The Manali Leh Highway is OPEN as of June 1, 2026, with full two-way traffic on all sections. BRO’s Project Deepak and Project Himank completed end-to-end connectivity in mid-May, and the alternate-day Darcha-Sarchu window was lifted on June 1. All four passes, Baralacha La (16,047 ft), Nakee La (15,547 ft), Lachulung La (16,616 ft), and Tanglang La (17,582 ft), are open for civilian traffic. HRTC resumed the Delhi-Leh bus service via this route on June 8, 2026. Read on for pass-wise updates, current road conditions, monthly travel advice, and everything you need to plan your trip.
Last Updated: June 17, 2026. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for real-time BRO updates through the travel season.
Latest BRO Update (June 2026): Highway is OPEN with full two-way traffic. Alternate-day restriction at Darcha-Sarchu was lifted on June 1, 2026. All four passes cleared. HRTC Delhi-Leh bus service resumed June 8, 2026 via Keylong. Early-season conditions apply: expect some rough patches near Baralacha La and slush at higher elevations in early June. Road quality improves steadily through June.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Is Manali Leh Highway Open Right Now in June 2026?
Yes. As of June 1, 2026, the Manali Leh Highway is fully open with two-way traffic on all sections. BRO connected the highway end-to-end in mid-May, and after about two weeks of alternate-day movement at the Darcha-Sarchu section, unrestricted civilian traffic resumed from June 1. All four major passes on the route are open and accessible for cars, SUVs, motorcycles, and buses.
HRTC resumed its Delhi-Leh bus service via the Manali-Leh highway on June 8, 2026, which is one of the clearest signals that the road is well and truly open for the season. The 1,026 km journey from Delhi to Leh via Keylong takes roughly 30 to 35 hours by bus. Keep in mind that early June still brings some rough patches near Baralacha La, water crossings from glacial melt, and sections under active BRO repair. The road is open, but it is not yet at its July or August quality.
Here is a quick summary of the current status of each key section:
| Section | Status (June 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manali to Keylong (via Atal Tunnel) | OPEN year-round | Atal Tunnel bypasses Rohtang Pass completely |
| Keylong to Jispa to Darcha | OPEN | Fully accessible. Tandi fuel pump operational. |
| Darcha to Baralacha La (16,047 ft) to Sarchu | OPEN (full two-way from June 1) | Some rough patches and water crossings in early June |
| Sarchu to Pang via Lachulung La (16,616 ft) | OPEN | BRO patch work continues; expect unpaved sections |
| Pang to Leh via Tanglang La (17,582 ft) | OPEN | Mostly well-paved. Tanglang La cleared and accessible. |
The Atal Tunnel, which bypasses the old Rohtang Pass route entirely, remains open 24×7 for all vehicles. This means you can reach Keylong, Jispa, and Darcha from Manali throughout the year. Hence, even during the brief alternate-day window that was in place through late May, you could comfortably plan a Day 1 stop at Jispa and time your Baralacha La crossing for the next morning. That restriction is now lifted entirely.
When Did the Manali Leh Highway Open in 2026?
BRO connected the highway end-to-end in mid-May 2026, followed by about two weeks of alternate-day traffic at the Darcha-Sarchu section. Full two-way tourist movement was restored from June 1, 2026, when the Manali-Leh national highway was opened for unrestricted civilian traffic. This timeline is fairly typical for a normal snowfall year.
Here is the historical opening timeline to give you a sense of what to expect in future years:
| Year | Highway Connected by BRO | Open for Tourists (Full Two-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Mid-May 2026 (alternate-day phase) | June 1, 2026 |
| 2025 | May 13, 2025 | Late May 2025 |
| 2024 | April 23, 2024 | Late April 2024 (early opening year) |
| 2023 | May (standard) | Late May 2023 |
Keep in mind that “BRO connects the highway” and “open for full tourist traffic” are two different things. Once BRO clears the snow and the road is passable for heavy vehicles, there is usually a one-to-two week phase of alternate-day or convoy-style movement before unrestricted civilian tourist traffic is officially permitted. My friend, do not rely on a single date. Always verify with BRO or local taxi operators in Manali before setting off, especially if you plan to cross Baralacha La in the first few days after any seasonal re-opening.
Pass-wise Status for 2026
The four major passes on the Manali Leh Highway each clear at slightly different times. Rohtang Pass is now bypassed by the Atal Tunnel, so it is no longer a bottleneck. The remaining passes opened in this order during the 2026 season:
- Baralacha La (16,047 ft): Cleared by BRO in mid-May 2026 and open for full two-way traffic from June 1. This is the first major high-altitude pass on the route from the Manali side. Early June still brings some water crossings and loose gravel near the pass. BRO teams from both Project Deepak and Project Himank focus heavily on this pass as it connects Lahaul to Ladakh.
