Keling Sarai and Zingzingbar were also brought to Darcha.
Taking risk soon after fresh snowfall and blizzards, the 117 passenger vehicles, including 22 mid-size vehicles, were sent to Sarchu. The vehicles were having trouble moving on slippery ice and snow. The vehicles were pushed and pulled, and moved to a safe region. Police and BRO jawans tied snow-chains to the tyres of some vehicles to get better traction.
Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma said, “117 vehicles were sent towards Sarchu and four were brought to Darcha. A total of 788 persons were rescued. 117 passenger vehicles carrying 747 persons were camping in Lahaul after sudden snowfall closed the Manali-Leh national highway NH-3 on April 4. The operation continued on Friday and Saturday with joint efforts of police, administration and 70 Road Construction Company (70 RCC) of BRO.”
The 41 people including truck drivers, helpers and passengers were shifted to nearby rescue camps on Thursday night after their vehicles stuck in snow and some vehicles broke down. They were shifted to Darcha in rescue vehicles. The 747 people who crossed Baralacha for Leh included residents of Ladakh, labourers, students and drivers.
“We are in contact with Leh police and administration. They have confirmed arrival of the first fleet of vehicles. All are safe. Remaining vehicles stuck at Baralacha will be evacuated soon,” the SP added.
While passenger vehicles have been sent to Leh, over 100 trucks are still stuck in Lahaul since April 4. The trucks are carrying essential supplies like vegetables and fruits.
As Lahaul, Baralacha and most places along Manali-Leh highway were receiving more snow on Saturday, the traffic movement on the highway has again been suspended. The police said vehicles will be allowed only after weather turns favourable and road is safe for vehicles. The heavy vehicles carrying goods and tourist vehicles will have to wait for some more time.
Manali-Leh highway opens two months ahead of schedule
Updated on March 28, 2021
Landlocked Ladakh has reconnected with Himachal by road after four months as Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Sunday officially opened 428km-long Manali-Leh highway for vehicular traffic, two months ahead of normal schedule.
The first convoy of seven oil tankers was flagged off by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council executive councillor Stanzin Chosphel from Sarchu, the boundary of Himachal and Ladakh. The oil tankers and some other vehicles successfully moved to Ladakh from Himachal. Chief engineer of Projet Deepak Brig MS Baghi and chief engineer of Project Himank Brig Arvinder Singh, commanders of both the projects and other BRO officials were also present at the occasion. Opening of the road has provided relief to people of Ladakh. The government and Indian Army will also need not to remain dependent on flights for essential supplies.
A BRO spokesperson said the organisation had carried out snow clearance on 149 roads having length of 3,965km to ensure lines of communication remain open in remote high altitude areas of the country. “The strategically important Manali-Leh highway used to remain closed for six months leaving Ladakh dependent of supplies through aerial routes. The road is open this year at least one and half months ahead of normal schedule,” he said.
He added that snow clearance on Manali-Leh highway had started in mid-February with strategy to simultaneously commence snow clearance on our major passes Baralacha (16,047ft), Nakeela (16,170ft), Lachungla (16,616ft) and Taglangla (17,582ft). “The strategy was to increase snow clearing attack points and therefore Baralacha and Taglangla were addressed from both sides. Latest hi-tech machinery was induced and our jawans worked relentlessly day and night to provide early connectivity to Leh,” he added.
According to BRO officials, the dynamics were completely different this year after inauguration of Atal tunnel, Rohtang and there was no necessity to clear snow from Rohtang pass. The complete focus was diverted to opening of Baralacha which was attacked from both sides – Patseo and Sarchu. As required equipment were already stored at Sarchu in November before blocking of the highway, a team of 6 jawans including engineer risked lives and trekked across deadly Baralacha pass to reach Sarchu so that they could start clearing snow from opposite side.
Besides less snowfall and clearing snow from Baralacha in Himachal and Taglangla in Ladakh from both the sides for speedy results, Atal tunnel has been major reason for opening of the highway in March for the first time in history. Manali-Leh highway has five major passes but BRO was not required to clear snow from Rohtang pass which poses the main challenge.
