Well, strangely this year in 2024, as of January 22, 2024, Srinagar Leh Highway is still open for light vehicles with cautionary warning of safe travel. There hasn’t been any significant snowfall yet in the Himalayas. The winter months of November 2023, December 2023, and January 2024 have not seen any major snowfall due to which Zojila Pass is still open for light vehicles on January 2024.

Due to this reason, the Srinagar Leh Highway is open currently and only light vehicles are allowed. JK Traffic police are advising people on the safety measures they should take when traveling over Zojila la Pass. The temperature range is well below 0 degrees but there is no sign of snow. Only ice is there which makes the conditions at Zojila Pass slippery. Hence, safety should be kept in mind in case you opt to travel early in the season.

Are we expecting a late Ladakh season opening due to late snowfall in 2024? Or will it be a record year of year-long connectivity of Ladakh over Srinagar Leh Highway?

Srinagar Leh Highway Status Historically

Last year, as of March 16, 2023, BRO had thrown Srinagar Leh Highway open in a record time of just 68 days. Generally, this Srinagar Leh Highway remains closed for 4-5 months in the winter season due to heavy snowfall. But hats off to the arduous efforts of BRO who toiled hard to keep this highway open for a record time in the last year. However in 2024, due to a lack of snowfall, the Srinagar Leh Highway continues to remain open even end of January.

Last winter season Srinagar to Leh road was closed on January 6, 2023, and within 68 days, BRO opened it up. Last to last year on March 20, 2022, BRO had thrown Srinagar Leh Highway open, so they broke that year’s record last year. However, the lack of snowfall is helping BRO this year in 2024 to keep it open even in winter. Who knows if there is no snowfall at all, it will be a record year where there was a 12-month connectivity between Leh and Srinagar. Though it will be a sad state for ecology.

Even though the current status of Srinagar Leh Highway is OPEN. But only essential goods vehicles and army vehicles will be allowed for some time till the road becomes stable and safe for the general public or tourists.

In the year 2022, on May 3, 2022, the Srinagar Leh Highway was declared open to tourists and the general public. Only one-way traffic on Zojila Pass was allowed earlier with odd dates of the month allowing traffic towards Ladakh from Srinagar and for the even dates, the traffic is allowed towards Srinagar from Leh.

Last year, 2023, the snow clearance operations on Srinagar Leh Highway for the season 2023-24 started in January from Srinagar and Drass sides. In 2022 as well it began pretty early in February due to less amount of snow. And as expected the snow clearance got completed in March as the weather held up in these months.

A few years back, on 19th February 2021, BRO made a groundbreaking 61-year record of clearing the snow from Srinagar Leh Highway. With snow cleared from Zojila Pass, everybody expected Srinagar Leh Highway to open by the end of February, which was supposed to be a record in the history of the opening of Srinagar Leh Highway that early in the season ever.

As of now, BRO expects to open Srinagar Leh Highway in 2024 at a record pace if there is less snowfall. However, only time and weather in the coming months will have the final say in it.

It means that the butterflies in the stomachs of all the adventure enthusiasts planning their upcoming trip to Leh Ladakh in 2024 will be more frequent 🙂 🙂

The Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2024 OPENED on 22nd January, as there is no significant snowfall at all. If there is any heavy snowfall in the coming months then I am sure BRO will work hard to clear the heavy amount of snow from Sonamarg towards Zojila Pass on the Srinagar side and from Drass towards Zojila on the Kargil side.

Srinagar - Leh Highway Status Update 2023
Srinagar – Leh Highway Status Update 2023

You might also be interested in tracking the road status of Manali Leh Highway.

When will Srinagar Leh Highway open in 2024?

As of January 2024, Srinagar Leh Highway is still open and has not closed for any significant number of days in the entire winter months. The lack of heavy snowfall is the reason for it.

Last year in 2023, after offering prayers, BRO commenced the snow clearance operations in January 2023 from both Srinagar – Sonamarg side as well as Dras – Kargil’s side. They targeted to open Srinagar – Zojila Pass – Kargil – Leh route as soon as possible in early March 2023 to support the locals and tourists traveling over Srinagar Leh Highway.

According to the sources, BRO worked hard to clear the decent amount of snow accumulated in year 2023 on Srinagar Leh Highway. The reports said that about 6 feet of snow was present on Sonamarg – Baltal road in 2023, and about 12 feet of snow is accumulated at Zojila Pass. It is not an easy task to cut through such a huge amount of snow in that difficult avalanche-prone terrain.

However, we shall wait for the day for the Srinagar – Leh Highway to open soon in early March and let the adventure for 2024 begin 😀 …Or who knows the Srinagar Leh Highway does not even close in 2024…

There has not been a heavy snowfall this year in the entire Himalayas, and hence, this year’s opening of Srinagar Leh Highway will be at a record-breaking time in January much earlier than last year as it opened by the end of February. As per the authorities, last year there were fewer feet of snow stretches that had to be cut around Zojila Pass and about 4-6 feet between Sonamarg to Zojila Pass.

It will be interesting to watch for the weather in the coming months and as we all understand these predictions are only the means of interest & hope to us, the mere mortals. It is weather and mountain gods which always have the last say when it comes to weather especially in the Himalayas 🙂 🙂 …

When does Srinagar Leh Highway open usually?

This 434 KM long Srinagar Leh Highway is open in January third week this year due to the absence of snow. However, it usually opens up by the first week of April or March end looking at only the last few years. I do feel that this year it may open early owing to no snow in the Himalayas. It has been a norm that we set up the targets to open the highway early only to realize that the weather has the last laugh.

I have been watching it for the last 15 years now, and this year is very strange in terms of snow looking at January third week of 2024. Eventually, it will all get down upon the weather and snow conditions in March / April when snow may happen in many parts of the Himalayas including this belt of Kashmir too.

Should I travel on Srinagar Leh immediately after the road opening?

