Are you dreaming of a road trip along the Manali Leh Highway in 2024? If yes, then get ready to explore one of the most stunning and adventurous roads of India! Here, we have the latest updates on the road status, so that you can have a safe and smooth journey while taking in the beautiful views of the mountains. Plan your road trip today and buckle up for an unforgettable experience!
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What is the Manali-Leh Highway?
The Manali-Leh Highway is a mountain highway in India that runs from Manali in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Ladakh. The highway is one of the most treacherous roads in the world, winding through some of the highest mountain passes in the world and offering stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains. It is a popular destination for adventure seekers who come from all over the world to experience its remoteness, beauty, and challenge.
Overview of the Manali-Leh Highway
The Manali – Leh Highway is a 479-kilometre long, high-altitude road that passes through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in India. The highway connects the town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh to the region of Leh in Ladakh. It is a favourite amongst adventure travellers who enjoy thrilling treks and breathtaking views along its winding course.
The highway passes through some of India’s highest passes, including the Baralacha La, Lachung La and Tanglang La. It is one of the most spectacular journeys in the world, but can also be extremely challenging due to its remote location, high altitude and extreme weather condition.
Manali – leh Road Status 2024 – (CLOSED)
- The Manali-Leh national highway is closed from 20 November 2023 to May due to cold weather and driving hazards. It ensures traveler safety and allows time for the snow to thaw.
- As on Feb 07, 2023, the Manali-Leh road is completely blocked for all types of vehicles.
- Manali-Leh highway was closed officially from November 7, 2022 till the next summer season of 2023.
Current Road Conditions
Manali – Keylong highway: Open
Keylong – Darcha: Open
Darcha – Sarchu highway: Closed
Manali – Leh highway: Closed
Manali – Shinkula highway: Open for 4×4 light vehicles (allowed from 7 to 11 am on alternate days)
Srinagar-Leh highway: Closed
Expected Road Status in 2024
The Manali-Leh highway is a very popular and sought after road in India, but its opening date is notoriously unpredictable due to the region’s weather conditions and the speed with which the Border Road Organisation (BRO) can clear snow. Historically, the road is usually opened sometime between late May and early June, but there have been instances of it being opened even earlier. This makes planning a journey incredibly difficult as you never know when you’ll be able to traverse this breathtaking landscape. However, this unpredictability makes journeys along this route all the more exciting as feeling of anticipation builds up to the official announcement of its opening.
On 11April 2024:
Latest update from the District Administration of Lahaul & Spiti:
- Shinkula, the gateway to Zanskar valley, is now open for 4×4 light vehicles from 10th April 2024. Access is allowed from 7 to 11 am on alternate days.
- Baralacha La is expected to open by 15th April.
- Kunzom La is projected to open by 30th April.
On 21 Nov 2023: Attention travelers! The Manali-Leh national highway has officially closed for the year starting from November 20. This closure includes important routes like Gramphu-Kaza, Darcha-Sarchu, and Darcha-Shinku La. It is a precautionary measure due to cold weather conditions and potential driving hazards. The closure is expected to last around six months, until May of next year, to ensure the safety of all those journeying through the region. This will allow enough time for the natural thawing of snow on the highway.
On 10 May 2023: The Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul-Spiti district, Rahul Kumar, has announced that the Baralacha Pass road, which is part of the 485km Manali-Leh National Highway, will be open to light vehicles within a week.
The joint team consisting of district administration, Border Road Organisation, and police, visited Sarchu and took stock of the restoration work of the 4850 meter high pass. As changing weather patterns often cause disruptions in the area, only four-by-four vehicles are allowed to use the route. The completion of this project will be a great relief to tourists who were previously restricted to travelling up to Deepak Tal Patseu. This opening of the route will also encourage more people to travel through it and explore the beauty of the region.
On 26 March 2023: After four months of complete blockage, the Manali-Leh road link has been partially reconnected by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Despite the snow being cleared from the Manali-Sarchu stretch, another spell of heavy snowfall has once again blocked the road. Nevertheless, Army vehicles and trucks carrying essential supplies are expected to be allowed soon whereas tourists may not be allowed as the road is slippery due to the snow and there is a high chance of more snowfall which could leave them stranded. But it is hoped that eventually the roads will be opened for all vehicles very soon.
On 17 February 2023, BRO started snow clearance operations in the Lahaul Valley along the Manali-Leh highway. Unfortunately, avalanches kept blocking the highway. With much effort and determination, BRO is expected to open the Leh highway by 25 March.
On 16th March 2023, the Srinagar-Leh highway, an essential route for the Indian Army’s movements in Jammu and Kashmir, was officially opened for military movement only. This road serves to provide vital access to the region for the Indian Army and is a critical link for supply and troop movements in Kashmir.
Which season is best to travel on Manali Leh Highway?
The Manali Leh highway is a beautiful yet unpredictable journey. Although many people may be tempted to rush and complete the journey as soon as the road is declared open, I would strongly advise against this for two important reasons.
Firstly, the road may be unstable and require temporary closures for maintenance after the opening, resulting in delays and disruption of plans.
Secondly, extreme weather conditions could leave the roads in an unsafe condition and cause accidents or other risks. Thus, it is always important to wait until the road is fully stabilized before embarking on the journey to ensure maximum safety and comfort.
However, it is important to wait at least 2-3 weeks after the official opening time of the highway before embarking on your journey in order to ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place and that you enjoy the best possible experience.
An Overview of Manali-Leh Highway Conditions
With the condition of the road varying from good to bad, and some stretches having a higher level of difficulty than others, this past year has been an average one for the road.
As it looks towards the future, we can only speculate what the state of the road will be in 2023; however, this thread will provide updates as time passes, to keep us informed of its progress.
Benefits of Exploring the Manali-Leh Highway in 2024
Exploring the Manali-Leh Highway in 2023 is an exhilarating experience that offers numerous benefits.
The high-altitude highway, located in the Indian Himalayas, is the perfect destination for travelers seeking adventure and a chance to witness the stunning beauty of nature. The journey will offer breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and quaint villages.
It will also provide an opportunity to discover the strong Tibetan and Ladakhi culture of the region. Furthermore, travelers can explore a wide range of activities like trekking, rafting, camping, and explore several monasteries and palaces.