What can be termed as a surprising update this year, authorities have declared that Srinagar-Leh highway is likely to remain open till mid December this year. The highway usually closes for vehicular movement by Mid or Late November each year after snowfall in the area along Zojila pass. However this year this date has been pushed as far as Mid-December.
“In view of the good weather conditions we have decided and will try to keep the highway open till December 20, so that the road that remains closed during winters is kept open for a longer time,” Commander 32 BRTF, Col Miloy told Greater Kashmir.
He said if there was moderate snowfall during this period, sophisticated machines would be pressed into service to make the road fit for traffic. “In case of heavy snowfall however, we will have to reconsider the decision of keeping the highway open,” he said.
Meanwhile, sources said the civil administration and the army have requested the BRO, which maintains the highway, to keep the road open for longer period “as much as possible so that the winter stocking of essential commodities is done before the road closure.”
Source: Greater Kashmir
This however will make little difference to anyone visiting Ladakh after the recent unrest in Kashmir. The entire city of Srinagar has suffered massively in terms of tourism and the situation has not gotten any better still. This entire year, people chose to take the Manali route to reach Leh and returned via the same route. Even now, my advice to everyone would be not travel on Sriangar Leh highway. If you are planning for a road trip, then better plan it for next year. If you must however visit this year, then it is best to book a flight to Leh rather than driving on Srinagar Leh highway.
