Are you looking for the latest road status of Manali to Kaza road in 2026? This article will help you track the opening and closing of this route connecting Spiti Valley with Lahaul Valley and Kullu Valley. I have been tracking this road for over 14 years now, and every year, the excitement around its opening is something else 🙂 …
The Manali to Kaza road, also known as the Gramphu – Kaza Highway, passes through Kunzum Pass at 15,060 feet and remains closed for about 6-7 months every winter due to heavy snowfall. Once the snow starts melting and BRO begins clearance operations, this thread comes alive with updates. If you are planning a trip to Spiti Valley from the Manali side, keep checking this page for the latest road conditions.
Manali Kaza Road Status 2026: CLOSED as of February 2026. The road from Gramphu to Kaza via Kunzum Pass is closed due to heavy snow. BRO snow clearance operations are expected to begin in March-April 2026. Based on recent years, the road may open by late May 2026, provided weather cooperates. I will update this page as soon as there is any development.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Are the Key Facts About the Manali to Kaza Road?
The Manali – Kaza road is one of the most adventurous routes in the Indian Himalayas. Here is a quick reference for planning your trip.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Distance (via Atal Tunnel) | ~182 km |
| Total Distance (via Rohtang Pass) | ~202 km |
| Driving Time | 7-10 hours (depending on road conditions) |
| Highest Point | Kunzum Pass, 15,060 ft |
| Road Open Season | Late May to mid-October (varies yearly) |
| HRTC Bus Fare | Rs 400 – Rs 600 per person |
| Taxi Cost (Manali to Kaza) | Rs 8,000 – Rs 12,000 (one-way) |
| Fuel Availability | No petrol pump between Manali and Kaza. Carry extra fuel. |
| Permit Required | No permit via Atal Tunnel. Rohtang Pass permit needed if going via Rohtang. |
| Last Updated | February 2026 |
You might also be interested in tracking the road status for Srinagar Leh Highway and the road status of Manali Leh Highway.
When Will Manali Kaza Road Open in 2026?
There is no fixed date for the opening of the Manali to Kaza road. It depends entirely on the weather conditions, amount of snowfall during winter, and the speed of BRO’s snow clearance operations. However, based on the pattern of the last several years, here is what we can expect.
In 2025, the road opened around late May. In 2024, it opened in the first week of June. In 2023, the opening was also around late May to early June. Before that, in 2022, the road opened on May 3, which was a record early opening. In 2021, it opened in the last week of May, another relatively early opening. Both 2021 and 2022 benefited from the Atal Tunnel, which means BRO no longer needs to clear Rohtang Pass to connect Manali with Kaza.
For 2026, I expect the road to open sometime between mid-May and early June, depending on how much snow falls in March and April. Keep in mind that these are predictions based on historical patterns. The weather and mountain gods always have the last say when it comes to the Himalayas 🙂 …
When Will Kunzum Pass Open in 2026?
Kunzum Pass at 15,060 feet is the main bottleneck on this route. The pass usually has 10-20 feet of snow that needs to be cleared. BRO typically starts snow clearance operations from both sides, from the Kaza side and from the Gramphu side, and works towards the middle.
In recent years, the Kaza to Kunzum Pass side has been opening earlier, sometimes by April itself. However, the stretch from Gramphu to Batal to Kunzum Pass is the real challenge, as this stretch passes through avalanche-prone zones and glacier areas. The snow clearance from Gramphu side usually takes until May or early June.
Since 2020, the opening of the Atal Tunnel has been a game changer. BRO no longer needs to clear Rohtang Pass first to start work on the Gramphu – Kunzum Pass section. This has shaved about 2-3 weeks off the overall opening timeline. Hence, the road has been opening earlier than the traditional first week of June timeline.
It will be interesting to watch the weather in March and April 2026. I have been tracking this road for over 14 years, and eventually, it all gets down upon the weather and snow conditions during the clearance months.
When Does the Manali to Kaza Road Usually Open and Close?
The Manali to Kaza road, which is about 182 km via the Atal Tunnel route, typically opens between mid-May and early June. Before the Atal Tunnel opened in 2020, the road usually opened in the first week of June. Now, with one less pass to clear, the opening has been happening a bit earlier.
Here is the approximate opening and closing pattern based on recent years:
| Year | Approx. Opening | Approx. Closing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Late May | Mid-October | Normal season |
| 2024 | Early June | Mid-October | Slightly delayed |
| 2023 | Late May | Mid-October | Normal season |
| 2022 | May 3 | November | Record early opening |
| 2021 | Last week of May | November | Early opening (post Atal Tunnel) |
| 2020 | Early June | November | COVID restrictions, Atal Tunnel opened Oct 2020 |
The road usually closes by mid-October to November when the first heavy snowfall of winter blocks Kunzum Pass again. In case you are planning for late October, I suggest keeping a backup plan ready because weather at that time can be unpredictable.