When making a road trip to Leh Ladakh over Srinagar Leh Highway, you must keep in mind that even when the road from Srinagar to Leh opens, it takes some time to get them stabilized. Due to snow sliding and loose gravel, roadblocks are very common in the initial days, especially around Zojila Pass.

Even there is one-way traffic with time restrictions of traffic flow in the initial days because the road is not wide enough due to snow walls and one-way traffic is only allowed at Zojila Pass.

Hence, it is recommended that you wait for a couple of weeks before planning the trip on Srinagar Leh Highway after its official opening. The last thing you will want on your much-awaited Leh Ladakh road trip is to get stranded on some lonely yet feezing stretches of Srinagar – Leh Highway in early April.

Please keep in mind that even when the Srinagar to Leh road to Ladakh opens early in 2024, it needs at least a couple of weeks to settle or get stabilized from the initial snow sliding that happens due to the quick melting of snow.

So, please do not rush to Ladakh by road as soon as the highway is thrown open rather wait for a couple of weeks to let it stabilize 😉 … This will ensure safe passage for you and avoid any unforeseen mishaps.

Where can I track Leh Srinagar Road Status 2024?

As per the previous years, I will be starting this sticky post for Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2024, which so many adventure lovers await every year. Unlike the last few years, I will keep updating this article with the latest updates. Up until last year, I used to update the progress in the DoW Youtube Channel community posts for better tracking of updates.

Hence, all updates on Srinagar – Leh Highway Status 2024 will be posted or updated in this article as well as on my Youtube Channel threads. Please subscribe to it and stay tuned.

Will this thread have updated Srinagar Leh Road Status in 2024?

Once the Srinagar Leh road opens, I may not be that active in updating the minor road closures or status because these roads are in the high Himalayas, and close and open frequently. It is barely impossible for a single tiny soul like me to update this information daily once the road gets open, so please request you to excuse me on that front and accept my apologies :)…

However, if there is some major blockade of 3 – 4 days, I will try to surely update such information about the Srinagar Leh Highway status 2024.

I hope as per last year, and this year as well this article thread will be useful in planning your journey on Srinagar Leh Highway and further to Leh – Ladakh region.

Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2023
Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2023

Please note that if you are traveling from Manali to Leh over Rohtang Pass and coming back from Leh to Srinagar highway, you will need to get the permit for Rohtang Pass which can be applied for online. But, if you plan to use Atal Tunnel which opened in 2020, you do not need a Rohtang Pass permit.

Current Srinagar Leh Highway Status = CLOSED | Update: 26 January 2024

Update: 26 January 2024

Finally, with the fresh snowfall of the season on 26th Januar, the Zojila Pass closed for the winter season. It is the record time BRO has kept the Srinagar Leh Highway open in the winter season.

During the winters of 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23, records from the BRO (Border Roads Organization) show that the road was closed to traffic on December 31, 2020, January 4, 2022, and January 6, 2023, respectively.

However, this year experienced very little precipitation, with minimal snowfall in the higher regions and little rainfall in the lower areas across the northwest Himalayas. By mid-January, there was only about six to seven feet of snow.

  • Srinagar to Sonamarg is OPEN
  • Drass to Kargil to Leh is OPEN
  • Sonamarg to Zojila Pass to Drass is CLOSED

Update: 22 January 2024

As of this date, the road from Srinagar to Leh is open for light vehicles as there has been no snowfall at Zojila Pass in 2024. Tourists may not yet be allowed to travel and once it is considered safe, authorities will allow tourist traffic on this route. The conditions at Zojila Pass are slippery and hence extreme caution must be taken into account before traveling on Srinagar Leh Highway in winter months.

Update: 16 March 2023

As of this date, the road from Srinagar to Leh is open and snow has been cleared. Tourists and civilians are not yet allowed to travel and once it is considered safe, authorities will allow traffic on this route.

Update: 3 May 2022

As of this date, the road from Srinagar to Leh is open for tourists. Traffic is allowed one way only on Zojila Pass where odd dates of the month allow movement of traffic from Srinagar to Leh while even dates the traffic is allowed from Kargil / Leh to Srinagar.

Update: 20 March 2022

On March 19, 2022, the status of Srinagar Leh Highway is open but tourists are not yet allowed and only army vehicles or essential vehicles will be using it in the coming days. Taking advantage of the late closure of Srinagar Leh Highway last year, BRO has created history yet again by opening the Srinagar Leh Highway in a record 73 days. The earlier average of the opening of Srinagar Leh Highway used to be 135 days.

Tourists will be allowed to travel on Srinagar Leh Highway as soon as the road is deemed safe for passage. Initially, it may be possible that one-way traffic is only allowed. Then later in the season, BRO will allow two-way traffic as the road at Zojila Pass gets widened.

Update: 1 March 2022

Snow clearance operation on Srinagar Leh Highway is at the last stage where only 2-3 km of stretch is left at Zojila Pass from the Srinagar side where snow clearance is remaining. If the weather holds up in the coming weeks, we should surely see the opening of Srinagar Leh Highway as soon as possible.

Update: 19 Feb 2022

The snow clearance operation from both sides of Srinagar Leh Highway is in full swing and BRO expects this road to open in 2022 by early March much as it opened the last year in February end.

In fact, the Srinagar Leh Highway was open as late as 4 January 2022 and was declared officially closed on 5 January 2022. This is the record time for which Srinagar Leh Highway remains open in a year, almost 10 months. So, you can imagine how climate change is affecting the snow levels in the Himalayas.

Please note that even though the road got cleared in February end and was declared open, tourist vehicles were only allowed a couple of times before the Ladakh season time of June to September. As late as May end, the Srinagar Leh Highway was operational only one-way for traffic.

Update: 12 Feb 2022

After heavy snowfall in winter, Srinagar – Leh highway continues to remain closed in 2022 as of mid-February. Snow clearance operations may have begun already and BRO will soon project the dates of its opening.

Update: 31 May 2021

The road from Srinagar to Leh is still open for one-way traffic only. However, now the traffic is allowed from Srinagar to Leh as well as Leh to Srinagar side as well.