This road, which remains closed for six months in winters following snowfall, has opened two months ahead of its normal schedule. Military convoy, trucks carrying ration, fuel and other essentials and other vehicles will be using the highway frequently in coming days as Srinagar-Leh highway is still closed. Soon tourism will also pick up pace in Ladakh as a large number of tourists uses this highway for thrilling experience.
Despite the highway has opened, there will be possibilities that more snowfall in the coming days can block it again for one or more days. Meanwhile, BRO will keep clearing the snow to widen the highway. Other road maintenance works along the highway will also start in a few days. Lahaul-Spiti police will also establish its seasonal post at Darcha and Sarchu in a few days to regulate traffic and keep an eye on each vehicle and person using this border road.
Manali-Leh highway likely to open on March 28
Updated on March 27, 2021
After remaining closed for over four months, the 428km-long Manali-Leh highway is expected to open on Sunday (March 28) as Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is close to achieving road connectivity between Baralacha and Sarchu.
According to BRO sources, the official opening of the highway can be announced on Sunday. The snow clearance on the highway continued throughout the winter season this year. While snow from Leh-Sarchu section was already cleared, snow from Sarchu-Manali section has also been cleared roughly. BRO jawans are now engaged in widening the road at some bottlenecks between Zingzingbar and Sarchu where snow depth is 5 to 20ft. The final snow clearance is expected to finish on Sunday.
Seven oil tankers also headed towards Leh from Lahaul on Saturday but couldn’t move beyond Zingzingbar. A BRO official stated that they are still clearing snow and widening the road and once the task is complete, bowsers can move ahead. He, however, did not disclose the official date of opening of the road. This was also unclear whether the highway will be reopened only for military vehicles or also for civilians as it will be announced by BRO top officers after the official opening of the road.
Generally, vehicles carrying essentials including fuel, ration, and military vehicles are sent on priority after the opening of the highway which becomes one-way at some places due to high walls of snow. Civilian vehicles are allowed after a few days. A large number of tourists are also waiting to hear the announcement of the official opening of the highway.
This will be for the first time in history that Manali-Leh highway will open before Srinagar-Leh highway. Early opening of the highway is contributed to many factors including less snowfall, Atal tunnel bypassing Rohtang pass and BRO keeping large section of the highway clear of snow throughout the winter season. BRO will keep clearing snow to widen the highway in the next few days.
Baralacha pass reconnected by road as BRO clears snow from mighty pass
Updated on March 15, 2021
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has reconnected 16,050ft high Baralacha pass with Manali. Road connectivity with Baralacha in March month has been possible for the first time in history as BRO aims to resume traffic on Manali-Leh highway before April 15.
Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry said on Monday that BRO for the first time had made a strategy to open Baralacha early in March so that vehicular movement on Manali-Leh highway could be resumed as soon as possible. The 38 Border Road Task Force (BRTF) has now created two attack points to clear snow from remaining portion of the highway between Baralacha and Sarchu.
“BRO has once again proved its ascendancy over inhospitable terrain of mountainous region by inducting troops at Baralacha pass to open it much ahead of time schedule to gain strategic advantage over the adversaries. The move will help people of the region to get connected with rest of the country. The jawans are working restlessly to resume connectivity on Manali-Leh road,” DGBR said.
Baralacha pass, which remains covered with 15 to 30ft deep snow, used to connect in mid or late May every year. This is it has opened two months in advance because of two reasons – less snowfall and new strategies of BRO to clear the snow. The jawans, equipped with snow clearing machines, kept removing snow in most areas throughout the winter season. Baralacha is one of the five major mountain passes on this highway. Clearing snow from Manali-Sarchu stretch is much challenging than that in Sarchu-Leh stretch due to more snow and a large number of avalanche sites. 38 BRTF is responsible for clearing snow from Rohtang and Baralacha passes which remain of-limits from rest of the country for more than six months.