Should I Travel on Manali to Kaza Road Immediately After It Opens?
This is a very important question, and my honest answer is: please wait at least 2-3 weeks after the official opening. When making a road trip to Spiti Valley from the Manali side, you must keep in mind that even when the road opens, it takes some time for conditions to stabilize.
In the initial days after opening, snow slides and loose gravel cause frequent roadblocks. The stretch from Batal to Gramphu is particularly risky during early season. Getting stuck in these conditions is not an adventure but comes like a nightmare, especially if you are with family. Hence, it is recommended that you wait for the road conditions to stabilize before planning your Manali to Spiti trip.
The sweet spot for traveling on this route is typically mid-June to September. By mid-June, the road has been driven on by enough vehicles, BRO has done the initial repairs, and conditions are much more predictable. If this is your first trip to Spiti Valley, I would highly recommend traveling in July or August.
Where Can I Track the Latest Manali Kaza Road Status in 2026?
I will keep updating this article with the latest road status once BRO starts the snow clearance operations. As per the previous years, this sticky post for Manali Kaza Road Status 2026 will be the primary source of updates. I understand that many adventure enthusiasts await these updates every year.
Once the Kunzum Pass road opens from Manali to Kaza, I may not be that active in updating minor road closures because these roads in the high Himalayas close and open frequently. It is barely impossible for a single tiny soul like me to update this information daily once the road gets open, so please request you to excuse me on that front and accept my apologies 🙂 …
However, if there is some major blockade of 3-4 days, I will try to surely update such information about Manali Kaza Highway status 2026. You can also check the official Lahaul and Spiti district website for daily road status updates.
If you are traveling to Spiti Valley from the Shimla – Kinnaur side, you can refer to the road conditions post about Delhi – Kinnaur – Spiti Valley | Road Status and Conditions.
Manali Kaza Road Status 2026 Updates
I will post chronological updates here as the season progresses. The newest updates will be at the top.
Update: February 2026
As of February 2026, the road from Manali to Kaza via Kunzum Pass is CLOSED due to heavy winter snowfall. The entire stretch from Gramphu to Kunzum Pass is under deep snow. BRO has not yet started snow clearance operations on this route. The Atal Tunnel is operational for local residents of Lahaul Valley, but travel beyond Sissu/Keylong towards Kunzum Pass is not possible.
Previous Season Summary: 2025
In 2025, BRO started snow clearance operations in April, and the road from Manali to Kaza opened around late May. The 2025 season was a normal one with the road remaining open until mid-October when early snowfall forced closure of Kunzum Pass.
Previous Season: 2022
The road from Manali to Kaza opened on May 3, 2022, for light vehicles including bikes and cars. This was a record early opening. Caution was advised after Kunzum Pass due to slippery conditions, especially for bikes.
- Manali to Sissu – Keylong via Atal Tunnel is OPEN
- Kaza to Kunzum Pass is OPEN
- Sissu – Keylong to Kaza is OPEN
- Manali to Rohtang Pass is CLOSED
- Rohtang Pass to Sissu – Keylong is CLOSED
- Rohtang Pass to Kunzum Pass is CLOSED
Previous Season: 2021
The road from Manali to Kaza opened in the last week of May 2021. BRO worked hard on the snow clearance operations from both Manali and Kaza sides to open this road in record time. As of March 20, 2021, the road up to Kunzum Pass from Kaza side was opened, and authorities continued the clearance towards Gramphu.
Manali 21 March 2021: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) hastened the process to reopen the Sumdho-Kaza-Gramphu road in Lahaul-Spiti much earlier than the usual time. The road is crucial from the defence point of view as it leads to the border Spiti shares with China. The BRO set April 15 deadline to clear the road. The Sumdho-Kaza-Gramphu road is 209-km-long, and nearly 100-km stretch of this road was snowbound from Kaza up to Gramphu.
Source: Strategic Spiti road to reopen 2 months earlier – The Tribune
What Is the Route from Manali to Kaza via Rohtang Pass?
The original route from Manali to Kaza goes over Rohtang Pass. While most travelers now use the Atal Tunnel route, some still prefer the Rohtang Pass route for the experience. Here are the places that fall on this route along with approximate distances.