Update: 2 May 2021

The tourist or passenger traffic or vehicles were not allowed to pass from Sonamarg to Kargil – Leh due to the weekend Corona curfew in the Ladakh region.

The one-way traffic from Srinagar to Leh is allowed for vehicles carrying essential commodities on the weekend. The traffic from Leh to Srinagar is not allowed yet.

Update: 26 April 2021

Finally, after a couple of spells of fresh snowfall in April, Srinagar Leh Highway has opened again but only for one-way traffic from Srinagar to Leh for all types of vehicles. There will be timings imposed on the traffic movement according to which the traffic from Sonamarg will be allowed after 10:30 am and 11:00 am from Meenamarg to Kargil.

Road conditions are still very snowy and icy up there, so please take precautions when traveling.

The traffic from Kargil to Srinagar is not yet allowed and only one-way traffic is allowed from Srinagar to Leh from 7 AM to 1 PM only. Vehicles crossing before or after this time range will not be allowed.

Update: 23 April 2021

After opening for a day or two, Srinagar Leh Highway closed again due to fresh snowfall again at Zojila Pass. Authorities suggest that if the weather remains clear, Srinagar to Leh road will be thrown open again soon.

Update Date: 15 April 2021

Well, inclement weather and snow over Zojila Pass continue to remain closed for the last 1.5 months. However, BRO is toiling hard to clear the snow again from Zojila Pass and expects that they will complete the snow clearance in the next couple of days. It means that if the weather stays favorable, BRO may open Srinagar Leh Highway in the coming week.

Authorities are setting up Covid-19 screening checkpoints at Meenamarg and setting up facilities for conducting RT-PCR tests for all inbound passengers to Leh Ladakh and Kargil.

Read more here: Snow-clearing operations at Srinagar-Leh NH in full swing

Update: 5th April 2021

Due to snow slides, avalanches, and inclement weather, BRO is still not allowing tourists and locals to travel beyond Zojila Pass on Srinagar – Leh Highway. So, even though the road was cleared of snow on 28th February, still, no general public traffic is allowed on the highway after an initial couple of days.

Update Date: 20 March 2021

It has been almost three weeks since the Srinagar Leh Highway has been declared open. However, tourists have not been allowed to travel beyond Sonamarg to cross Zojila Pass. There is the constant spell of snowfall, avalanches, and snow slides that remains the road closed or not suitable to travel for the general public including tourists and locals. More snow is predicted in the coming days in Jammu & Kashmir as per weather forecasts.

Update Date: 5 March 2021

After declaring the road open last week in record time, there is still no sign of tourists or civilians being allowed to cross Zojila Pass on Srinagar Leh Highway to travel to Ladakh from Srinagar. The avalanches and snow slides are causing the road to remain closed.

Update Date: 28 February 2021

The road from Srinagar to Leh has been opened after remaining closed for 2 months of heavy snowfall. It has been the record opening of Srinagar Leh Highway ever and it just remained closed for only 58 days this winter. You can read the full report here at Srinagar-Leh road reopens after 2 months.

Update Date: 24 February 2021

The road from Srinagar to Kargil to Leh has been cleared of snow in record time this year by BRO. In the past 61 years, it has never happened that BRO cleared the snow such early in the season that too in February. It means that now the Srinagar to Leh road shall be thrown open by the end of February.

Update Date: 19th February 2021

The snow clearance operations have been almost completed starting in February this year on Srinagar Leh Highway. It is expected that snow will be cleared from Srinagar to Leh road by the end of February if the weather stays favorable.

If you are traveling to Leh only by flight, you can plan to make a day trip to Kargil covering Lamayuru and Sham Valley on the way to Kargil from Leh.

Timings of Zojila Pass in April 2023

  • Sonamarg to Drass: 7 AM to 1 PM

Some Important Articles for Reference & Regular Updates

Have a travel question?? You can follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel to ask your travel questions in a direct message on Instagram or comment on my YouTube videos.

Srinagar Leh Highway Travel Guide Infographic

Srinagar Leh Highway Travel Guide Infographic
Srinagar Leh Highway Travel Guide Infographic

Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Srinagar to Leh route travel infographic. If, you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.

Srinagar – Leh Highway Status = CLOSED | Update Date: 18 February 2022

Zojila, 18 Feb 2022: The strategic 434 kilometre Srinagar-Leh Highway, the only road connecting the Ladakh region with rest of Jammu and Kashmir is likely to open early this year mostly because of the less snowfall as compared to previous years.

Beacon Officials told Greater Kashmir that the snow clearance work on the highway was going on in full swing.

The official added that snow clearance work was likely to be completed by the end of this month subject to favourable weather conditions. He said only after assessing the road conditions the decision to allow traffic on the road will be taken.

However, this year due to the less snowfall during winters the road clearance operation is likely to take less time as compared to earlier. Reports said that nearly 8-10 feet of snow has accumulated along Zojila pass while 4-6 feet of snow has accumulated along Sonamarg-Baltal road.

Full Report: Srinagar Leh Highway to open soon.

Have a travel question?? You can follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel to ask your travel questions in a direct message on Instagram or comment on my YouTube videos.

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly.

108 Comments

  1. Hey.. We are planning to travel from srinagar to leh from 10-16 of August. Is it a good time to travel? Also, are 7 days enough for the travel??

  2. Ankur Chawla on

    Hello

    I am planing to visit to leh from Delhi -srinagar-leh–manali-delhi.Dates are 5 sep to 20 Sep.I have got a new Bike bullet classic 350.got in Feb.

    Dates and bike would be ok? Going for the first time.If anyone is intersted going with

  3. Deerajji ….with some tour operators giving idea we wish to travel from Srinagar to leh on 28th april ….we have booked flights which don’t have refund policy ….please suggest

  4. Dear Dhiraj
    Planning a trip to Zanskar via Sonmarg in two days -end September
    1.How much time does it take from Kargil to Zanskar
    2.where all can we stay in Zanskar
    3.Can I get a self drive rental car from Srinagar or Kargil

  5. sanjeev rathore on

    please let me know

    me and my wife are planing to go on a bike ride to leh via srinagar and returning from spiti valley is it right time to go.?

