Manali - Leh road status, 2009

[Yogesh Sarkar]

He is out of coverage area at the moment, if he has gone ahead, then he wouldn't be in touch for the next couple of days as there is no signal between Jispa and Karu. Though there is a chance he might be backtracking to Mandi and then heading to Pathankot, in which case once again he would be in and out of signal area.

[sterintjose]

Nature is playing with tourers like anything. It is very sad that Mad Rider got struck with closed roads. Hope for the best ..... (as we can only hope)

Originally Posted by Yogesh Sarkar

Depends, in July 2005 it was snowing at Rohtang pass and the pass had closed down. In any case there are usually land slides at Gulaba and various other places which blocks the road for couple of days.

Closed mountain passes in July too !!!! We were hoping that at least in July everything will be in place ..... Hence Planned it for July 11th ..... Let Us See

Those who are still in the Phase of planning may plan it for June second half (as Deepak told) ... be on safer side than wandering for tents and accommodation on the way

[deepak5150]

Alright guys,

this should serve as FIRST HAND REPORT from Naveen who reached Leh an hour ago in his pajero . I spoke to him 5 mins back and this was his narration / advice to all of us who wants to go driving/riding to leh via Manali Leh highway this week.

"DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DO THIS STRETCH FOR THE NEXT ONE WEEK ATLEAST" - quote verbatim !

The good news (Is it reaaly, i wonder?)is that the stretch from keylong to leh is officially open TO ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES since 2 hours but given the atrocious road condition, one may need to rethink about doing it this week (atleast till saturday, 30th may). The Baralachala pass was closed when Naveen attempted it and the guys had to spend 36 hours on biscuits n water taking shelter in thier pajero. The dhaba tents are fever in number and they r not fully geared yet to fight the erractic climate.

Special request and advice to NANCHALH from Naveen - "Dont ever try to get that Swift you were talking about, cuz that machine will be laid to rest enroute Leh". POTHOLES n craters are as deep as 2 - 3 foot and a guy who attempted to do it in his M800 ended burying his car in a huge crater which otherwise on the periphery looked like anyother big puddle of water.

For bikers - The story isnt rosy as well, The first 10 machismo 500 which left Keylong had lotsa slip n falls, adding to thier woes were lack of accomodation which left them stranded again for 12 hours in freezing temperatures forcing them to wear thier helmets n sleep (Uhhhh).

Am not sure of Srinagar - Leh, though.But for people who want to do Manali Leh, i suggest you postpone your journey by a week as the repair work is expeditiously happening at a full scale.I didnt wanted to prolong the conversation with naveen owing to his tiresome journey n he was indeed sounding like a victorious soldier who had just returned from the battlefield and yes, this battle was hard n longest.

Our journey on 4 bikes starts on 14th june from Manali, so watch this space..Till then be safe n happy riding !

[razorBlades]

if manali-leh is closed, we can still use the route via kargil rite?
what about pangong tso, khardhungla and nubra? will they be open for visits?

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Thanks for the update Deepak, did the Enfield riders made it to Leh?

[deepak5150]

YS, Not sure if the bikers made it. My guess is,They would have,as they left before Naveen.

razor - As i mentioned earlier, didnt wanted to extend my talks with naveen as he was tired.We must give him a day's time,after which the information collection bout Pangong tso n othger places will happen automatically. Will keep you updated

[Gaurav Pai]

Thanks for the updates deepak, Me too starting my tour on 16th June from Manali. What do you think? will the conditions be ok?? YS, how are the conditions every year in Mid june period? Is this the only year in which things are so severe or this is the scenario every year??

Regards,
Gaurav Pai

[suman]

Hmmm, looks pretty bad. To be honest, can't see it improving much in a week's time either. If nothing else, the road conditions will add an an extra four or five hours to the journey time. And tents will not be up in Sarchu either..........

[tsk1979]

Well suman, the pajero made its own road, I guess a week later it will be your turn!

[deepak5150]

Gaurav - we r still good 20 days away from the start, hence relying on the basic concept of 'Change', the weather shud change n improve. Although there is an alternate route (Srinagar - Leh), in either of the routes even an experienced person's clairvoyance is rendered useless cuz its mother nature against whom your r guessing.Lets pray n hope for the best n am sure WE WILL MAKE IT BUDDY.

SUMAN -When is ur departure? and from Where brother?