I know this news is not really going to make much difference considering the current COVID situation but I still thought to let everyone know. Manali Leh Highway was declared open yesterday by BRO after a 3 months long snow clearing operation. BRO teams successfully completed their tasks and the road was opened to traffic, three weeks ahead of schedule. The army is currently evaluating the condition of the road but civilian traffic will get allowed within the next one week.
The work on 475 kilometers long highway started in Feb 2020 from both Leh and Manali sides. On 18 May, the first convoy of vehicles at Sarchu carrying essential supplies was flagged, thus officially opening the Manali- Leh Road this year.
Earlier in March, Srinagar Leh highway was also opened ahead of schedule on 15th Mar 2020. This will, however, be beneficial for the locals only. As a tourist, you will not be able to travel to Ladakh until the pandemic is brought back under control. As a matter of fact, you cannot even travel to Manali right now or Srinagar right now.
The people of both Ladakh and Spiti have decided not to entertain tourists this year. Even after the government allowed the hotels to be opened, the locals are apprehensive in doing so. There has not been a single case of COVID in Spiti Valley so far and they would like to keep it so. They are in fact not allowing anyone to travel to the valley this year, even people from the other parts of Himachal.
Even if it was allowed to travel, I do not think it is safe to go for you anyway. The situation in India is deteriorating by day as the VIRUS continues to spread. As of now, my best advice would be to plan Ladakh next year only and not take the risk right now. Remember, Ladakh will still be here next year but you may not be if you caught the disease somewhere.