  6. hello guys…
    i really love this web coz it really helpful, thank you for always writing for us 🙂

    i plan to visit leh on may-june 2019, well still 1 year to go… but everything will be perfect with the nice preparation right?

    i will start the journey from srinagar, and take share cabs to leh with other people 🙂

    i read about many beautiful places to stopover, ie: kargil, alchi, lamayuru, etc (please CMIIW)…
    so which place is the best & better to stay for one night? after that i will continue to leh on the next day 🙂

    please suggest… i will directly noted it to my itinerary.

    thank you sooooooo muchhhhhhhh !!!

    -dysta-
    (jakarta, indonesia)

    • Thank you Dysta, and I am glad you love the website.

      Yes, if you plan right you experience right 🙂

      You must stay at Kargil for balance between acclimatization and breaking the journey in the middle.

  7. Both Manali – Leh, and Srinagar – Leh roads are experiencing intermittent road closures every now and then due to heavy rains. Even Jammu – Srinagar road was also closed. Almost all of mountains are getting intermittent minor and major blockades including Killar, Kishtwar, Kinnaur, Spiti, Rohtang Pass, routes. If you are traveling on these routes,

    1. Best is to go open-minded, be ready for getting stuck and travel safely.
    2. Be prepared for getting stuck for some hrs till roads are not cleared or return back to the starting point choosing safety over risks.
    3. Have some supplies in hand like food, drinking water so that in case you get stuck for long hrs in the middle, you have supplies to last the blockage.

  8. sanjeev rathore on

    Dear i am planing a trip to leh with my wife and friend as per bwlow plan

    30/06/18 DAY 1 HOME PATNITOP
    01/07/18 DAY 2 PATNITOP KARGIL
    02/07/18 DAY 3 KARGIL LEH
    03/07/18 DAY 4 LEH NUBRA VALLEY
    04/07/18 DAY 5 NUBRA VALLEY PANG GONG
    05/07/18 DAY 6 PANG GONG SARCHU
    06/07/18 DAY 7 SARCHU KULLU
    07/07/18 DAY 8 KULLU NOIDA

    kindly let me know is this the right time to go as people are telling me about the issue with rain and all.

      • sanjeev rathore on

        Thank you sir for answering me i will re plan the schedule . But please let me know is this the right timing to go as there weather forecast i saw it shows rainfalls every where.
        Please let me know what are the issues and where i could face bottle necks. As we are on bike.
        I am looking for some experts advice

        • It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains. Landslides or slush or road blocks are pretty common in the month of monsoons but these landslides are cleared in a day or two unless there is a very major one. Having said that, rains does reach Ladakh nowadays but in general, it is overcast days or in form of light drizzles. I will suggest you also read my article on 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons.

  9. Santhosh Kumar Gaikwad on

    Thank you, Tina and Dheeraj.
    Had an amazing trip to Leh in April end and May 1st week of 2018. Tina helped me in every aspect of travel planning, stay and constant updates on routes/weather conditions. Am recommending Tina to my friends without any hesitations.

    Have a look at my vlogs from my trip – Drive to Leh in my Safari Storme.

    Srinagar – Zozila – Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley – Shyok agam valley – Pangong Lake
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGpJnl0JSRg

    Turtuk –
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsdxI8OrGOk

    Khardung La Snow drive 4×4
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6rNVlsHeVY

  10. Hi Dheeraj,
    We are a group of 6 people planning to travel to Leh by the Srinagar Leh Highway during the 15 Aug week. Will it be a good time for travel to Leh as I read in few places that monsoon will arrive by that time and roads will be closed.
    Also what are the opening time window for Zojila pass during August month..

    • It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains. Landslides or slush or road blocks are pretty common in the month of monsoons but these landslides are cleared in a day or two unless there is a very major one. Having said that, rains does reach Ladakh nowadays but in general, it is overcast days or in form of light drizzles. I will suggest you also read my article on 10 Tips for a Trip to Ladakh in Monsoons.

      • Hi Dheeraj, I appreciate DOWs team’s efforts. We will be starting from Delhi on 1st of July to Srinagar and then to Leh. My question is — Is it safe to travel through Kashmir? every other day we keep getting news of Army and Militant clashes. Have heard some of the tourists were also troubled?
        Thank you.

        Regards,
        Jeevan

        • Jeevan, people are traveling, you need to take care and be cautious of not diverting from main tourist places and main highways, rest nothing much reported by anyone traveling in those parts.

  11. Hello Dhiraj and everyone. Just returned from the leh trip and it was an awesome experience. We followed the delhi Pathankot Srinagar kargil leh route and returned back via Manali route. The route is in good condition except for a few area but that will be worth the ride. The road between nubra and shkey is a bad condition but adventurous. Otherwise the rest part is a treat to drive on. Weather is fine and the road is very cleared. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip guys. Julley.

  12. Hey Dheeraj me and my friend sare traveling to leh via Srinagar. We will be leaving tomorrow. Can you please update on the road status as of these days.

