Current status of the Manali Leh Highway in 2026: CLOSED. BRO closed the highway to all vehicles on November 20, 2025. Snow clearance operations are underway, and the highway is expected to reopen for tourists by late May or early June 2026, depending on snowpack and weather conditions. Read on for pass-wise updates, expected opening dates, monthly road conditions, and everything you need to plan your trip.
Last Updated: March 2026. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for real-time BRO updates as we approach the opening season.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Manali Leh Highway Status — March 2026
As of March 18, 2026, the Manali Leh Highway is closed for all civilian vehicles. The highway was shut down on November 20, 2025, after BRO issued advisories warning of slippery conditions and heavy icing near Baralacha La and Zingzingbar. The road will remain closed until BRO clears the snow from all four major passes and declares it safe for through traffic.
Here is a quick summary of the current status of each key section:
| Section | Status (March 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manali to Keylong (via Atal Tunnel) | OPEN year-round | Atal Tunnel bypasses Rohtang Pass completely |
| Keylong to Jispa | OPEN (limited) | Accessible in daylight; check locally for ice patches |
| Jispa to Baralacha La | CLOSED | Heavy snow, BRO clearance in progress |
| Baralacha La to Sarchu | CLOSED | Passes blocked; not accessible |
| Sarchu to Pang | CLOSED | Lachulung La and Nakee La blocked |
| Pang to Leh via Tanglang La | CLOSED | Tanglang La at 17,582 ft still snowbound |
The Atal Tunnel, which bypasses the old Rohtang Pass route entirely, remains open 24×7 for all vehicles. This means you can reach Keylong and Jispa from Manali throughout the winter. However, going beyond Jispa toward Sarchu and Leh is not possible until the passes open in May.
When Will the Manali Leh Highway Open in 2026?
Based on the pattern from recent years, the Manali Leh Highway is expected to open for tourists by late May or early June 2026. BRO’s Project Deepak handles clearance from the Manali side toward Sarchu, while Project Himank clears from Leh toward Sarchu. The two teams work simultaneously and meet somewhere around the Baralacha La and Sarchu area.
Here is the historical opening timeline to give you a sense of what to expect:
| Year | Highway Connected by BRO | Open for Tourists |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Expected late May | Expected June 2026 |
| 2025 | May 13, 2025 | Late May 2025 |
| 2024 | April 23, 2024 | Late April 2024 |
| 2023 | May (standard) | Late May 2023 |
Keep in mind that “BRO connects the highway” and “open for tourists” are two different things. Once BRO clears the snow and the road is passable for heavy vehicles, it still takes a week or two before civilian tourist traffic is officially permitted through all sections. My friend, do not rely on a single date. Always verify with BRO or local taxi operators in Manali before setting off.
Pass-wise Expected Opening Dates for 2026
The four major passes on the Manali Leh Highway each open at slightly different times. Rohtang Pass is now bypassed by the Atal Tunnel, so it is no longer a bottleneck. The remaining passes open roughly in this order:
- Baralacha La (16,047 ft): Typically the first major pass to be cleared. Expected opening: late May 2026. BRO teams from both sides focus heavily on this pass as it connects Lahaul to Ladakh.
- Nakee La (15,547 ft): Opens around the same time as Baralacha La, usually within a day or two after the southern passes are cleared.
- Lachulung La (16,616 ft): Expected opening: late May to early June 2026. The Sarchu to Pang section including Lachulung La is often the last stretch to be cleared completely.
- Tanglang La (17,582 ft): The highest pass on the highway. Expected opening: late May 2026. Project Himank (Leh side) pushes clearance from the eastern approach. Once Tanglang La is clear, the full through-route is open.
For the most reliable and up-to-date information, follow BRO’s official social media accounts and the BRO Atal Tunnel website. As per BRO officials, snow clearance at high passes like Tanglang La can involve snow walls up to 15 feet tall, and timelines can shift by one to two weeks depending on fresh snowfall.
Manali to Leh Distance and Travel Time — Month by Month
The total distance from Manali to Leh via the Atal Tunnel route is approximately 431 km. Non-stop driving time is around 12 to 14 hours, but this route is never recommended as a single push. The minimum recommended is a 2-day journey with an overnight halt at Keylong, Jispa, or Sarchu.
