2019 Manali-Leh Road Status

[Yogesh Sarkar]

You can find all the information you need on the road status and opening dates of the Manali – Leh Highway in 2019. So make sure to subscribe to this thread for all the updates.

Manali – Leh Highway: The Manali – Leh Highway has finally opened for the season.

Those planning to travel on it in the coming days are advised to keep ample food and water with them, in anticipation of jams likely to occur at narrow parts of the passes. Furthermore, road condition will be poor with snow and water on the road, during the initial couple of weeks.

 

[rameshtahlan]

WEATHER UPDATE 6 Feb and 7 Feb 2019

This year the WD snowstorm have brought more snow than seen in recent times,
So the snow from previous snowstorm is already there,
this snowstorm is big and will add even more snow.
Also there is lots of rain along with this WD along the foot hills.
So exercise caution,
get to your destination before the storm arrives on 5 Feb.
both on 6 and 7 Feb the snowfall could be pretty huge.
So it will be fun, but if you are not careful, it can get you into trouble.
If you on a bike trip to inner regions, would be a good idea not to do it alone, have another biker with you on a different bike.
Same for guys going in deep in own cars, good idea to have another car with you or better still one should be a 4x4.

 

[rameshtahlan]

WEATHER UPDATE for 12 and 13 Feb 2019

A rather huge WD is approaching.
have been keeping a track of it. It will bring loads of snowfall starting on 12, and even more 13. Lets wait and see what happens on 14.
There is a huge amount of moisture incursion taking place from the gulf region and Arabian Sea.

Guys who are already at Gulmarg have almost 3 to 4 feet of snow, right up to half the height of the hotel window.

Fight out of Srinagar have been cancelled for toady.
Tomorrow there should be open sky, and hopefully flights will resume.

So those planning for 12 and 13, better be well prepared.
With the amount of snow already on the ground,
this will add to it.

First image if for 12 Feb, second image is of 13 Feb.
I am sure with the annotations on the screen shots you will understand the situation.

 

[rameshtahlan]

WEATHER UPDATE. Video. 11 to 17 Feb 2019

Ok guys,
another huge WD is approaching,

As days zero in we will have to see if it is going to be bigger than the last one or same or a bit less.

But it will affect the whole of Himalayas right up to Arunachal Pradesh.

Specially those heading to Spit Valley right up to Kaza or maybe beyond,
don't push your luck, go till were you can go.
when you see that it is getting tough,
turn back, and get a Home Stay, and enjoy a full White Spiti.
Off course if you on a 4x4 with snow chains on all 4 tyres,
you would be able to go further. But then again, there is a limit to how much you can push onwards.
Take a decision well in time, it will be fun where ever you are.
If you do get stuck at Kaza or Pin Valley, remember you may be there for a few says, as lots of snow has already come from last snowstorm,
So don't panic. in 2 days or even a week you will be able to head back when it gets safer to move on the roads.
But never try your luck in these regions and snowfall.
Know when to turn back to a safer place, and you will still enjoy snowfall and all white around you.

So be prepared, and go well prepared.
lot of rain also will take place,
be careful of landslides.

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Opening roads this year will be an extremely difficult job and if this continues like this, we might get record delays.

 

[rameshtahlan]

Opening roads this year will be an extremely difficult job and if this continues like this, we might get record delays.

I agree,

But it is good that the snowfall is increasing, and not from tourist point of view, but for local crops in mountains that depend on winter snow when it thaws in Spring, but also from point of view from fresh water to rivers.

And there sure gonna be lot of speculation on road opening dates.
My guess is Manali Leh highway will open 3rd week Jun.
Srinagar Leh will open in 2nd week may to 3rd week May.

Happy Landings.

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

My guess is still for the first week of June, because this is election year and all the agencies will have more resources to do it. Additionally, I expect the Rohtang tunnel to be pressed into service for the BRO and administration, so they might be able to move quicker.

 

[rameshtahlan]

yes. could happen. election year does wonders.

I even saw for the first time roads being swept in Dwarka,
and Mechanical sweepers on road

But the problem is that by evening due to the wind the dust and sand that is on the divider and pavements is blown onto road, by morning it is as if nothing was done.
Development means developing dividers as green, and making sure huge piles of sand and muck is not left on the road payments.
So it is an exercise in futility.

 

[rameshtahlan]

WEATHER UPDATE, 2 Mar 2019, Sunday.

So for those guys who have missed all the fun of feeling the snowfall on your head,
well,
here is your chance again.

Lot of rainfall expected starting Saturday,
so be careful of landslides.
already the mountains sides are saturated with water from past strong WDs,
so landslides could take place more easily.

Happy Landings.

 

[hemal12]

Hi All,
I am planning to do a road trip from Pune to Leh Ladakh for 20 days beginning 18th May,2019. Any guesses if roads will be open. Currently our plan is to reach Leh via Srinagar and return via Manali. Any information will be helpful for us to plan.

Also we 3 friends will be accompanied by our kids, youngest being 8 years old. Will it be safe to do the trip during this period with kids