A BRO official said DGBR along with team “Project Deepak” planned strategy to open Baralacha at earliest with induction of men and machine in a systematic manner. “The plan of early opening of Baralacha was formulated as a two-pronged thrust to commence simultaneously from either side of pass with helicopter induction of the team. Inclement weather did not allow that to happen on time.”
Failed in air induction of a team at Sarchu due to poor weather, BRO then decided to march a team on foot after walking for over 20km on 15 to 20ft deep snow. A team involving one junior engineer and five personnel fully stocked with survival kit started moving towards Sarchu on March 11 morning. The team could not cross Baralacha for next two days following hailstorms and poor visibility and had to return back to base camp. Final attempt was carried out on March 13 and the team achieved near-impossible task of reaching Sarchu on Sunday. This team has also started working from Sarchu where required machines, spare parts and other required things had been stocked in advance.
“We plan to reconnect Ladakh with Himachal before April 15. Opening of the highway almost two months in advance will provide much relief to people of Ladakh and Himachal,” an official said.
We aim to resume traffic on Manali-Leh highway by April 15: BRO Commander
Updated on March 14, 2021
BRO official on Sunday said Manali-Leh highway is expected to open for vehicular movement by April 15 as snow from Baralacha pass is being removed on war footing after making two attack points from either side of the pass.
A message on snow clearance status sent to Discover Leh Ladakh by a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) official is as follows:
1. The air recce for air induction of Snow Clearance team from Stingiri to Sarchu was carried out on 03 March 21.
2. The aim of this induction was to clear Baralachala pass using two attack points i.e. from Patsio and Sarchu sides each thus clearing the pass in an early time frame and achieving connectivity to Leh.
3. Air induction of the team in subsequent days could not take place due to inclement weather conditions.
4. To avoid further delay in inducting the team to Sarchu by air, it was decided to march the party on foot from Km 185 towards Sarchu Dett (approx 20km) where the eqpt is already stocked in mothballed state.
5. The team (fully stocked with ration, spare parts, comn eqpt) comprising of one JE and five pers marched on foot on morning of 11 Mar but came back due to heavy snowfall enroute. The crossing of Baralachala at 16000 ft was again attempted on 12 Mar, however, the team has to revert back due to snowfall and poor visibility.
5. Slight window was available on 13th Mar. The team again attempted crossing Baralachala. This time they succeeded in crossing Baralachala, crossing a number of avalanches enroute. However, since it was getting dark, they had to halt 7 km short of the Sarchu Dett. They spent night in snow amid bone chilling temperature and snow blizzards. Finally they reached their destination on 14th Mar after a treacherous March of 20 km in 15-20 feet of snow.
6. The team has traversed a total distance of 20km in Super HAA conditions scrupulously crossing the Baralacha LA pass on foot amidst sub-zero freezing conditions, frequent avalanches, and slides with 15 to 20 feet snow accumulation.
7. This motivated team has indeed displayed dogged determination and extreme courage to complete a task that initially seemed impossible.
8.This feat has been achieved for the first time in BRO and hopefully, we will clear Baralachala before time surpassing all intangible odds.
BRO conducts aerial survey of Manali-Leh highway
Updated on March 4, 2021
Aiming to resume traffic movement on the Manali-Leh highway in record time in April, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Wednesday conducted an aerial survey of the Manali-Sarchu section.
BRO has cleared snow till Zingzingbar, just below Baralacha pass, which is also a record. The Manali-Leh highway generally opens in late May or early June. The less snowfall, rising temperature and BRO keeping the many stretches of the highway clear of snow even in peak winter season have strengthened the possibility of opening the highway in April.
Zingzingbar used to remain covered with over 10ft of snow in March. This year the area has just 20 to 5ft of snow. Only some nullahs and deep valleys have upto 10ft deep snow. BRO jawans equipped with modern machines are advancing towards 16,050ft high Baralacha pass. Once the pass is connected with Manali, the next target will be to connect Baralacha with Sarchu.
A BRO official said they conducted an aerial recce of the area on Wednesday with help of a chopper. “The weather is still unpredictable. Sometimes it’s snowing and sometimes we face high-velocity winds that bring snow back on the road. If March and April receive heavy snow, the road opening date can be pushed beyond. Otherwise, we shall throw open the highway in a record time,” he said.
