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Srinagar Leh Highway

Road Status & Complete Guide 2024

Srinagar Leh Highway

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the majestic Srinagar Leh Highway, a route renowned for its breathtaking vistas and challenging terrain. From the tranquil shores of Dal Lake in Srinagar to the towering peaks of Leh, brace yourself for an epic road trip through some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.

In the Himalayan region, heavy snowfall blankets the highway between December and February, resulting in road closures until late March or beyond. When the road reopens, traffic is initially limited, with vehicles allowed from only one direction each day. This alternating pattern—Srinagar to Leh, then Leh to Srinagar—typically lasts for 2-3 weeks until the road stabilizes and two-way traffic resumes.

Srinagar Leh Highway

To facilitate planning for your Ladakh adventure, we’ve segmented the 418 km stretch of the Srinagar to Leh Highway into five zones:

  • Zone 1: Srinagar to Sonmarg (80 km)
  • Zone 2: Sonmarg to Zojila Pass (24 km)
  • Zone 3: Zojila Pass to Kargil (100 km)
  • Zone 4: Kargil to Lamayuru (139 km)
  • Zone 5: Lamayuru to Leh (135 km)

Notably, the Zojila Pass, spanning Zones 2 and 3, often experiences closures due to heavy snow. Therefore, clearance efforts prioritize these zones to facilitate traffic movement.

Presently, Zones 2 and 3 are CLOSED due to recent heavy snowfall. According to updates from local authorities and the Border Roads Organization (BRO), the road will reopen for traffic once snow clearance operations are complete. Stay tuned for further updates on the Srinagar Leh Highway status.

Srinagar Leh Highway Status

As of 01 March 2024, the Srinagar Leh Highway is closed. The deep insights of the road status is given zone wise so that you can plan your trip to Kashmir or Ladakh accordingly. 

OPENSrinagar to Sonmarg (80 km)

This segment of the journey takes travelers from the bustling city of Srinagar to the picturesque town of Sonmarg, covering approximately 80 kilometers. The road condition is generally good, offering smooth travel amidst stunning landscapes of lush valleys and snow-capped peaks.

CLOSEDSonmarg to Zojila Pass (24 km)

This leg of the journey spans approximately 24 kilometers from the enchanting town of Sonmarg to the challenging Zojila Pass. The road condition is often challenging, especially due to the rugged terrain and frequent inclement weather conditions, making it advisable to proceed with caution.

CLOSEDZojila Pass to Kargil (100 km)

This stretch covers around 100 kilometers from the formidable Zojila Pass to the historic town of Kargil. The road condition can be challenging, characterized by steep ascents and descents, narrow passages, and unpredictable weather. It’s essential for travelers to exercise caution and be prepared for varying road conditions along the route.

OPENKargil to Lamayuru (139 km)

Traveling approximately 139 kilometers from the town of Kargil to the ancient village of Lamayuru, this route offers moderate road conditions. While some sections may be uneven or winding, overall, the journey is relatively smooth, allowing travelers to enjoy the captivating landscapes of rugged mountains and barren valleys along the way.

OPEN Lamayuru to Leh (135 km)

Covering a distance of approximately 135 kilometers from the scenic village of Lamayuru to the vibrant town of Leh, this route boasts good road conditions. Travelers can expect a smooth journey amidst stunning Himalayan vistas, with well-maintained roads allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable drive through this breathtaking terrain.

Best time to travel via Srinagar Leh Highway

Traveling through the Srinagar Leh Highway is a thrilling experience, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and pristine landscapes. However, it’s essential to time your journey right to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here’s a guide to the best times to travel along this iconic route:

Winter Closure
During the winter months, typically from December to February, the Srinagar Leh Highway is closed due to heavy snowfall. The road becomes impassable, making travel impossible.

Reopening in March
The highway usually reopens by the last week of March or early April, depending on weather conditions and snow clearance operations. Travelers eagerly await this reopening, marking the beginning of the tourist season.

One-Way Traffic in the initial phase
In the initial days after reopening, traffic along the Srinagar Leh Highway is often restricted to one-way movement. This controlled traffic flow helps manage the influx of vehicles and ensures safety on the road.

Ideal Time: May – June
The best time to travel along the Srinagar Leh Highway is from May to June. During this period, the roads are fully settled, offering smooth and comfortable driving conditions. The weather is pleasant, and travelers can enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscapes.

Temporary Closures due to Rain
While the summer months of July and August offer favorable weather for travel, occasional rainfall can lead to temporary road closures. It’s essential to stay updated on weather forecasts and road conditions during this time.

Best Time Again: August – October
Following the monsoon season, from August to October, is another excellent time to travel via the Srinagar Leh Highway. By this time, rainfall has subsided, and the roads are in optimal condition for travel.

Late November Snowfall
As winter approaches, usually by late November, snowfall resumes in the region, leading to the closure of the Srinagar Leh Highway once again. Travelers should plan their journeys accordingly and be prepared for road closures during this time.

2024

Srinagar Leh Highway Status month Wise

When preparing for your Ladakh adventure, it’s vital to remain updated on the condition of the Srinagar Leh Highway, as it is prone to closures. Here, we provide comprehensive and regularly updated information on road status, sourced directly from our local team. Stay tuned for timely updates to ensure a smooth and informed journey.