    • Vivek, there is no news of Srinagar – Leh Highway being closed, so I am assuming it is open while Manali – Leh Highway was closed yesterday due to snowfall. It should open in a day or two

  13. Nataraj Das on

    Hi Dheeraj ji,
    We r a family group (including children ) from Kolkata . we are planning a trip for Leh from 15 September to 30 September as per following itinerary.
    17/9/18 :: Reaching Chandigarh then Manali
    18/9/18/:::Manali sightseeing
    19/9/18. ::: Manali to. Jispa
    20/9/18::: Jispa to Leh
    21/9/18 :: Leh local sightseeing
    22/9/18 :: Leh to Nubra valley
    23/9/18 :: Back to Leh
    24/9/18 :: Leh. to Pangong
    25/9/18 :: Back Leh
    26/9/18 :: Leh to Tsomariri
    27/9/18 :: Tsomariri to Leh
    28/9/18 :: Leh to Lamayur
    29/9/18 :: Back Leh
    30/9/18 :: Fly out for Kolkata
    Now I have some enquiry.
    1) Is this itinerary doable.or need something change ?
    2) weather of this time specially Pangong & Tsomariri ?
    3) we booked for our tempo traveller to Mr. Chamba( DOW reference ).is he a reliable person ?
    4) we r little worried about AMS .how can we reduced this .portable oxygen cylinder can any help .
    Hope we get your valuable suggestion.
    2)

    • Dear Mr Das,

      Your plan is good however, I see that almost every day you’ll be “ON THE ROADS” for an average of 5-6 hours or more. Well, with children accompanying….you may wanna have a re-look into the plan.

      I suggest you tweak your plan between 22-24th. My suggestion:

      22 Leh – Nobra
      23 Nobra – Pangong – Back to Karoo and stay overnight in Karoo.

      Tso-Moriri wouldn’t be possible back n forth in a single day with kids around. This time you may have to skip this part. 🙂

      I wouldn’t suggest you to stay overnight with kids t in Pangong and Tso-Moriri at that time (End of September) because of severe cold during the night and limited staying options. So if you return on 23rd to Leh, keep an additional day (24th Sept) just to be in Leh and rest. Plus its always good to keep some days in our hands for buffer while doing this kind of travels.

  14. Hi Dheeraj,
    Need your help!
    We are 5 friends, planning to travel Leh from Gurgaon on 8th June. We plan to go by Srinagar and come back by Manali route. Is there any probability of blockage at that time?

    • No one can be certain of any blockage but in general the roads will be open when you travel between Srinagar – Leh and Manali – Leh Highway unless there is any landslide in those days itself.

      • Thanks Dheeraj for the prompt reply, As we all are going Leh first time, So we are really confused which route to follow, I read your blog regarding that. But my friends are suggesting to take Manali route first, as its more beautiful and adventurous and we would not able to enjoy scenic beauty of it in second half of our trip because of exhaustion. Also we have 11-12 days, I made a rough itinerary from both sides:

        VIA MANALI
        June 8, 2018 Gurgaon Kharar 285 Km 5.5 Hours
        June 9, 2018 Kharar Solang 306 Km 8 Hours
        June 10, 2018 Solang Jispa 131 Km 4 Hours
        June 11, 2018 Jispa Leh 335 Km 9 Hours
        June 12, 2018 Stay at Leh/permit
        June 13, 2018 Leh-Khardungla Diskit-Hunder-Leh 200 KM(Total)
        June 14, 2018 Leh-Pangong Lake Leh 300 Km
        June 15, 2018 Leh Sonamarg 340 Km 8 Hours
        June 16, 2018 Sonamarg Patnitop 278 Km 8 Hours
        June 17, 2018 Patnitop Ludhiana 347 Km 7.5 Hours
        June 18, 2018 Ludhiana Gurgaon 347 Km 6 Hours

        VIA SRINAGAR
        June 8, 2018 Gurgaon Rajpura 262 Km 5 Hour
        June 9, 2018 Rajpura Chenani 416 Km 9 Hour
        June 10, 2018 Chenani Sonamarg 272 Km 8.5 Hour
        June 11, 2018 Sonmarg Leh 340 Km 8 Hour
        June 12, 2018 Stay At Leh
        June 13, 2018 Leh-Khardungla Diskit-Hunder-Leh 200 KM(Total)
        June 14, 2018 Leh-Pangong Lake Leh 300 Km
        June 15, 2018 Leh Jispa 340 Km
        June 16, 2018 Jispa Solang 131 Km 4 Hour
        June 17, 2018 Solang Kharar 306 Km 8 Hour
        June 18, 2018 Kharar Gurgaon 285 Km 5.5 Hours

        Please suggest which route to follow and verify respective itinerary for that.
        Thanks Again!

        • Swapan, both tour plans are doable but a bit hectic. Given the number of days you have in hand, I do not think you have any other option than to come back the Manali – Leh Highway and stay overnight at Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso while saving the day. Else, I always prefer traveling from Srinagar side, however, if you guys are inclined to go from Manali side you can opt for that itinerary else opt for second one.

  15. Tina Hult on

    Hi Everyone

    Fresh 5cm snowfall in lower passes. Baralacha La shut. Karoo to Sarchu is fine. Sarchu to Keylong disrupted due to Heavy snow at Baralacha La. Zozila, on the other hand is clear. Traffic is slow but clear. Leh Srinagar Highway is a better deal for the next 4-5 days.

    kindly plan your travel accordingly.

  16. I am planning on cycling (mountain bicycle) from Srinagar to Leh beginning in mid-May. I will take my time, as I am in no hurry. I understand the weather will be cool and unpredictable but from what I’ve read above, Zoji-La will likely be the only area where I may experience snow, slush and perhaps some difficulties. Would you agree? Thank you for any and all advice.

  17. Tina Hult on

    Hi Abhicrush

    Agree with Dheeraj. Our suggestion is to do two separate trips so that you take back good memories to cherish forever OR extend your travel span and then do both.

    Dheeraj has already added his inputs for your itinerary. Make sure you have permits before crossing over Chushul from Pangong side. Those permits are not regular.

    All the Best for your travel.

  18. Tina Hult on

    Hello Everyone!!

    There is fresh snowfall in whole of Leh since 8:30 am today (4th May)!! It’s lovely and very delightful! The temperatures are bearable and movements are normal.

    Shall update if there’s any sort of disruptions due to this.

    Thanks

  19. Hi Abhicrush

    I think you will be hard pressed if you wanna do Lahaul and Spiti AND Leh in 14 days.

