Winter has been particularly bad this year in India, with very less snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal.
Due to this, BRO has already started work to clear the Manali – Leh highway, while it would take some time for it get fully operational, looks like Ladakh touring season would begin early this year with the BRO hoping to open Manali – Leh highway by mid April!
The Border Road Organization (BRO) on Monday has begun to clear the snow on the Leh-Manali Highway.
The 475-kilometer highway connecting Manali to Leh, was closed during the winter due to snowfall at the Rohtang Pass and Baralacha Pass in Lahaul-Spiti.
Three teams, armed with the latest snow-clearing machinery and bulldozers, have started clearing the snow at three different places.
Source: The Indian
17 Comments
Hi Yogesh,
Any clarity on Manali – Leh road condition, I was planning to go in the last week fo May. What do you suggest, would it be operational by then? Also for the raod condition, would it be any better than last year July time?
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Bye,
Ratan
Hello Ratan, Rohtang has just reopened for traffic yesterday, if the weather remains good then with in a week it should be declared open for vehicular traffic and after that it is only a matter of days before Manali – Leh highway is officially declared open (in case there is no issue at Baralacha La).
Road conditions aren’t going to be good, how are you planning to travel?
hi yogesh, 1.to leh in 3rd week of june is good?what will be condition of road? 2. my first ride in hills is it safe?last year i went leh in jeep via kargil and had no problem.3.is it advisible to carry a pillion on 150-200cc bike? 5. i have avenger 200cc bike is it ok for the purpose?
Hello Pankaj, road conditions in Ladakh are usually the same, good and bad in patches.
Two people can go on a single motorcycle, provided the motorcycle is in good condition and you aren’t planning to carry too much luggage. Though Avenger’s rear seat isn’t the most comfortable and would likely leave your pillion in a lot of discomfort and even pain!
As for riding in hills, well riding in India is never safe and it is a part and parcel of motorcycle touring. If you have the enthusiasm and understand the risk and ride sensibly, there is no reason why you can not do it. Though my personal recommendation would be to get a bit motorcycle touring experience under your belt, before attempting Ladakh.
hello Yogesh, dear i want to know that if we are going on bike then we need a sleeping bag or not? and iron carriar is ok with bajaj avenger and karizma or not?
Gaurav you don’t need a sleeping bag, of course if you don’t like dirty linens, which at times you will encounter in budget accommodation or in tents, then carry it.
Iron carriers aren’t needed and they are heavy and aren’t that useful. Saddle bags from Cramster.in or other local manufactures are much better option.
ThanKs, Sir Yogesh and please tell me one more thing that cigarettes and whisky is avialable there in leh or not?
They are easily available, even en route. Though they might cost you a little more (not 100% sure).
Thank You once again…..now i prepare myself for this route thanks alots to you…..but please be in touch…
can we use a pulsar with a pillion & luggage for manali-leh-ladakh trip?
Which model of Pulsar?
its a 2008 model 200cc
In that case there shouldn’t be any problem, as long as the bike is in good shape. Just make sure that the battery is good and has plenty of life left and you get Cramster Saddle and Tank bag to efficiently manage luggage.
one more question!!! our trip is planned from Aug28th till Sep10th… is it fine??? or shld we pre pone it???
No issue whatsoever, unless weather goes bad. Though roads in plains and even Himachal would be in bad condition, as this is towards the end of monsoon season.
thanks a lot yogesh!!! we were planning to ship our bikes back from Leh to bangalore but we just found out that Gati & DHL do not have services in Leh… So is it possible to rent a good bike in Manali/Leh? If yes do you have any contacts?
I have read in internet that most of the bikes in manali/leh are not in good condition!!! Please suggest!!!
If you have to ship via Gati, then you can always ride to Srinagar and ship your bikes from there, since there is a Gati branch over there.
I would only recommend rented motorcycles, if there is no other option!