Leh-Manali Road Updates

The Leh Manali road (NH-3) is one of the most scenic yet challenging highways in India, connecting Manali in Himachal Pradesh with Leh in Ladakh. Every year, thousands of adventure seekers, bikers, and tourists plan their journey across this legendary route.

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Current Leh Manali Road Status (August, 2025)

• Status: Closed
  The Leh Manali road is completely blocked between Kullu and Manali due to catastrophic monsoon floods. The overflowing Beas River has washed away major sections of the Chandigarh–Manali and Manali–Leh highways, including bridges, roadside structures, and hotels.

• Vehicles Stranded
  More than 2,500 cars and buses have been stranded, and authorities have imposed strict restrictions on all movement.

• Reason for Closure

  • Flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains

  • Road collapses near Manali and Kullu

  • Washed away bridges and damaged stretches along the highway

• Travel Advisory
  The India Meteorological Department and local authorities strongly advise tourists to avoid Manali, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Ladakh via this route until further notice.

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Leh Manali Road Opening and Closing

• Typically, the Leh Manali road opening date falls between late May and early June, depending on snow clearance by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

• The Leh Manali road closing date is usually in October when heavy snow blocks high passes like Baralacha La, Lachulung La, Nakee La, and Tanglang La.

• In 2025, the road opened briefly in June but is now closed due to flood damage in Himachal Pradesh.

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Leh Manali Road Route & Distance

• Total Distance: ~ 474 km (Manali to Leh)

• Major Stops: Manali → Atal Tunnel → Keylong → Jispa → Darcha → Zingzing Bar → Baralacha La → Sarchu → Pang → Tanglang La → Leh

• Altitude: Crosses multiple high passes over 5,000 m (16,400 ft).

• Danger Points: Narrow gorges, water crossings, landslide zones, and snowbound stretches.

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Key Infrastructure on Leh Manali Road

• Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) – Open year-round since October 2020, bypassing Rohtang Pass and cutting travel time significantly.

• BRO Project Himank – Responsible for snow clearance and maintenance, ensuring the road’s annual reopening.

• Upcoming Projects:

  • Shinku La Tunnel (completion expected 2028) → Will connect Darcha to Padum in Zanskar, offering an alternate all-weather route to Leh.

  • Planned tunnels under Baralacha La and Tanglang La → Future plans for enhanced year-round connectivity.

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Leh Manali Road in Different Seasons

• Summer (June–July): Road opens after snow clearance; best time for bikers and tourists.

• Monsoon (July–September): Landslides, flash floods, and slippery sections make travel risky.

• Autumn (September–October): Clear skies and stable conditions until snow returns.

• Winter (November–May): Leh Manali road closed due to heavy snow on high passes.

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Leh to Manali Road Travel Options

• By Car / SUV: Only recommended for experienced drivers with 4×4 vehicles.

• By Bus: HRTC and HPTDC run limited services between Manali and Leh when the road is open.

• By Bike: The most popular way to explore, but weather and road conditions should always be checked.

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Alternative Routes to Leh (When Leh Manali Road is Closed)

• Srinagar–Leh Highway (NH-1): Usually opens earlier (around April–May) and closes by November.

• Future Darcha–Padum–Nimmu Route via Shinku La: Expected after tunnel completion (~2028).

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Leh Manali Road vs. Srinagar–Leh Road

Here’s a comparison table between the Leh Manali Road and the Srinagar–Leh Road, so travelers can instantly understand the differences and decide which route is usable:

Which Route to Choose?

• Srinagar–Leh Road (NH-1)

  • Best for: Families, first-time Ladakh visitors, and those who prefer gradual altitude gain.

  • Why choose it: Opens earlier (April/May) and closes later (November), making it more accessible for a longer season. It also offers smoother acclimatization, as the climb in altitude is more gradual.

  • Highlights: Kashmir Valley, Sonamarg, Zoji La Pass, Kargil, Lamayuru Monastery, Fotu La.

• Leh Manali Road (NH-3)

  • Best for: Adventure seekers, bikers, and experienced travelers who want to experience dramatic high-altitude terrain.

  • Why choose it: Opens around late May/early June and closes by October. Known for thrilling landscapes, it crosses multiple passes above 5,000 m, remote plains like Sarchu, and unique high-altitude experiences at Pang and Tanglang La.

  • Highlights: Atal Tunnel, Keylong, Jispa, Baralacha La, Sarchu, Pang, Tanglang La.

Quick Recommendation

• Choose Srinagar–Leh Road if you want a safer, longer travel season and easier acclimatization.

• Choose Leh Manali Road if you’re looking for adventure, rugged terrain, and the ultimate Himalayan road trip experience.

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FAQs on Leh Manali Road

Q1. What is the current Leh Manali road status?

As of August 27, 2025, the Leh Manali road is closed due to severe flood damage near Manali and Kullu. Authorities advise avoiding this route until it is officially restored.

Q2. When does the Leh Manali road usually open?
The Leh Manali road opening date is generally between late May and early June, after the BRO clears snow from high mountain passes like Baralacha La and Tanglang La.

Q3. When does the Leh Manali road close?
The Leh Manali road closing date is typically around October, when snowfall makes the route unsafe. In winter (November to May), the road remains completely closed.

Q4. What is the distance of the Leh Manali road?
The highway covers about 474 km from Manali to Leh, crossing several high-altitude passes above 5,000 m.

Q5. What is the best time to travel on the Leh Manali road?
The best time is June to September, when the road is open and weather conditions are relatively stable. July and August can be risky due to monsoon landslides and floods.

Q6. Is the Leh Manali road safe for cars and bikes?
Yes, but only when the road is open. SUVs and 4×4 vehicles are recommended for cars. For bikers, it is one of the most thrilling routes, but caution is essential, especially at water crossings and landslide-prone areas.

Q7. Can buses operate on the Leh Manali road?
Yes, HRTC and HPTDC operate buses between Manali and Leh once the road opens. These services usually run from late June to September.

Q8. What are the major passes on the Leh Manali road?
The route crosses five major passes:

• Rohtang Pass (via Atal Tunnel bypass)

• Baralacha La

• Lachulung La

• Nakee La

• Tanglang La

Q9. What is the role of the Atal Tunnel for the Leh Manali road?
The Atal Tunnel, inaugurated in 2020, provides all-year connectivity between Manali and Keylong, bypassing Rohtang Pass. However, it does not guarantee winter access to Leh, since higher passes further ahead still close due to snow.

Q10. Are there alternative routes to Leh when the Leh Manali road is closed?
Yes. The Srinagar–Leh Highway (NH-1) usually opens earlier in the year and remains accessible longer. In the future, the Shinku La Tunnel (expected by 2028) will provide an alternative via the Darcha–Padum–Nimmu route.

Q11. What is the Leh Manali road famous for?
The highway is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, high mountain passes, remote villages, and adventure travel by car, bike, or bus. It is one of the most iconic road trips in the Himalayas.