Manali – Marhi (37 km) – Rohtang Pass (51 km) – Gramphu (66 km) – Chattru (81 km) – Chota Dhara (98 km) – Batal (113 km) – Kunzum Pass (131 km) – Losar (151 km) – Kaza (202 km)
What Is the Route from Manali to Kaza via Atal Tunnel?
With the opening of the Atal Tunnel in October 2020, you can now bypass Rohtang Pass entirely. This route is about 20 km shorter and saves 2-3 hours of driving time. Most travelers now use this route. Here are the places with distances:
Manali – Atal Tunnel – Khoksar (41 km) – Gramphu (46 km) – Chattru (61 km) – Chota Dhara (78 km) – Batal (93 km) – Kunzum Pass (111 km) – Losar (131 km) – Kaza (182 km)
So, the Atal Tunnel route is 182 km compared to 202 km via Rohtang Pass. The time saved is significant because you skip the entire Rohtang Pass section which used to be very slow due to traffic jams and bad road conditions. The Atal Tunnel itself is 9.02 km long and takes about 15-20 minutes to cross.
Is There a Bus Service from Manali to Kaza?
Yes, HRTC operates daily bus services from Manali to Kaza during the open season (June to October). Here are the details as of 2025 (schedules may vary seasonally, verify with HRTC before travel):
- Departure: 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM from Manali bus stand (two daily services)
- Arrival: Around 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Kaza (9-12 hours journey)
- Fare: Rs 400 – Rs 600 per person (ordinary bus)
- Frequency: Daily in peak season (June-September), reduced in shoulder months
- Booking: First-come, first-served at the bus stand. You can also check HRTC’s official booking website
Keep in mind that these buses make stops at Gramphu, Batal, and Losar along the way. The journey is long and the road is rough, so carry snacks, water, and motion sickness tablets. If you are on a budget trip to Spiti Valley by public transport, the bus is your best option.
Is There Any Petrol Pump Between Manali and Kaza?
This is something very important to plan for. There is no petrol pump between Manali and Kaza. The last petrol pump on the Manali side is in Manali town itself. The next one is in Kaza, which is about 182 km away via the Atal Tunnel route. Hence, you must fuel up completely in Manali before starting this journey.
I always suggest carrying 5-10 liters of extra fuel in a jerry can, especially if your vehicle has low mileage. The terrain is hilly with constant climbs and descents, so your vehicle will consume more fuel than usual. In case of emergency, “black fuel” (informally sold diesel/petrol) may be available at Batal or Losar, but do not rely on it.
![How to tackle water-crossings on Ladakh Bike Trip / Spiti Valley Bike Trip? [20 Important Tips]](https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/yt_vid_thumbs/ladakh/82.png)
Do I Need a Permit to Travel from Manali to Kaza?
With the opening of the Atal Tunnel, the permit situation has become much simpler for most travelers.
Via Atal Tunnel (most common route): No permit is required. You can travel from Manali to Kaza via the Atal Tunnel without needing any permit for your vehicle, regardless of vehicle registration state.
Via Rohtang Pass (old route): All vehicles going from Manali towards Rohtang Pass need the Rohtang Pass permit, which can be applied for online through the Kullu Administration official website. This permit is required for both bikes and cars traveling from Manali towards Rohtang Pass. However, if you are coming from the Kaza or Keylong side towards Manali, no permit is needed.
For foreign nationals: An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required to visit Spiti Valley. This can be obtained in Manali or Shimla from the SDM office. Indian nationals do not need any ILP for Spiti Valley as of 2026.
How Are the Road Conditions from Batal to Gramphu?
The stretch from Batal to Gramphu is the most challenging part of the Manali to Kaza road. This approximately 47 km section passes through narrow valleys, glacial streams (nallahs), and loose rock terrain. In the early season (May-June), you will encounter water crossings that can be quite deep, especially in the afternoon when glacial melt is at its peak.
I always suggest starting early in the morning if you are crossing this stretch. The water level in nallahs is lowest in the morning (before 10 AM) and highest in the afternoon. This is not a piece of advice to take lightly. The difference between morning and afternoon water levels can be significant, and getting stuck in a deep nallah is dangerous.
The road between Batal and Gramphu has seen some improvement over the years, but it is still far from a well-paved highway. Expect loose gravel, rocks, narrow sections, and occasional landslides. An SUV or a vehicle with good ground clearance is highly recommended. Sedans can make it, but you will need to drive very cautiously.
Which Vehicle Is Best for the Manali to Kaza Road?
Based on my experience, here is what I suggest for different vehicle types:
- SUV / 4×4: Best option. High ground clearance handles water crossings and rocky terrain well. Recommended vehicles: Thar, Fortuner, Scorpio, XUV700.