    Send us a Day by Day Itinerary so that we can tell you whether that’ll be doable or not. Delhi – Shimla- Tabo- Kaza- Losar- chandratal- Chhatru- Gramphu- Keylong- Sarchu- Leh- Kargil- Srinagar- Delhi … in 14 days??

    You may wanna rethink that!

    Srinagar Leh Highway closed till 26th April.

    • Hi Tina

      Thanks for your help. I have prepared the below itinerary for this trip which is completely based on google maps and few itineraries from your older posts. Please review and let me know if any changes are required.

      Day 1 | Delhi – Shimla / Narkanda – SATURDAY (400 km/9-10 hrs)
      Day 2 | Narkanda -Sangla / Chitkul (Kinnaur Valley) – SUNDAY (185km/6 hrs)
      Day 3 | Chitkul – Pooh -Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo – MONDAY ( 250km/ 5-6 hrs)
      Day 4 | Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – kaza – Losar -kunzum la – Chandratal – TUESDAY ( 150km/ 5-6 hrs)
      Day 5 | Chandratal – battal – chatru – gramphu – rohtang pass – keylong – jispa – WEDNESSDAY ( 203km/ 4-5 hrs)
      Day 6 | Jispa – sarchu – pang – leh – THURSDAY (355km/8-9hrs)
      Day 7 | Leh Sight seeing + ILP – Friday
      Day 8 | Leh – khardung la – kardungla village – diskit – hunder – diskit – SATURDAY (140km/5hrs)
      Day 9 | Nubra valley to pangong tso (spangmik) via agham shyok – SUNDAY (190km/6-7hrs)
      Day 10 | Spangmik – Merak – Chushul – karzok (Tso Moriri) – MONDAY (210km/ 7-8 hrs)
      Day 11 | Karzok to Leh via shey, thiksey, stakna – TUSEDAY ( 211km /5-6 hrs)
      Day 12 | Leh – Kargil -Dras – WEDNESSDAY (280km/6-7 hrs)
      Day 13 | Dras – sonamarg – srinagar – patnitop – udhampur – THURSDAY (381km/ 11-12 hrs)
      Day 14 | Udhampur – pathankot – jalandhar – ludhiana – ambala – Delhi ( 624km/ 11-12hrs)

      • Below are my inputs:

        1. Avoid staying at Chitkul that early in the trip as it is high altitude and you might end up with AMS issues. Stay at Sangla or better Kalpa to be on course with the journey.
        2. Day 4 should be broken at Kaza to enjoy else all the way up to Chandratal will be too much and not so enjoyable.
        3. I assume you will split Day 4 into two days, whole plan shifts one day. By that means, you will reach Leh on Day 7.
        4. Rest your plan is OK and doable but still hectic with long hrs on road on each day. I hope you are ready with it and prepared both mentally and physically.
        5. The permit for Chusul – Tsaga la route is being given on on-off basis and requires a special stamp from DC office to be present. Else you will be sent back from Chusul checkpost.

        PS: DO NOT follow the hrs at all what you have listed, there are things in this world yet that Google cannot do and timing for journeys in the Himalayas is one such thing 😛 (example Spangmik to Korzok is easy 10-12+ hrs drive)

  20. Hi Dheeraj,

    I’m planning to do a complete circuit of spiti and leh and i’ll be travelling on my own vehicle (car) in june first week. I have prepared an itinerary for 14 days to cover both the places ( 4-5 days for Spiti valley and 7 days for Leh, nubra valley and pangong tso and tso moriri). However, wanted to be sure which route would be better to avoid AMS — (delhi -shimla -narkanda -chitkul -tabo -kaza -chandratal -keylong -leh) or (delhi -srinagar -leh – nubra valley -pangong tso -tso moriri – keylong -chandratal -tabo -kaza- chitkul -shimla -delhi) . Please advise as i would be travelling with my wife and friends. Also, please share any itinerary for the the complete trip (leh +Spiti).

    Your suggestion will be great help for us…

    Thanks.

    • Tina has already replied and I will suggest the same. I will suggest making two different trips, one for Spiti and one for Ladakh to enjoy most out of it else make it about 18 days trip. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.

  21. Fresh Snowfall in Sonmarg and Baltal. Vehicular movements disturbed. Please check with BRO before driving on that highway.

  22. HI
    I am travelling on 2nd August from Srinagar to Kargill

    Will start journey from Srinagar airport by 10.30am by SUV

    How much time it will take to reach Kargil & also is it possible to reach same day or I need to take Halt in transit

    PL advice

    • Ritesh, you will be able to reach Kargil in 7-8 hrs from Srinagar airport. No need to take night halt in between, Do Srinagar to Kargil and Kargil to Leh next day.

  23. is the road closed for srinagar leh highway. when it will open.can i travel on 27 april2018. please reply me as soon as possible .

    • Well, it is the temporary closure that will keep happening throughout the season now. There was a fresh snowfall and road will open in a day or two if not already open.

        • No one can guarantee, if there is a landslide it may be closed for a day or two. However, the highways has been opened for the season so high chances are it will be open but keep in mind that any road in the Himalayas can close on any day due to a landslide not just Srinagar – Leh road.

      • Hey…

        They closed it for a few days with the fresh snowfall. But that wasn’t too much of a snow and the route is clear. It’a kinda raining cats and dogs though. Its better to plan the road trip during the last days of April. After 25th that is. 🙂

  24. IT IS POSSIBLE TO REACH LEH FROM SRINAGAR IN ONE DAY WHEN I START THE JOURNEY IN EARLY MORNING.

    • Yes, it will take about 15-16 Hrs to reach Leh from Srinagar in one day. A lot of shared local taxis does it by leaving early morning/late night and reach Leh by evening.

    • Naocha
      I was start my journey from leh early 5:24 AM and I reached at srinagar 2:35 pm
      We take only around 9 hours. I completed my trip before 2 day.

        • Yes sir
          It’s unbelievable.
          We started our journey from leh 5:24 AM
          When we reached at Kagan village there is stone-pelting so we wait there 45 mints.
          And our night Holt at Bhatinda city (1:46 AM).

