The crucial and adventurous, Manali – Leh Highway to Ladakh has reopened for vehicular traffic, 10 days after the Manali – Baralacha La stretch of the highway was cleared of snow.
Even though the Manali – Leh Highway has been cleared of snow and is now open for light vehicular traffic. Please keep in mind, the road at the moment is quite narrow and slippery due to snow and water, especially around the passes.
File photo of Baralacha La at Manali – Leh Highway
It will take another week or more for the highway to stabilize, though, till the beginning of June, snowfall and avalanches can occur, closing the road temporarily for traffic.
So all those who are planning to travel to Ladakh or come back from Ladakh via the Manali – Leh Highway, please exercise utmost caution and ensure that you aren’t crossing any of the passes after 3 pm when the water level rises in water crossing and chances of black ice and snowfall increases exponentially.
Additionally, please be ready for traffic snarls, jams, and road blockages (especially around Baralacha La) and carry ample food and water with you, to ensure you can survive even after being stuck for several hours in the middle of nowhere.
If possible, take the Srinagar – Leh Highway while going to Ladakh, it would not only help you acclimatize to the altitude gradually and lessen the chance of getting sick while en route to Leh, you will also end up traveling on the Manali – Leh Highway a bit later on and hopefully by then, it would be in a much better state.
Of course, don’t forget to follow the orders and advice of BRO and policemen and not take any unnecessary risks.
Happy traveling…
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