Roads likely to open soon as snowfall eludes Himalayas
Updated on February 21, 2021
Most roads in Himachal which used to remain closed in winter season are open in February for the first time in years as snowfall has continued to elude Himalayas in the state.
Manali-Leh highway is all set to open for vehicular movement earlier than usual. The highway is open till Patsio. The snow clearance operations are now concentrating on clearing snow from Baralacha pass. However, the meteorological department has predicted snowfall in the region from February 23 and 27 which can affect snow clearance.
Manali-Spiti highway, which used to open in June, is expected to open in April for the first time in history. The highway, which has entirely been handed over to Border Roads Organisation (BRO) remains covered with 10 to 40ft of snow at most places. With the region receiving little snow this season, BRO has cleared snow from Kaza to 15,000ft high Kunzum pass which was impossible in February, the peak winter month.
A BRO official said clearing snow from Gramphoo-Kunzum stretch will depend on weather conditions. “Koksar is already connected with Manali and Keylong. If weather permits, the Spiti valley will also connect with Koksar very soon. Earlier Manali-Kaza (Spiti) road, which used to block with snow in November, used to reopen in June or July,” he said.
For many people, this is unusual that roads connecting villages in Spiti, Lahaul and Pangi valley are mostly open. The snowfall had blocked all the roads but the little snow had been cleared easily. Snow from many link roads has melted itself. The roads in these valleys used to remain blocked with snow till March and sometimes till April.
The Aut-Luhri highway (NH-305) which connects Chandigarh-Manali highway (NH-3) with Hindustan-Tibet road (NH-5) also used to remain blocked in winter season following heavy snowfall at Jalori pass. This road, which was temporarily blocked after recent spells of moderate snowfall, is also open this season.
If Spiti valley is connected with Manali and Lahaul before May, it will not be just a record but also a miracle. Deadly Kunzum, which remains covered with over 25ft of snow and witnesses dozens of avalanches, has been reconnected by road from Kaza.
“This is surprising that Kunzum is connected with Kaza in February. This is unimaginable. While we are happy that opening of this road will boost tourism in our valley for a longer time, but we are equally disappointed that Mother Nature is unhappy with us. We have not received good snow this season. If climate continues to change, one day these snow-covered mountains will turn into the barren land,” a resident of Spiti Lara Tsering said.
Most roads in upper areas of Manali, Shimla, Chamba and Kinnaur are also open. The Manali-Keylong highway passing through Atal tunnel, was also expected to remain mostly closed due to heavy snowfall and avalanches, but it is also open.
The main surprise will come from border roads as not only Manali-Spiti but also Manali-Leh highway is expected to open earlier than usual this season. According to BRO officials, they kept Patsio, just below 16,050ft high Baralacha pass, connected with Keylong in winter season. BRO jawans are now moving towards Sarchu. The officials say the Manali-Leh highway can be reopened in a record time this season if snowfall continues to elude the region.
Snow clearance begins on Manali-Leh highway
Updated on February 9, 2021
The Manali-Leh highway, which remains closed following heavy snowfall in winter, can open in a record time this season as Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has started clearing snow from the highway.
The 38 Border Road Task Force (BRTF) of BRO’s Project Deepak is moving towards 16,050ft high Baralacha pass for the first time in peak winter season. While BRO has kept Manali-Keylong stretch of the highway open even in the winter season through the Atal tunnel, the highway from Keylong to Patsio has also been opened. BRO will keep moving ahead towards Ladakh until inclement weather conditions stop it.
A BRO official said they need not to clear snow from Rohtang pass to connect Leh with Manali due to Atal tunnel. “Our jawans are moving towards Patsio below mighty Baralacha pass. The weather is favourable so far. We shall take advantage of the tunnel and can put our strength on clearing snow from Baralacha. If everything goes right, we may achieve road connectivity very soon,” he said.