  25. Dear,
    I’m planning for a road trip during May 5 to May 12 to leh, either Srinagar to leh
    Or manali to leh.
    Whichever route is opened. I’m planning it on a swift 2018 model. It’s the only car I got. And I don’t want to rent a car. It is possible? To make the trip? Please guide. I hope you don’t say swift can’t it!

    • Imran, Possible = Yes, Difficult = Yes, at quite a few place. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.

    • Somenath Biswas on

      Hi Imran,

      Juley!!

      I am a strict follower of this community. Last year I went to Leh – Ladakh from Delhi via Srinagar and back via Sarchu, Manali. I took advise from Dheeraj Ji. I also went by my Swift – Petrol 2017 model.
      I would suggest you to increase the ground clearance of the car. For that visit a good workshop dealing with suspensions. I did that from Karol Bagh, New Delhi and it was so perfect. Till date (touch wood) I did not face any issues and my trip was excellent one.
      We were 4 members in the car. (Don’t take more than 4 people in your car) as you have to carry petrol jar cans to carry fuel from Leh onwards as there is no pump after that.
      I am again planning for Leh this time. Journey starts on 14th July’18 till 26th July’18, with my same old Swift. So no worries….
      However, you have be very cautious if you are travelling to/from Manali. Srinagar road is much better than the road via Manali.
      Petrol cars are more helpful than diesel cars as I have seen diesel cars getting off many times in Khardungla Pass and Zozila Pass due to deficiency of Oxygen!
      🙂

  26. Srinagar – Leh Highway Status Update = SNOW CLEARED

    Srinagar – Leh Highway has been cleared of snow and soon the vehicles will be allowed for movement once road widening work completes in a next few days. BRO may allow vehicles movement over Zojila Pass connecting Srinagar to Leh in next few days

  27. Abdul Razak S on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    What is the possibility of opening (Srinagar – Leh) Highway on 3rd week of April???
    I am planning a road trip in Scorpio.

    Please assist me??

    Regards,
    Abdul Razak S

  28. LEONARD WANGKHEIMAYUM on

    HI DHEERAJ, I HAVE A TRIP TO LEH FROM SRINAGAR ON 27TH APRIL WILL IT BE POSSIBLE TO GO LEH BY BIKES..
    KINDLY SUGGEST ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

  29. Vikas jain on

    Dear Dheeraj sir,

    I am a avid reader of your blog since 2016 when I took my first Leh Ladakh trip. It is really a boon for novice as well as experienced to know each and everything they should know for planning their trip to Himalaya.

    Sir actually this year I was planning for a trip to Leh Ladakh via Delhi – Srinagar – Leh -Manali – Delhi through a bike tour organisers. To search this I came across one site which organise bike tour . Is this site related to you sir? Bcz it has name which almost resemble with ur site.. if no can you please suggest a good bike tour organiser which I can choose for my upcoming adventure..TIA..

    • PLEASE note Discover with Dheeraj is a Travel Platform to share information with fellow like-minded travelers for FREE. We neither organize any tours nor offer any travel packages. There are some people who do sell tours and run commercial things with same or similar names like ours with few spelling changes. Please BEWARE of such copycats using our name to disguise fellow travelers, as they use our name or similar name to fool people for their own commercial purpose and in the past, we have heard tons of complaints about them from the people who got confused in entities and ended up trips with them.

      We at Discover with Dheeraj Travel Platform offer sufficient information we possibly can from road conditions to routes to maps to hotel details to day by day plans and other advises that one need to make a successful Himalayan trip including Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand or North-East thoroughly. This will save you a lot of money and hassles too which you can use to buy something good for you or to help the ones in need in Himalayas 🙂 🙂

      If you are looking for competitive and customized tour and packages, you can connect with info@offbeatescapes.com (Gaurav) or contact@thehimalayanmonk.com (Ranjeet) as most of the readers in the past few years have had very good feedback about both of them and especially their transparent policies along with being there with you all the time in need. So, we trust them the most. You can refer my name or DoW to them as both of them knows us very well and should be able to offer some special rates being a DoW Member. You can just refer them the DwD Community Member Username in such a case or screenshot/link of this reply here.

      • Anil saini on

        Hello dheeraj

        We are two friends and coming Srinagar on 29 April .we have return flight from leh on 6 may .

        We are worried about road conditions in may first week because we have to come leh by road on 1 of may .so please tell us about the highway condition.

        Anil Saini

        • Hey Anil,

          Srinagar – Leh Highway might have just opened or may not have opened for public commute. So, keep a check on this article for updated road conditions.

        • Anil saini on

          Thank you for feedback I am continue following your comments and updates please keep us upto date about road conditions.thank you again .

        • Sure Anil, this thread will be kept updated as and when we receive any change in info. on the status of Srinagar – Leh Highway. As of now, in last couple of days, there has been a heavy snowfall all over the Himalayas and all snow clearance operations have come to an halt

  30. Dear Subbu

    Hi, I am a certified A Level Mountaineer, a hard core trekker and an avid traveller. I am almost a native (now) of Ladhakh. You have 99% chances of bumping into me during your travel because I will be there all of May, June and July and back again on End of September till December 5th :). Find me on Insta (tina_the_soul_traveller).

    Was reading through your post. Your plan is pretty much doable (also as mentioned by Dheeraj), however, what catches my apprehension, is that, you have 3 kids and I see that theres only ONE DAY (close to 24 hours) that you will be relaxing in Leh. Rest all the days you are “On the roads”!!

    My suggestion to you is to take one more day (12-18 hours of rest before you begin your return trip from Leh to Jispa. I am not aware of your kids’ ages, however, I will suggest you take one more day’s rest. 🙂

    All The Best for your travel!