- Compact SUV: Doable with caution. Vehicles like Creta, Seltos, and Brezza can manage, but be careful at deep water crossings.
- Sedan / Hatchback: Possible but risky. Low ground clearance is a problem on the Batal – Gramphu stretch. Drive very cautiously and avoid the route in early season when water crossings are deep.
- Motorcycle / Bike: The route is popular among bikers. A Royal Enfield or any adventure bike handles it well. Watch out for loose gravel and water crossings.
What Is the Best Itinerary for Spiti Valley from Manali?
Once the Manali to Kaza road opens, you can plan the trip to Spiti from the Manali side. I created this itinerary that will help you plan a perfect trip to this middle land in the Himalayas. You can also refer to the detailed Manali to Spiti planning guide for more information.
Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Spiti Valley day by day plan infographic guide. If you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.
What Safety Precautions Should I Take on the Manali to Kaza Road?
This route passes through high-altitude terrain with no habitation for long stretches. Please take utmost caution and keep these safety tips in mind:
- Start early, sleep early. Leave Manali by 5-6 AM to reach Kaza before dark. Do not drive on this road after sunset.
- Watch for AMS. Kunzum Pass is at 15,060 feet. If you are coming directly from Manali (6,726 feet), the altitude gain is significant. Read about AMS and acclimatization before your trip.
- No mobile network. There is almost no mobile network between Gramphu and Losar. BSNL may work at Batal in patches. Do not depend on GPS or online maps for this stretch. Download offline maps before starting.
- Carry food and water. There are very limited dhaba options at Batal and Chattru. Carry enough water and dry food for the journey.
- Cross water crossings carefully. Walk through first to check the depth if you are unsure. Early morning crossings are safer than afternoon ones.
- Carry basic tools. A puncture repair kit, tow rope, and basic tools are essential. There is no mechanic between Manali and Kaza. Refer to the must-have things to carry on a self-drive trip for a complete checklist.
Important Articles for Your Spiti Valley Trip Planning
Here are some useful articles from the blog that will help you plan your trip to Spiti Valley from the Manali side:
- How to Plan Your Trip to Spiti Valley from Manali
- Spiti Valley Most Common Itinerary
- Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley
- List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley
- 5 Reasons to Choose Manali to Spiti Road
- Accommodation Options in Spiti Valley
- How to Plan a Trip to Chandratal Lake
- Mobile Phone Connectivity in Spiti Valley
- List of Things to Carry on Your Trip
- Tips for Traveling to Spiti in Monsoons
Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Manali to Kaza road open right now in 2026?
As of February 2026, the Manali to Kaza road via Kunzum Pass is CLOSED due to heavy winter snowfall. BRO snow clearance operations are expected to begin in March-April. The road is likely to open by late May or early June 2026.
How long does it take to travel from Manali to Kaza?
The journey from Manali to Kaza takes about 7-10 hours via the Atal Tunnel route (182 km). This can vary depending on road conditions, traffic, and the number of stops you make. In the early season (May-June), it may take longer due to water crossings and rough road patches.
Do I need a Rohtang Pass permit to go to Spiti Valley from Manali?
If you travel via the Atal Tunnel, no permit is required. The Rohtang Pass permit is only needed if you choose to travel over Rohtang Pass itself. Since the Atal Tunnel route is shorter and faster, most travelers use that route and skip the permit hassle entirely.
Can I travel from Manali to Kaza in a sedan or hatchback?
Yes, it is possible but not ideal. The stretch from Batal to Gramphu has rough terrain and water crossings that are challenging for low-ground-clearance vehicles. An SUV or vehicle with good ground clearance is strongly recommended. If you must take a sedan, avoid the early season (May-June) and drive very cautiously.
Is there a petrol pump between Manali and Kaza?
No, there is no petrol pump between Manali and Kaza. The distance is about 182 km via Atal Tunnel. Make sure to fill your tank completely in Manali and carry 5-10 liters of extra fuel in a jerry can. The next petrol pump is in Kaza.
What is the best time to travel on the Manali to Kaza road?
The best time is mid-June to September. By mid-June, the road has stabilized after initial opening, water crossings are manageable, and BRO has completed initial repairs. July and August are the peak months with the most stable conditions, though you may encounter rain.
Is HRTC bus available from Manali to Kaza?
Yes, HRTC runs daily bus services from Manali to Kaza during the open season (June to October). Buses depart around 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM from Manali bus stand and reach Kaza by 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. The fare is approximately Rs 400 – Rs 600 per person. Schedules may vary seasonally, so verify with HRTC before travel.