Here is what road conditions typically look like on each month of the travel season:
| Month | Road Conditions | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Late May | Highway just opened; slushy sections near Baralacha La, water crossings. Road surface is rough in places from winter damage. | Yes, with caution |
| June | Improving steadily. Baralacha La area still has patches of snow and meltwater. Rest of route mostly drivable. | Yes |
| July | Good conditions from Keylong to Leh. Manali side may see monsoon rain. Area from Darcha to Leh is in rain shadow. Dry conditions. | Yes |
| August | Water crossings can be high due to glacial melt. BRO repairs are completed. Best overall road quality of the season. | Yes (ideal) |
| September | Roads at their best. Dry, clear, low tourist traffic. Temperatures start dropping at night. | Yes (best month) |
| October | Unpredictable. Early snowfall can close Tanglang La or Lachulung La temporarily. Not recommended after mid-October. | Only early October |
Atal Tunnel — Year-Round Access to Lahaul
The Atal Tunnel at Rohtang changed everything about traveling on the Manali Leh Highway. Since it opened in October 2020, Rohtang Pass is no longer a seasonal bottleneck. The tunnel is 9.02 km long, sits at 3,060 meters elevation, and provides all-weather road access to Sissu and Keylong in Lahaul Valley throughout the year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What this means practically is that the Manali to Keylong section is now a 2-hour drive even in December or January. Fuel up at Manali, drive through the tunnel, and you are in Lahaul. However, beyond Jispa toward Sarchu and Baralacha La, the road remains completely snowbound in winter. Hence, Leh is still not accessible by road in winter. The tunnel just makes Keylong and Jispa accessible year-round.
For Ladakh-bound travelers, the Atal Tunnel also means you no longer need to worry about Rohtang Pass restrictions or permits. Old Rohtang Pass required an environmental permit and had a daily vehicle cap. The tunnel route has no such restrictions for through travelers heading to Leh.
Road Conditions on Manali Leh Highway — Section by Section
The Manali Leh Highway is not a single uniform road. Road quality varies drastically between sections. Based on research from the 2025 season and BRO update patterns, here is what to expect on each stretch during the open season:
- Manali to Keylong via Atal Tunnel (approx. 115 km, 2 hrs): Excellent tarmac. The NH-03 section from Manali through the Atal Tunnel and onward to Keylong is well-maintained. No issues.
- Keylong to Jispa (25 km, 45 minutes): Good road. A few rough patches near river crossings but nothing that a regular car or bike cannot handle.
- Jispa to Sarchu via Baralacha La (approx. 80 km, 3-4 hrs): The most challenging stretch in early season. Expect water crossings, gravel roads, and loose surfaces near Baralacha La. BRO typically completes repairs by July.
- Sarchu to Pang (approx. 90 km, 3-4 hrs): Still the toughest section on the highway. Lachulung La and the high plains between Sarchu and Pang have unpaved patches that BRO continuously repairs. Morey Plains before Pang are much better.
- Pang to Leh via Tanglang La (approx. 120 km, 4-5 hrs): Mostly well-paved now. Tanglang La itself has had significant road improvement in recent years. The descent toward Leh is good quality tarmac.
For detailed route planning, I recommend reading our complete travel guide for the Manali Leh Highway and the section on why Jispa is a better overnight halt than Sarchu, a practical piece based on experience on this road. Both are worth reading before you finalize your overnight halt plan.
Essential Tips for Traveling Manali Leh Highway in 2026
Fuel Management is Non-Negotiable
There is only one fuel pump on the entire Manali Leh Highway, and it is at Tandi, approximately 110 km from Manali. After Tandi, the next fuel pump is at Karu, which is about 30 km before Leh. That is a gap of roughly 345 km with no fuel. Fill up completely at Tandi and carry a reserve. For motorcycles, carry extra fuel in PET bottles, not metal jerry cans, as they develop leaks on rough roads.
Altitude Sickness — Sleep Low, Go Slow
This is the most common reason people run into serious trouble on this highway. Sarchu sits at approximately 14,000 ft (4,300 m), which is actually higher than Leh itself. Many travelers push from Manali to Sarchu in a single day and spend a miserable night with severe headaches. Based on what doctors at high-altitude medical posts have observed, sleeping at Keylong (2,520 m) or Jispa (3,200 m) on night one is far safer. Read our detailed guide on preventing AMS on Ladakh and Spiti trips before you go.
Accommodation Options on the Highway
Most travelers do a two-day drive from Manali to Leh. Day one typically ends at Keylong or Jispa, and day two covers Jispa or Sarchu to Leh. For a full list of dhaba camps and guesthouses, see our accommodation guide for the Manali Leh Highway. Keep in mind that camps at Sarchu, Pang, and Whiskey Nala open only after the road officially opens in late May or early June.
Emergency Contacts and Medical Facilities
Medical facilities are sparse on this route. Key points to know:
- Keylong District Hospital: basic emergency care. Best option before Leh.
- Army Medical Posts: active at Sarchu, Pang, and Tanglang La during peak season (June-September). They assist civilians in emergencies.
- SNM Hospital, Leh: full-service hospital once you reach Leh.
- Emergency number: 108 (pan-India ambulance). Mobile network is available at Manali, Keylong, Jispa, and Leh. No reliable coverage between Jispa and Pang.
