As of October 15, 2026, I have found no official BRO or Lahaul-Spiti police order closing the Manali Leh Highway for winter, but the 2026 season is now in its closing window and the first light snow has started dusting the high passes. BRO’s Project Deepak and Project Himank completed end-to-end connectivity in mid-May, unrestricted civilian traffic resumed on June 1, and September gave the road its best and driest weeks of the year. Unofficial weather-tracker reports on social media noted light snowfall at Baralacha La, Rohtang, Shinkula, and Kunzum on October 13, 2026, with more possible over the following days. Light snow does not mean closure, but it is the signal that the season is ending. The four passes on the route are Baralacha La (16,047 ft), Nakee La (15,547 ft), Lachulung La (16,616 ft), and Tanglang La (17,582 ft). HRTC’s Delhi-Leh bus service via this route began running on June 8, 2026; I could not confirm whether it is still running this late in the season, so check with HRTC before you plan around it. Himachal Pradesh’s State Emergency Operation Centre reported, in its status check as of August 31, 2026, that 98 roads were blocked statewide, but only 2 of them in Lahaul-Spiti district, and explicitly confirmed no National Highway, including the Manali-Leh route, was affected. Lahaul-Spiti also logged roughly 60 percent below-normal monsoon rainfall between June 1 and August 31, the steepest shortfall of any Himachal district, which lines up with why this stretch has stayed dry while Mandi and Kullu absorbed most of the season’s landslides and flash floods, including the August 23, 2026 landslide near Pandoh on the Chandigarh-Manali approach road (not the Manali-Leh highway itself). That monsoon story is over now. The question for anyone reading this in October is simpler: will the road still be open on the day you reach Baralacha La? Read on for the expected 2026 closing date, pass-wise updates, current road conditions, monthly travel advice, and everything you need to plan your trip before the season ends.
Last Updated: October 15, 2026. We are now inside the closing window, so bookmark this page and check BRO and Lahaul-Spiti police advisories the evening before you set off.
Latest Update (as of October 15, 2026): No official winter closure order for the Manali-Leh highway has been issued that I could find. Unofficial social media weather updates reported light snowfall at Baralacha La on October 13, 2026, and a Western Disturbance is expected to bring more snow to the higher reaches of Himachal over the following days. Light snow at the passes can mean black ice, short traffic halts, and day-to-day stoppages beyond Darcha even before any formal closure. Based on the pattern of the last several years, expect BRO and Lahaul-Spiti police to shut the route beyond Zingzingbar sometime between late October and mid-November, my friend; last year’s closure order came on November 20, 2025. If you are crossing in the second half of October, keep a buffer day and check the status the evening before.
Practical Info at a Glance
| Best Time to Visit | June to September; September is the best month (driest, clearest, least crowded) |
| Budget (per day) | Rs 2,500 – Rs 6,000 depending on vehicle and stay type |
| Difficulty Level | Challenging (four passes above 15,500 ft, including 17,582 ft Tanglang La) |
| Nearest ATM | Manali or Leh. No reliable ATMs at Keylong, Jispa, Sarchu, or Pang; carry cash |
| Mobile Network | Manali, Keylong, Jispa, and Leh only. No coverage between Jispa and Pang |
| Fuel Availability | Only pump at Tandi (110 km from Manali); next pump at Karu, 30 km before Leh |
| Permits Required | None for the highway itself. Inner Line Permit needed only for onward travel beyond Leh to Nubra, Pangong, or Tso Moriri |
| Expected Winter Closure | Late October to mid-November 2026 (2025’s closure order came November 20). No 2026 order found as of October 15 |
| Last Updated | October 15, 2026 |
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Is Manali Leh Highway Open Right Now in October 2026?
Quick answer: As of October 15, 2026, no official winter closure order has been issued for the Manali Leh Highway that I could find, so the route has not been formally shut for the season. But light snow was reported at Baralacha La on October 13, 2026, and this is the window in which BRO and Lahaul-Spiti police close it. Treat every day from here as a day-by-day call.
BRO connected the highway end-to-end in mid-May, and unrestricted civilian traffic has been permitted since June 1. Through the monsoon, the high section held up well. Himachal Pradesh’s State Emergency Operation Centre confirmed in its August 31, 2026 status report that no National Highway was affected by the season’s road blockages statewide, and only 2 of the 98 blocked roads were in Lahaul-Spiti district. The bigger disruptions this year hit the approach road instead: on August 23, 2026 a landslide near Pandoh temporarily blocked the Mandi-Kullu highway, the Chandigarh-Manali approach road that most travelers use to reach Manali itself. Now the risk has flipped. It is no longer rain on the Manali side but cold and snow on the high side, at Baralacha La, Lachulung La, and Tanglang La. Keep in mind, a pass can be stopped for a few hours after fresh snow and then reopened once BRO clears it, so “no closure order” is not the same thing as “no delays”. See the closing-date section below for what to expect.