He added that weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable and the region gets snow even in April. “We are taking advantage of the weather and Atal tunnel. We have kept over a 150km stretch of the highway beyond Manali towards Lahaul valley clear of snow even in December and January. This time we shall definitely resume vehicular movement on Manali-Leh highway earlier than previous years. Only extremely bad weather and heavy snowfall in the remaining days of February and March can prove us wrong,” he added.
Last year Manali-Leh highway opened in June. There is a possibility of opening of the highway in late April or early May. If it happens, it will be like a dream to travel on this highway so early. However, BRO has not fixed a deadline so far. BRO’s snow clearing works are continuing on a regular basis. The snow clearance operation will start officially in a few days. There are chances that the highway will open by mid-May even in case of heavy snowfall in the next few days.
Clearing snow from Rohtang pass was the main challenge before BRO until last season. The focus will not shift to Baralacha pass which is covered with 10 to 20ft deep snow. Snow depth will increase almost double till the end of March. BRO jawans are removing 2 to 10ft of snow in Keylong-Patsio stretch.
Clearing snow from Manali-Sarchu section is the main challenge. Sarchu to Pang section receives comparatively less snow. Removing snow from Tanglang-la pass is the main challenge before BRO in Pang-Leh section.
Manali-Leh highway likely to open in mid-May
Update on January 27, 2021
As Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is keeping Manali-Atal Tunnel-Kelong-Darcha stretch of the Manali-Leh highway open in winter season, there are strong possibilities that Manali-Leh highway will open by mid-May.
BRO is trying to keep the highway in Lahaul valley open for vehicular traffic in the winter season. So far the area along Manali Leh road has received very little snow. So far BRO has succeeded in keeping Manali-Keylong stretch open for vehicles via Atal tunnel. Lahaul valley is connected with Manali in January end for the first time ever. BRO is trying to keep Keylong-Darcha and Darcha-Patseo stretches also open. This will save the precious time of the jawans in clearing snow after March.
Meanwhile, BRO need not to clear snow from the mighty Rohtang pass to connect Ladakh with Manali as the major highway now passes through Atal tunnel, not the Rohtang pass. This way BRO will need to concentrate more on Baralacha pass instead of Rohtang pass. The jawans will also get help from Atal Tunnel in the easy and safe mobilisation of snow blowers, dozers and other equipment to Lahaul.
Rohtang pass used to consume major resources like huge manpower and machines for over two months to clear the snow. While BRO has said it will keep maintaining Rohtang pass highway, the snow clearance operation on Manali-Leh highway with a concentration on Baralacha pass and Sarchu sections is likely to begin in early March. If vagaries of weather continue with average or less snowfall, the Manali-Leh highway may open in early May month. Manali-Leh highway had opened in June in 2020.
Despite Atal tunnel, Lahaul valley likely to remain partially cut off
Update on January 08, 2021
Some people had misinformation that Atal tunnel will make Manali-Leh highway all-weather. But this is not possible until more highway tunnels are built below Baralacha pass, Lachulung-la and Taglangla pass as these mountain passes receive very heavy snow. Now that Atal tunnel has been built on Manali-Leh highway, it has failed in providing round-the-clock connectivity between Manali and Lahaul valley due to snow blocking the approach roads to the tunnel. Meanwhile, most part of the Manali-Leh highway has covered with thick blanket of snow which will be removed in May…
Heavy snowfall has blocked Manali-Keylong highway, leaving the tribal Lahaul valley cut off from the rest of the country for the last three days. As peak winter season has just started, Lahaul valley is likely to remain partially cut off from other parts of Himachal in the next three months.
The Manali-Keylong highway is covered with deep snow, especially between Sissu and Dhundi. Even four-wheel-drive vehicles are not able to move through the snow. The avalanche near Atal tunnel had also blocked the highway. Not only general vehicular movement but the road has also been blocked for emergency vehicles. The highway is getting blocked for a few hours or a few days after every spell of snowfall, leaving Lahaul disconnected. As the peak winter season in Lahaul starts in January and lasts till end of March, the valley is likely to disconnect partially, again and again.