How does the Atal Tunnel affect the Manali to Kaza route?
The Atal Tunnel, opened in October 2020, has been a game changer. It bypasses Rohtang Pass entirely, reducing the distance by 20 km and the travel time by 2-3 hours. It also means BRO does not need to clear Rohtang Pass before working on the Kunzum Pass stretch, which has led to earlier openings of the Manali – Kaza road in recent years.
Conclusion
I hope this article will help you keep a check on the Manali to Kaza road status in 2026. This route to Spiti Valley is one of the most exciting drives in the Indian Himalayas, and the yearly wait for its opening is something that gets all adventure enthusiasts excited. I will keep updating this thread as BRO starts the snow clearance operations and the road opens for the 2026 season.
If you have any updates about road conditions from the ground, please feel free to share them in the comments section. It will help fellow travelers plan their trips better. And if you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Spiti Valley, do share this article with them. For more queries or customized trip plans, you can also check the DwD Community 🙂 …
Last Updated: February 2026
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22 Comments
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Hello Dhiraj !
I am planning to go to Kaza from manali in the first week of October, stay for two days there and proceed to Kalpa from Kaza and then to Shimla/chandigarh/Delhi. Will the roads be travellable during the first week of October ? This a Family trip and we are all 50+ people, though physically very active and Gymming.
Looking forward to your revert,
Hi Need Cab for my trip.
Starting from chandigarh via Shimla -> places in between -> Kaza -> Chandratal lake -> Manali -> kasol -> chandigarh
Trip start date : between 28 th may 2022 and 2nd june 2022
trip days : 10 days
Please help with getting affordable cab for the trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
i am planning my trip from delhi to spiti from 4 – 12 October on Bike. Will Manali to Kaaza road will opens at that time.
And what will be the conditions at that time. Is it safe to ride via Manali to kaaza?
HI deeraj,
Thanks for keep updating the road status, i have question regarding the permit to go thru the passes, do we need to pay or provide the permit or our private driver will do it for us, and what do u think the road status will be by the last week of September? Tq
Hi, After the rains, how is the condition of the route from Rmapur to Gramphu?
Roads are pretty bad, check my Instagram account for updates
Hi – One of my friends got stuck on the Kaza-Manali route(most likely before Kunzum) on Sunday(18Aug2019) due to the untimely snowfall. We haven’t heard back anything from him yet. Any updates on the route? If someone can help
Nitin, the road just got opened yesterday and you should be able to get connected with him
Hi Dheeraj,
As per the above road status, how is keylong to Kaza closed but rohtang to kunzum open?
Roads are open but bad conditions and it will get worse in rains.
Hello Dheeraj,
We are planing to explore spiti valley in first time. we will decide to go in 16 aug to 26 aug to cover chandigarh to chandigarh with self drive. is it best root we are covering Manali – Rohtang Pass – Kunzum Pass – Losar – Kaza. or go with tour agency ?
Hi Dheeraj,
I’m doing the Spiti Circuit starting 13th July. Is the Kaza – Manali route open?
Also, I’m riding solo and I’ve been hearing a lot of cases of Land Slides and accident cases this year. Is it advisable to ride solo? Anything else that I should keep in mind?
Thanks!
It shall open by the time you hit the roads. Still will take about 5-7 days
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank your for and update.
We are planning to travel kaza from manali on July 02 and we are coming back from same route to reach Jispa on July 05. Accordingly we have booked everything but now I got know the road is still closed. If you have any information then please share.
Sir I am plannong to visit kaza from the manali side on 1st of july. Is it open
Thank you the Dheeraj !! Appreciate your help. Just update this article once the road is open. Our whole itinerary and the status of road we get from your articles.
Yes Ashir, I will surely update once the road is thrown open. As of now the road is cleared of snow but they have not yet allowed vehicles to pass through.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for your help as always. Can you please confirm the Status of Kaza–Manali Road. We are group of Bikers coming from Kolkata to complete the SPITI Circuit. We will be probably crossing the KAZA –Manali road on 5th July.
By that time road shall open. In fact the road from Kaza to Manali shall open anyday in this week and you should be able to rode from Manali to Kaza
Please let me know the route for kaza -chandratal – Manali it will be open by 4 the July ?
Please let me know the current status of road from chandratal to Rohtang. Currently enroute sangla. Wud be reaching kunzum on 26/06 and plan to go to Manali on 27th of june
Yes, the road is through now and snow is cleared. It shall open in 3-4 days if the weather stays calm.