    • Hi Tina,

      Thank you so much for your suggestion. I see many people like you and Dheeraj who are helping the traveler like me. you all are really doing a great job. I really appreciate the kindness, support, and generosity of you people.
      we are traveling with 3 kids (2 are 14 years & 1 is 10 years). in fact i would love to extend my stay but due to lack of time I am force to start from Leh to Manali on Day-8. I once again thank you and Dheeraj for the support.

      • Pleasure, best wishes for the trip as Tina suggested, you are with family do not take everything as planned. Have some room for compromises too and ready for change in plans.

        • Thank you Dheeraj bhai….i will definitely keep you suggestions in my mind….

          I will keep disturbing you till I complete my trip….hope you will not mind!!

        • Hi Dheeraj Bhai….

          I am in touch with one taxi owner/driver Mr.Mohammed Noor from Srinagar (reference from your portal), he says he got a permit of Jammu & Kashmir as well as Himachal Pradesh …so that he can take us around both states and finally drop us till /Manali/Chandigarh

          I felt it is more convenient to hire a single driver for my whole trip …can I go ahead and finalize with him…. your suggestion will be very helpful for me….

        • There is no such permit as far as I know. He might have some settings with locals or will tip them off but nothing that is as per rules. He might provide you different taxis anyhow. Only a Ladakhi taxi can do the above circuit if they agree to come and pick you up from Srinagar.

    • Nikhil Yadav on

      Hi Tina & Dheeraj,

      I am planning to drive down to Leh from Delhi with my wife and 5 yr old kid.
      Wanted to know, how many days will be sufficient to complete the whole circuit.
      Initially I am planning for about 2 weeks, extending it will be a bit difficult.
      @Tina, can you please share your contact details if I need to have a few queries asked as I am travelling with a kid. You can connect with me at ny.nikhil@gmail.com.

      Thanks.

  31. Santhosh Kumar Gaikwad on

    Hi Dheeraj,
    Am Santhosh from Bangalore. We are planning Chandigarh – Leh – Manali – Chandigarh in my 4×4 safari storme in the first week of May 2018.
    Please check my plan –
    04/27/2018 Friday Night flight from BLR From Start time To Expected Arrival Time
    04/28/2018 Saturday Chandigarh 10:00 AM Udhampur 8:00 PM
    04/29/2018 Sunday Mada 5:00 AM Srinagar 12:00 PM
    04/30/2018 Monday Activities Srinagar
    05/01/2018 Tuesday Srinagar 7:00 AM Dras 7:00 PM
    05/02/2018 Wednesday Dras 7:00 AM Leh 5:00 AM
    05/03/2018 Thursday Activities in Leh
    05/04/2018 Friday
    05/05/2018 Saturday
    05/06/2018 Sunday
    05/07/2018 Monday
    05/08/2018 Tuesday
    05/09/2018 Wednesday Leh 5:00 AM Manali 8:00 PM
    05/10/2018 Thursday Activities in Manali
    05/11/2018 Friday Manali 5:00 AM Chandigarh 5:00 PM
    05/12/2018 Saturday Chandigarh 1:00 PM Bangalore 5:00 PM

    Still, need to work out on the complete plan near Leh and Manali. But arrival time and exit are almost frozen. Please suggest

    • You can follow the plan below:

      05/04/2018 Friday Leh – Nubra Valley
      05/05/2018 Saturday Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso
      05/06/2018 Sunday Pangong Tso – Leh
      05/07/2018 Monday Leh – Tso Moriri
      05/08/2018 Tuesday Tso Moriri – Sarchu/Jispa
      05/09/2018 Wednesday Reach Manali.

      Please don’t go by the dates, as Manali – Leh Highway most likely will not be open that early in the season.

      • Santhosh Kumar Gaikwad on

        @dheeraj Thank you for the Quick response! You are doing an awesome job man.

        in case of Leh – Manali did not open, am still fine to come back from Srinagar side. But I want to drive when snow cover is still there till Leh. Ready to take a little risk there.

        Am hoping for Srinagar Leh route getting clear by April end.

        • Hmm, it well Zojila Pass will surely have snow and will be the only place where you will find snow. Rest of the places, snow will not be there. Then when you go over to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, then you will see snow but that is also possible in late May as well. Manali – Leh Highway is the main place where you get to see most snow on entire Ladakh circuit. So, by not doing it, you will surely be missing the real adventure feel of Ladakh tour 🙂

  32. Hi Dheeraj,
    I am subbu from Bangalore, hope you remember me…last year I had planned Ladakh trip with your great guidance but cancelled after booking flight tickets due to some unavoidable reasons.
    Again we are (4 elders & 3 kids) planning this year and already booked ticket from Bangalore to Srinagar on May 25, 2018. My itinerary is as below – between May 25, 2018 to June 2, 2018 (10 days):
    Day 1 – Fly to Srinagar – overnight stay at Srinagar
    Day 2 – Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozila – Drass – Kargil
    Day 3 – Kargil – Lamayuru – Magnetic Hills – Leh
    Day 4 – Explore Leh town
    Day 5 – Leh – Khardung La – Hunder – Nubra
    Day 6 – Nubra – Pangong Tso Lake
    Day 7 – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
    Day 8 – Leh – Manali
    Day 9 – Leh – Manali
    Day 10 – Manali to Chandigarh & fly back to Bangalore

    Is this schedule is doable or any changes require
    As we are travelling with 3 kids which is the best place to stay while returning to Manali

    Your suggestion will be great helpful for us….

    • Hey Subbu,

      I hope you are doing great, good to connect with you again !!

      Your plan is good and doable. On Day 8, you should try for Leh to Jispa or Keylong and on Day 9 it will be Jispa/Keylong to Manali.

      • Hi Deeraj bhai,

        hope you are doing great….

        is Srinagar – Kargil route is open which was closed last week….and any update on Leh – Manali route…

        once again thank you for your great support..

        Subbu

        • Hi Dheeraj,

          We are arriving at Srinagar on 25th May & Returning via Manali on 1 June, can you please update us on the road and weather condition after recent rain and snowfall.