- Nakee La (15,547 ft): Opened around the same time as Baralacha La in mid-May 2026. Once Baralacha La is clear, Nakee La rarely poses an independent problem as it sits in the same zone.
- Lachulung La (16,616 ft): Cleared in mid-May 2026. The Sarchu-to-Pang section including Lachulung La receives the most consistent BRO surface repairs after opening. Expect some unpaved patches through early June, improving significantly by mid-June.
- Tanglang La (17,582 ft): The highest pass on the highway at 17,582 ft, cleared in mid-May 2026. Project Himank pushes clearance from the eastern approach. Tanglang La itself has seen significant black-topping in recent years and is generally in better shape than the Sarchu-Pang section.
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 in late April or early May.
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 in each month of the travel season:
| Month | Road Conditions | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| June (early) | Highway open from June 1. All passes clear. Water crossings, slush near Baralacha La, rough patches from winter damage. BRO patch work active. | Yes, with caution |
| June (mid to late) | Road quality improving steadily. Most rough patches addressed. Good conditions overall. | Yes |
| July | Good conditions from Keylong to Leh. Manali side may see monsoon rain. Area from Darcha to Leh is in rain shadow and stays dry. | Yes |
| August | Water crossings can be high due to glacial melt. BRO repairs 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, which is why Jispa has become such an important base for early-season and late-season travelers.
For Ladakh-bound travelers, the Atal Tunnel also means you no longer need to worry about Rohtang Pass restrictions or permits. The old Rohtang Pass route required an environmental permit and had a daily vehicle cap. The tunnel route has no such restrictions for through travelers heading to Leh. For more background on the Lahaul Valley and the destinations you pass through, see our complete guide to Lahaul Valley.
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 the 2026 season opening reports 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 year-round.
- 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 patches, and loose surfaces near Baralacha La through mid-June. BRO typically completes surface repairs here 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 years of 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. Read our practical guide on how to carry extra fuel safely on a motorcycle in Ladakh and Spiti before you set out.
Altitude Sickness, Sleep Low and 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, so very early-season travelers may need to push from Jispa straight to Leh.
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.
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For the alternative western route, check our Srinagar Leh Highway status for 2026, which opens a few weeks earlier than the Manali side in most years and gives you additional planning flexibility.
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 2026 (HRTC timings, fares, and FAQs)
- Best Time to Travel Ladakh (month by month guide)
- Fuel Availability in Leh Ladakh (petrol pumps and planning)
- Baralacha La Pass (dedicated guide to the key pass on this highway)
Frequently Asked Questions, Manali Leh Highway 2026
Is Manali Leh Highway open right now in June 2026?
Yes, fully open. As of June 1, 2026, the Manali Leh Highway is open for all vehicles with unrestricted two-way traffic. The alternate-day restriction at the Darcha-Sarchu section was lifted on June 1. All four passes, Baralacha La (16,047 ft), Nakee La (15,547 ft), Lachulung La (16,616 ft), and Tanglang La (17,582 ft), are open. HRTC resumed the Delhi-Leh bus service via this route on June 8, 2026.
When did Manali Leh Highway open in 2026?
BRO connected the highway end-to-end by mid-May 2026, followed by an alternate-day movement phase for the Darcha-Sarchu section. Full two-way tourist traffic was restored from June 1, 2026. In 2025, the highway connected on May 13 and opened for tourists by late May. In 2024, it opened earlier on April 23, which was an unusually early year.
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 on the route, but it is now bypassed entirely by the Atal Tunnel, which is open year-round.
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 near Baralacha La.
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. This fuel situation does not change regardless of what month you travel.
Are bikers allowed on Manali Leh Highway in June 2026?
Yes. Motorcycles are permitted on the Manali Leh Highway as of June 2026. There may be very brief periods in early June when bikers are asked to wait at Baralacha La if fresh snow or ice makes conditions too risky, but this is temporary and typically cleared within hours. By mid-June, motorcycle traffic is fully unrestricted on all sections.
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 the Keylong area in heavy rain years.
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 this page as well. We update it regularly as BRO and HRTC share news through the travel season.
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 is now properly underway. With full two-way traffic confirmed from June 1, HRTC buses running again from June 8, 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 mid-June when the season has just properly opened 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.
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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. And if you are deciding between the Manali side and the Srinagar side, see our Srinagar Leh Highway status for a comparison.
If you have questions about the road status or have recently traveled this route and want to share an update, feel free to drop your observations in the comments section below. Other travelers planning their trip will benefit from real-time reports 🙂