Srinagar Leh Highway Status in April 2024

The Srinagar-Leh Highway is back in action, but with some restrictions on how many vehicles can use it. Even though it’s still a bit wintry out there, the authorities are letting a vehicles from only one side a day. ODD dates from Srinagar to Leh and EVEN dates from Leh to Srinagar.  So, if you’re up for it, you can now travel along this famous road again, taking in all the amazing sights from Srinagar to Leh. With snowy mountains all around, it’s sure to be an adventure you won’t forget! 

  • Week 13:  The road has remained open and operational but the rule of odd even continues.
  • Week 14: For now, vehicles are moving in one direction only. The future weeks brings a heads-up: heavy snowfall and nasty weather are looming, and the forecast suggests the roads might close again soon. 
  • Week 15: We are sorry to inform that the roads have been closed due to heavy snowfall and avalances. As of now we have received an update as it will take sometime to restore the road for vehicle movement. 
  • The road is OPEN as of 18April – after the closure of 4 days due to landslides. We will continue to keep you updated on the roads as frequently as possible. 

Srinagar Leh Highway Status in March 2024

The relentless winter weather persists in the region, extending the snowy season. As a result, the Srinagar Leh highway is currently CLOSED. Anticipated snowfall shows no signs of abating in the first week of March. However, our Road Expedition team is in constant communication with the Border Roads Organization (BRO), who provide glimpses of hope that the snowfall may subside soon. If conditions improve as expected, we may anticipate the reopening of the roads by post 20 March 2024.

  • Week 09:  The road has remained closed due to snowfall and we are still not sure when the roads will open. Lets keep our fringers crossed and wait for the good news. 
  • Week 10: The snow continued to pour and now we do not see if the roads can open by 15th of March. As per the latest updates we can expect the roads to open by last week of march. 

Srinagar Leh Highway snow clearance work

  • Week 11: The snow Fall stopped and with some glimps of hope as the roads will be open in the following week.
  • Week 12: The roads has finally OPEN by the bro team. Thanks and greet cheers for their efforts and timly opening their route as its a relief for the residents of Ladakh who are eagrly waiting for essential supplies. 

Srinagar Leh Highway Status in February 2024

For the first time in history, the Srinagar Leh highway remained open for the entire month of January. However, according to our local team, we may anticipate snowfall in the upcoming weeks of February. This could potentially lead to closures, temporarily disconnecting Leh from the rest of the world via road connections.

  • Week 05: There has been no snowfall in the area, and the roads remain open for vehicle movement on both sides.

  • Week 06: The weather is transitioning, with dropping temperatures indicating the likelihood of snowfall soon. We will keep you updated regarding any closures due to snowfall.

  • Week 07: As expected, temperatures have dropped to sub-zero levels, and the weather is gloomy, signaling the imminent arrival of snowfall.

  • 17Feb2024 – Due to heavy snowfall & accumilcation in the Baltal, Sonamarg in district Ganderbal the Srinagar Leh Highway is CLOSED
  • Week 08: Accumulated snow continues to build up in the area, making it unlikely for the roads to reopen anytime soon. Currently the highway is CLOSED

Srinagar Leh Highway Status in January 2024

At Zojila Pass, an unexpected delay in the onset of winter has caught our attention. With little to no snowfall anticipated, we anticipate clear roads throughout the month.

  • Week 01: Unusually, there was no snowfall in the region, and the roads remained OPEN for vehicle movement on both sides.

  • Week 02: Despite continued absence of snowfall, the roads remain open. According to our local team, there is no forecasted snowfall in the coming weeks, ensuring accessibility for the entire month.

  • Week 03: As anticipated, there has been no snowfall, and the highway remains open.

    Week 04: Confirming our earlier updates, there has been no snowfall, and the highway continues to be OPEN for travel.

FAQ's

When does the Srinagar Leh Highway usually open for travel?

The Srinagar Leh Highway usually becomes accessible for travel from late March to early April, subject to weather conditions and snow removal efforts. It typically remains open until November or December, again contingent upon weather conditions.

What are the major attractions and landmarks along the Srinagar Leh Highway?

Some major attractions and landmarks along the Srinagar Leh Highway include Sonmarg, Zojila Pass, Kargil, Lamayuru Monastery, Magnetic Hill, and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.

What are the road conditions like on the Srinagar Leh Highway during different seasons?

Road conditions on the Srinagar Leh Highway vary depending on the season. During the summer months (May to September), the roads are generally in good condition and suitable for travel. However, during the winter months (December to February), heavy snowfall can lead to road closures and challenging driving conditions.

Are there any permits or documents required to travel on the Srinagar Leh Highway?

No, permits or documents are not typically required for travel on the Srinagar Leh Highway.

What is the best time for bikers to ride on the Srinagar Leh Highway to Ladakh?

The best time for bikers to travel on the Srinagar Leh Highway is during the summer months, specifically from June to September. During this period, the weather is generally favorable with clear skies and mild temperatures, making for an enjoyable and safe biking experience.

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