Manali Leh Highways Opens: After a lot of speculations and confusion; Manali to Leh Highway was finally declared open for year 2018. The road as a matter of fact was already in use by locals and a few tourists as well since last week; ever since BRO managed to free Baralacha La of snow. An official announcement however was not yet made as restoration work was still going on. Putting an end to all speculations, the news finally became official after HRTC declared to resume their Delhi to Leh service effective 23rd May. Usually this bus service starts sometime after 15th June but this year, 23rd May will be the earliest date ever.
There are however a few things that you must keep in mind before planning your journey. The road as of now will be narrow and slippery due to snow and water present specially at Rohtang and Baralacha La. It will take BRO some time before they finally stabilize the road. Temporary closure of the road in early part of June is not all the uncommon and can happen anytime either due to an avalanche or ongoing restoration work.
Also read: How to Plan a Journey on Manali Leh Highway
A better way to do the journey for now will be to reach Leh via Srinagar and return via Manali. This way, you will give a few more days before you travel on Manali Leh route. Another added benefit of going via Srinagar is that it helps you acclimatize better and you will not feel symptoms of AMS like you would on Manali Leh route.
Manali Leh Highway Opens
With all said and done, and even though there are already tourists in Ladakh, the opening of Manali Leh highway usually marks the beginning of tourist season here. With both the highways now open, you can complete the entire Ladakh circuit now. Most of the hotels and guest houses in Ladakh are already operational; but do keep in mind that you may face a little bit of challenge on Manali Leh route in terms of accommodation in early June.
I hope the information above was of help. If you have any further questions; please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Forum; and I will be glad to answer.
18 comments
Is manali highway open now as i heard there are rains and therefore not sure if the route is open
it is open but yes, it is also raining along the route
Hello Vargis,
I am planning for leh from 21st of July to 30th of July in creta petrol. Would you please let me know this is a safe time or I need to reschedule the plan.
Looking forward for your kind suggestion for the same.
Thank you in advance!!
Hi Arun -It is raining everywhere in hills right now but not in Ladakh though. Depending upon your plan, you will have to face rains around Manali and then around Srinagar. There are no news of rains in Ladakh though. If possible, plan after Monsoon has passed, in Sep. If not then even right now a lot of people are anyways traveling to Ladakh.
On a side note, Tourist rush too by then will be a bit less, right now even Ladakh is crowded.
Thanks for the information and would you please advice me any specific precautions for above time period (July 21st to 30th)?
Thanks Again!
Hi Vargis,
I am planning to visit Spiti Valley in october second week. Is it an ideal time? (Rain/stream crossing).
Also, what about the road condition at BARALACHA PASS around October 6-8 ? (Snow/Black ice)
I will be on bike coming from LEH side.
Thanks.
It can snow anytime at Baralacha La, Rohtang and Kunzum Pass in October mid so it is not really the best of time to be on this route.
Hi Vargis is it possible to do Leh and Spiti in 1 trip. I am planning to got to Leh by Srinagar in August and return by Manali but i also want to go to Chandertal and Kaza. Is this possible?
Hi Garima – Yes it is possible definitely. Rather than climbing up to Rohtang Pass, just take the Spiti diversion near Gramphoo and continue to Kaza and Chandratal.
you’re the torch bearer of all travellers to Ladakh.
Thanks Shubham Bhai for your kind words.
Hi vargis,
I am going to leave for leh on 15th june morning from Chandigarh through manali leh highway. I have heard some recent cloud bursts near keylong area. We have a 4×4 SUV. Is it safe to go during this time ???
How is the condition there ?
Hi Shivanshu – Nothing to worry about as of now, road is open and you are OK to go. There was a landslide near Zingzing Bar due to flash flood but the road has been restored now.
Is it true that a private taxi registered in Kerala can travel from Jammu to Srinagar to Leh to Sarchu to Manali without needing any permits?
Great news and once again kudos to your efforts Vargis Bhai to keep everyone updated.
Thanks Harsh Bhai
Thank you for the information
You are welcome !!!