The 435-kilometer Manali-Leh strategic route connecting Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh has been officially closed for vehicular traffic from Wednesday as winter conditions make the high-altitude road increasingly hazardous.
The closure prohibits all vehicle movement from Gramphoo to Rohtang Pass and from Zingzingbar to Sarchu on the Manali-Leh route. On Thursday, no vehicles proceeded beyond Zingzingbar, marking the beginning of the winter shutdown that will last until next summer.
Lahaul-Spiti Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana confirmed that a notification has been issued closing the Manali-Leh route, urging tourists to comply with administration guidelines.
The decision comes as temperatures in Lahaul continue to plummet daily, leading to the formation of black ice on road surfaces. Black ice—a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice—makes travel extremely dangerous as it provides minimal traction for vehicles. During winter months, heavy snowfall makes vehicular movement on the Manali-Leh route impossible.
Tourists visiting Lahaul can still access the North Portal of Atal Tunnel Rohtang, Sissu, Snow Point Yangla, Keylong, Udaipur, Avalokiteshwar Temple Triloknath, Jispa, and Darcha. Instead of the 13,050-feet-high Rohtang Pass, these alternative snow points are expected to see increased tourist activity in coming days.
Adventure enthusiasts and travelers planning the thrilling Manali-Leh journey must now wait until next year’s summer season when weather conditions permit safe passage through one of India’s most challenging and scenic high-altitude routes.
