When does the Manali to Leh road open?

[Ratkes]

We are planning a trip to Leh in 2009 and we have from the beginning of june till the end of the last week in july. We have got 2 weeks and would like ideas as to which is the best 2 weeks. We will be traveling from Chandigarh and would like to avoid (as much as possible) too much rain and then ensure that the passes are clear of snow. Our thoughts are the last week in june and the first week in july.
Regards Ratkes.

[KurtRules]

Hi Ratkes ... Late June, u ll find snow at the passes for sure .... I believe firrst week of september would be a gud time for ur visit as per ur requirements, monsoons would have subsided.

[hiambuj]

Ratkes, welcome to BCMTouring..

Well Snow at passes in this region could be found anytime of the year....you can witness snowfall on any day or evening at the high altitude passes or places like Sarchu... BUT, the roads are worth travelling from 1st week of June when all the major Snow is removed by BRO and the passes (read roads on passes) are clear from Snow...

Secondly, the Ladakh region is most picturesque in june/early july... with lot of snow on the mountains.... I would advise to start maximum by Mid june if not earlier...

[Prasham]

I Agree with Kurt as well as Hiambuj on various points!

While September would ensure dry run... Ratkes has already mentioned he's willing to go in june or july.

Go in End june and you shall be able to see some snow, that wouldn't hamper your ride.

[Ratkes]

thanks for the replies. We cannot go any later than the first week in july because of work and family commitments. I keep getting conflicting information about your monsoon season. We are used to rain, but possibly not the scale that you get it. Your country looks fabulous and we are all looking forward to our adventure in Ladakh
Regards Ratkes.

[Yogesh Sarkar]

You want to avoid the rains then go in the 2-3week of June.

[Ratkes]

Okay, can you tell me what we can expect on this route. If you could give us some indication as to what weather we can expect along the route,, then we can take a decision as to which which date we start. I understand that you cannot be too specific but you must have a better idea than we have. what I am really asking is do we go in mid june or the third week in june?
Regards Ratkes.

[hiambuj]

Ratkes... Mid June or Third week, doesnt differ much... there are less possibilities of rain between Manali & Leh (also between Delhi & Manali, but thats not whats bothering you in any case)... This year the monsoon was early in India, but it didnt rain much in the Manali - Leh region till mid july...

Weather would be the best to travel in Mid june... Expect some chilly cold winds on passes & a warm sunny day otherwise.... You need extra protection from cold on Passes & in nights (nights would go even subzero temperature)...

My advice, start on 14th - 15th June ...

[anupmathur]

Originally Posted by hiambuj

My advice, start on 14th - 15th June ...

I'd second that.
Last year, I went first of July, reached Leh 7th July (went via Srinagar).
Believe me, Leh was much too hot around mid-day. We regularly returned to our rooms, had an afternoon siesta and then went out again late evenings!
Can't say I'd want to do a repeat in that kind of weather!

[Ratkes]

There is nothing like local knowledge! Thanks for that. Cold we can cope with, we come from a cold part of the world so that is no problem to us. Now we can start booking flights.
Regards Ratkes.