Check BRO Updates Before Travel
The most reliable way to check real-time road status is by calling local taxi operators in Manali or by monitoring BRO’s official announcements. The BRO Atal Tunnel official website has updated information. Local taxi unions and Manali tourism offices also share updates on Facebook groups. Do not rely on information more than 48 hours old during early season, as conditions can change rapidly with a fresh snowfall at high passes.
For the alternative western route, check our Srinagar Leh Highway status for 2026, which often opens a few weeks earlier than the Manali side.
Related Reading
- How to Plan a Trip on Manali Leh Highway in 2026 (complete planning guide)
- Best Leh Ladakh Itinerary 2026 (12-14 day road trip plan)
- Manali to Leh Bus Service (timings, rates, and FAQs)
- Best Time to Travel Ladakh (month by month guide)
- Fuel Availability in Leh Ladakh (petrol pumps and planning)
Frequently Asked Questions — Manali Leh Highway 2026
Is Manali Leh Highway open right now in March 2026?
No. The highway is closed as of March 2026. The Manali to Keylong section via Atal Tunnel is open year-round, but everything beyond Jispa toward Baralacha La and Leh is closed due to snow. BRO will begin connecting both ends around late May 2026.
When will Manali Leh Highway open in 2026?
The highway is expected to open for tourists by late May or early June 2026. In 2025, it opened on May 13 (for BRO vehicles) and was open for tourists by late May. In 2024, it opened on April 23. The 2026 opening will depend on winter snowpack and BRO snow clearance progress.
Which passes are on the Manali Leh Highway?
The highway crosses four major passes: Baralacha La (16,047 ft), Nakee La (15,547 ft), Lachulung La (16,616 ft), and Tanglang La (17,582 ft). Rohtang Pass used to be the first pass, but it is now bypassed entirely by the Atal Tunnel.
Is the Atal Tunnel open in winter 2026?
Yes. The Atal Tunnel at Rohtang is open 24×7 throughout the year, including winters. It connects Manali to Sissu and Keylong in Lahaul Valley, bypassing Rohtang Pass completely. However, beyond Keylong toward Leh, the route is closed in winter due to snow on Baralacha La and the higher passes.
What is the best month to travel Manali to Leh by road?
September is widely considered the best month. The roads are dry and well-maintained by this point in the season, rainfall is minimal, the monsoon has ended on the Manali side, and tourist traffic is lower than peak July-August. Late August is also very good. June is excellent if you want to be one of the first travelers of the season and do not mind some rough patches.
How long does it take to drive from Manali to Leh?
The non-stop driving time is 12 to 14 hours, but this route should never be done in a single day. The standard plan is two days: Day 1 from Manali to Keylong or Jispa (2 to 3 hours via Atal Tunnel), and Day 2 from Jispa or Sarchu to Leh (9 to 11 hours). This two-day structure also helps with altitude acclimatization.
Is there fuel available on Manali Leh Highway?
There is only one fuel pump on the highway, at Tandi, 110 km from Manali. After Tandi, the next fuel is at Karu, roughly 30 km before Leh. That is a gap of approximately 345 km. Always fill up completely at Tandi and carry reserve fuel.
Can I travel Manali Leh highway in monsoon (July-August)?
Yes. The section from Darcha to Leh lies in the Himalayan rain shadow and receives very little rainfall during monsoon. July and August are actually among the most popular travel months. The Manali side of the highway (before the Atal Tunnel) may see some rain, but conditions are generally manageable. Keep an eye on landslide warnings near Rohtang and Keylong areas.
Where can I check the latest BRO road status for Manali Leh Highway?
The most reliable sources are: BRO’s official website and social media handles, local taxi operators in Manali (they have real-time updates from vehicles on the road), and the BRO Atal Tunnel official portal. Bookmark our Manali Leh Highway Status 2026 page as well. We update it regularly as BRO shares news.
Final Word — Plan Your Manali Leh Trip for 2026
The Manali Leh Highway is one of the most iconic road trips in India, and the 2026 season looks promising. With BRO snow clearance already underway and the Atal Tunnel providing reliable year-round access to Keylong, the infrastructure is better than it has ever been. If you are planning your first trip on this highway, I would say aim for late August or September. The roads are at their best, the crowds are manageable, and the landscape is stunning. If you have already done the route and want to experience it fresh and raw, go in early June when the season just opens and very few vehicles are ahead of you on the passes.
Keep in mind that all passes above 15,000 ft are subject to sudden closures due to fresh snowfall even during the peak season. Always carry a one-day buffer in your itinerary. Check with local taxi operators or BRO the evening before you attempt Baralacha La or Tanglang La.
For the full planning guide including route maps, daily itinerary, permits, and budget breakdown, read: How to Plan a Trip on Manali Leh Highway in 2026.
If you have questions about the road status or have recently traveled this route and want to share an update, feel free to ask in the comments section below 🙂