The Keylong-Atal tunnel and Udaipur-Tandi highways are blocked following recent heavy snowfall. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) jawans with help of dozers and snow blowers are regularly clearing the snow from road but the nature has defeated them with continuous snowfall and blizzards. Now that snowfall has stopped, BRO has continued to clear snow to re-establish connectivity.
38 Border Road Task Force commander Col Uma Shankar told the media, “Our men and machines are working on clearing the snow from the highway. We are expecting to clear snow from road by Thursday evening or on Friday.”
Atal tunnel has proved its importance by keeping people of Lahaul connected with the outer world even during this time of the season, but the tunnel has failed to provide round-the-clock connectivity between Manali and Lahaul because of snow blocking the highway. The Manali-Keylong highway is expected to open for emergency vehicles on Friday but another spell of snow will again block it for a few days.
Despite BRO clearing snow from the road, the road surface is becoming very slippery. Avalanches are another threat to the moving traffic. It will be a challenge for BRO to keep the highway open in the next three months of the peak winter season. This is the time when the valley is hit by hundreds of avalanches and snow depth along the highway goes above 150cm.
However, so far, BRO has managed to keep the highway clear from snow in most of the days since November. The snow clearance operation from the Keylong-Leh stretch is likely to start in March month. There are no chances that the Manali-Leh highway will open for vehicular traffic before May. So, those looking for the Manali-Leh highway status should not plan before mid-May.
Update on December 02, 2020
Manali-Leh highway closed for the season
Strategically important 428km long Manali-Leh highway has been closed for the season as Border Roads Organisation (BRO) will not clear snow between Himachal’s Darcha and Ladakh’s Upshi until next year.
This highway used to be officially closed on October 15 every year and BRO jawans used to retreat from the high altitude areas. This year BRO kept the highway opened till November end to facilitate the movement of the military convoy. It cleared snow from the highway three times in October and November this year. The highway was again blocked following heavy snowfall from November 23 to 26. As there is no need to restore traffic on the highway, BRO will not clear snow.
“We shall keep Manali-Keylong-Darcha section open. Baralacha has already received very heavy snow. The pass is officially closed now. The highway to Leh beyond Darcha shall remain closed until snow clearance operation restarts after end of winter season next year,” a BRO official told a newspaper.
The officials said keeping Manali-Leh highway open throughout winter season is very challenging and also dangerous. The area between Darcha and Sarchu sometimes remains under 30 to 50ft thick snow and ice. The temperature in the area has dropped up to minus 20 degrees C. The area along with the highway witness sudden snowfall without warning. Nearly 200km stretch from Patseo to Upshi has no habitation, mobile signal, or anybody to help. Vehicular movement will be very dangerous even for heavy 4X4 vehicles with snow-chains.
Leh administration has also advised people not to go towards Sarchu. The administration has advised the general public, tourists, and transporters not to go beyond Upshi and said the highway is closed till further order.
Leh deputy commissioner Sachin Kumar Vaishya said, “The Leh-Manali highway is closed between Upshi and Sarchu due to inclement weather conditions, intermittent snowfall, extreme cold condition and slippery surface. The road, which was closed on November 26, will continue to remain closed for all kinds of vehicular traffic till further order,” he said.
Please note:
Distance between Manali and Leh is 474 KM via Rohtang pass.
Distance between Manali and Leh via Atal tunnel is 428 KM.
Manali-Leh highway is blocked with snow after winter snowfall every year from November to May.
Tourists can visit Ladakh in winters by plane.
On this page, we shall keep tourists updated about the Manali Leh highway status for the year 2020-21. This page will be updated regularly.
—Stay tuned to get fresh updates—
Disclaimer: The date of opening of Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highway is not determined by anybody as it totally depends on weather conditions. Opening of these highways totally depend on intensity of snowfall in winter months, weather during clearing of snow, more snowfall in April and May months, temperature and many other aspects. Discover Leh Ladakh does not guarantee the accuracy of date of opening of the highway. This is just an estimation made as per inputs from BRO and sight visit by our own team members. Manali Leh Highway Status post is just an endeavour to help the tourists.
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