Ladakh in December- By Road

[ßlåçk Pærl]

Hello Friends,

I am sure this won't be a new question in this forum. I am 100% determined to travel to Leh with one of my friend in December (22-31). I am sure 10 days won't be enough but I'm good even if it takes 8 days of travel and 2 days in Leh (Delhi-Leh-Delhi).

I am completely aware of the harsh conditions and cons of travelling during this period by road. Said that, the travel is more important to me than anything else. Since Manali route would be blocked, so I am left with Srinagar route and Kaza route.

I would need some expert guidance about which route to choose and what to take care of?

Your friend- Kalyan

 

[Alpha]

Kalyan, in all probability all road routes to Leh will be inaccessible by December. Kaza Route will get blocked at Kunzum Pass. Even Srinagar route will be blocked at Zojila Pass. You will have to reschedule your trip or else you can fly down to Leh and hire a taxi to travel around Leh.

 

[SJM1214]

Road journey to Ladakh is not possible in December. There are no roads. Almost all high passes will be blocked during December.

Srinagar - Leh highway.Zoji La will be blocked.
Kaza - Leh passes through .Kunzum pass will be blocked.
Manali -Leh. Rohtang, Baralachla and all other passes will be blocked.

Moreover, there won't be any rescue activity by Indian Army. Even Indian army leave some of their posts after November 15. Checkpoints at Sonmarg or Darcha won't allow you to move ahead.

Plan your journey by flight.

 

[ßlåçk Pærl]

First of all thanks for your inputs.

Well, I am more inclined towards Kaza route.. I know Kunzum may be inaccessible but the kind of weather shift we are seeing, the snow I believe would start post mid of Dec rather than first week of Dec. In that case, I am "hopeful" that I can get away with Kunzum La. What are your thoughts?

We don't want to fly. Our goal is to ride. So please suggest a way so that we can get through.. Thanks a lot.. Your suggestions would be really valuable to me.

 

[SJM1214]

First of all thanks for your inputs.

Well, I am more inclined towards Kaza route.. I know Kunzum may be inaccessible but the kind of weather shift we are seeing, the snow I believe would start post mid of Dec rather than first week of Dec. In that case, I am "hopeful" that I can get away with Kunzum La. What are your thoughts?

We don't want to fly. Our goal is to ride. So please suggest a way so that we can get through.. Thanks a lot.. Your suggestions would be really valuable to me.

I don't know why... but from last many years I have noticed that Kunzum is a notorious pass..it opens late and closes early. Competitively it is lower than other passes .

My question is what after Kunzum? THERE are four more passes and all'll of them are higher & will be blocked. Moreover Darcha CP will not allow you to go ahead..

Sometime back I heard about a route kaza to Karzok(tso moriri) ..but I think it's just track and not a motorable road



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[Alpha]

First of all thanks for your inputs.

Well, I am more inclined towards Kaza route.. I know Kunzum may be inaccessible but the kind of weather shift we are seeing, the snow I believe would start post mid of Dec rather than first week of Dec. In that case, I am "hopeful" that I can get away with Kunzum La. What are your thoughts?

We don't want to fly. Our goal is to ride. So please suggest a way so that we can get through.. Thanks a lot.. Your suggestions would be really valuable to me.

there is hardly any remote chances of Kunzum pass being open after mid-December. But you can try your luck. Still, it could be life threatening attempt. Moreover assuming that you go through and reach Leh, you might not be lucky enough to find the passes open on your return. Decide wisely.

 

[ßlåçk Pærl]

Any thoughts about First week of December i.e. 2nd-10th ?

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

There is absolutely no way Kunzum La is going to be open, it is one of the first passes to close and the last pass to open!

Manali – Leh Highway might be open, if there isn’t very heavy snowfall. However, it will have snow and ice on the road, in case it is open and you will be on your own. If something happens, no one is going to come and rescue you. Nothing available between Darcha and Rumtse.

Srinagar – Leh Highway could be open. However, it can close down fairly easily with heavy snowfall. On top of it, the army might not allow you to cross it. They usually allow only local vehicles when the things get risky.

 

[adsatinder]

We don't want to fly. Our goal is to ride.
So please suggest a way so that we can get through..
Thanks a lot..
Your suggestions would be really valuable to me.

Best way to travel to Ladakh in snow season is start making tunnels for all passes.
All Ladakhi Locals will thank you more than another !
Seriously !

Govt is keeping Zozila tunnel project also at low pace only.
Tenders etc are slow process.

I can see your determination.
I hope you will do the needful.....

Thanking You in advance !
All Locals of Ladakh