HRTC’s Delhi-Leh bus service via the Manali-Leh highway started on June 8, 2026. The 1,026 km journey from Delhi to Leh via Keylong takes roughly 30 to 35 hours by bus, and the one-way fare was approximately Rs 1,677 this season. In case you are planning to take this bus in October, call HRTC first. I could not confirm whether the service is still running this late, and it is not something to assume when the closure can come with very little warning. The rough early-season patches near Baralacha La were smoothed out by midsummer, so the surface itself is not the problem now. Cold is. Early mornings bring black ice on the shaded bends below Baralacha La and on the climbs to Lachulung La and Tanglang La, so start later in the morning once the sun has hit the road, and aim to be across the high section well before dark.
Here is a quick summary of the current status of each key section:
| Section | Status (as of October 15, 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manali to Keylong (via Atal Tunnel) | OPEN year-round | Atal Tunnel bypasses Rohtang Pass completely. Heavy snow on the south portal approach can still cause short halts in winter. |
| Keylong to Jispa to Darcha | No closure order found | Accessible. Fill up fully at Tandi. |
| Darcha to Baralacha La (16,047 ft) to Sarchu | No closure order found | Light snowfall at Baralacha La reported October 13, 2026 (unofficial). Black ice likely early morning. This is where the winter closure is enforced. |
| Sarchu to Pang via Lachulung La (16,616 ft) | No closure order found | Roughest stretch on the route. Camps at Sarchu and Pang wind down around this time. |
| Pang to Leh via Tanglang La (17,582 ft) | No closure order found | Mostly well-paved. Tanglang La is the highest point; expect sub-zero mornings. |
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. The brief alternate-day window that was in place at Darcha-Sarchu through late May is long gone. In October the situation reverses: the tunnel side is the easy part and the high passes beyond Darcha are where you may get held up, so keep in mind that a Day 1 stop at Jispa gives you a warm base from which to check the morning’s status before committing to Baralacha La. If you are wondering what makes Jispa worth the overnight halt, my complete guide to Jispa village covers where to stay and what to do around it.
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.
When Does Manali Leh Highway Close for Winter in 2026?
The Manali-Leh Highway typically closes for the season in late October or early November, when BRO and Lahaul-Spiti police shut the route beyond Zingzingbar toward Baralacha La and Sarchu once icing and sub-zero temperatures make it unsafe. Last year’s closure fell on November 20, 2025. As of October 15, 2026, I have found no closure order for this season, though light snow has already been reported at Baralacha La.
Here is the recent closing-date pattern, so you can plan your last trip of the 2026 season with a realistic buffer:
| Year | Winter Closure Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 20, 2025 | Lahaul-Spiti police closed the route beyond Zingzingbar toward Baralacha La and Sarchu for all vehicles on a BRO advisory citing intermittent snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, and icing. |
| Typical pattern (recent years) | Late October to mid-November | The exact date shifts by one to two weeks depending on when the first sustained snowfall hits Baralacha La. BRO issues the closure advisory reactively, not on a fixed calendar date. |
Unlike the opening date, which follows weeks of visible BRO snow-clearance work, the closing date is reactive. It follows the first spell of heavy snowfall or ice that Lahaul-Spiti police and BRO judge unsafe for civilian traffic, not a fixed date on the calendar. Hence, my friend, now that we are into the second half of October, do not attempt a Manali-Leh crossing without checking BRO’s live advisory, Lahaul-Spiti police updates, and local taxi operators first. Sarchu and Pang camps typically start winding down in early to mid-October ahead of the closure, which is itself a useful early warning sign that the season is ending. Keep in mind that once the closure order is issued, it usually takes effect within a day or two, so there is little to no advance warning window once the first hard freeze sets in at Baralacha La.
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 since June 1. This is the first major high-altitude pass on the route from the Manali side. By July the surface near the pass has been smoothed out by BRO, though occasional glacial-melt water crossings remain. 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. The unpaved patches from early season have largely been repaired by July, though this stretch remains the roughest on the route.
- 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 |
Keep in mind that this table shows the typical pattern for a normal monsoon year. The 2026 monsoon was unusually active across Himachal, with landslides and flash flood alerts in multiple districts through July and August, yet the Manali Leh highway itself stayed open through it. Hence, for a mid-October trip the thing to plan around is not rain but the October row above: build in a buffer day and do not count on crossing after mid-October without a fresh status check.
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. It had water crossings, gravel patches, and loose surfaces near Baralacha La through mid-June; by July BRO has completed most surface repairs and conditions are much improved, with only occasional glacial-melt crossings remaining.
- 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. Through the peak months, the camps at Sarchu, Pang, and Whiskey Nala are fully operational, but they start winding down in early to mid-October. So if you are travelling now, do not assume a tent at Sarchu will be waiting for you. Plan your night at Keylong or Jispa, and confirm any Sarchu or Pang booking by phone before you leave.
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, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues district-level flash flood and heavy rainfall advisories that are worth checking during the monsoon months (June to September). Local taxi unions and Manali tourism offices also share updates on Facebook groups. In case you are driving up from Chandigarh or Delhi, also check the status of the Mandi-Kullu stretch separately, since that approach road saw its own landslide-related blocks this past monsoon (including near Pandoh on August 23, 2026), independent of the Manali-Leh highway itself. Do not rely on information more than 24 to 48 hours old in late October, as a single night of snow at Baralacha La can stop traffic beyond Darcha.
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)
- Manali to Leh via Zanskar, Shinkula Pass (complete guide to the alternate route)
Frequently Asked Questions, Manali Leh Highway 2026
Is Manali Leh Highway open right now in October 2026?
As of October 15, 2026, I have found no official winter closure order from BRO or Lahaul-Spiti police, so the highway has not been formally shut for the season. However, light snowfall was reported at Baralacha La on October 13, 2026 (via unofficial social media weather updates), and more snow is possible over the following days. Fresh snow can stop traffic beyond Darcha for hours or days even before a formal closure. Cross-check with BRO, Lahaul-Spiti police, and local taxi operators the evening before you set off.
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.
When does Manali Leh Highway close in 2026?
The Manali-Leh Highway typically closes for winter in late October or early November. BRO and Lahaul-Spiti police shut the route beyond Zingzingbar toward Baralacha La and Sarchu once icing and sub-zero temperatures make it unsafe. Last year’s closure order came on November 20, 2025. As of October 15, 2026, I have found no closure order for this season, but light snow has already been reported at Baralacha La.
Has the Manali Leh Highway 2026 closing date been announced yet?
Not as of October 15, 2026. I have found no winter closure order from BRO or Lahaul-Spiti police for this season. The closing date is reactive, not scheduled in advance: it follows the first sustained snowfall or icing event that the administration judges unsafe for civilian traffic. Based on the last several years, expect the announcement sometime in late October or the first half of November, similar to the November 20, 2025 closure order from last season.
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 2026?
Yes. Motorcycles are permitted on the Manali Leh Highway, and the early-season restrictions at Baralacha La lifted long ago. In mid-October, though, riding is a different game: black ice on shaded bends in the morning, sub-zero temperatures at Tanglang La, and the winter closure expected between late October and mid-November based on the last several years. Ride only in daylight and carry proper cold-weather gear.
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) sees the bulk of the monsoon rain and occasional short landslide halts, as happened briefly near Jispa on June 30, 2026. This monsoon (2026) has been more active than usual across Himachal Pradesh, with a flash flood alert issued for nine districts on July 22, 2026, and a landslide blocking the Mandi-Kullu approach road near Pandoh on August 23, 2026 (light vehicles were diverted via Kataula). So keep an eye on IMD and BRO advisories through September, both for the Manali-Leh highway itself and for the Chandigarh-Manali approach road you take to get there.
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 celebrated road trips in India, and the 2026 season is now in its last few weeks. With full two-way traffic since June 1, HRTC buses from June 8, and the Atal Tunnel giving year-round access to Keylong, the road had a good season. If you are planning your first trip on this highway, September is the month to aim for next year. If you are travelling right now in October, keep the closing window front of mind: based on the last several years, expect BRO and Lahaul-Spiti police to shut the road beyond Zingzingbar sometime between late October and mid-November (last year’s order came November 20, 2025), and light snow has already been reported at Baralacha La. Do not plan a Manali-Leh crossing for late October without checking BRO’s live status first. If the high road closes before you reach it, the Atal Tunnel still gets you to Sissu, Keylong, and Jispa for a short Lahaul trip instead.
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. 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 🙂
