Last Updated: April 2026
The Srinagar Leh Highway is one of the two land routes connecting the rest of India to Ladakh, and every spring thousands of travelers sit refreshing news pages and BRO bulletins waiting for this 434 km lifeline to reopen. I have been tracking the status of this highway for over 15 years now, and this article is where I post all the updates about the Srinagar Leh Highway opening, road conditions, and closures for the 2026 season.
As of April 2026, Zojila Pass is still awaiting a full civilian reopening after winter. BRO snow clearance operations have been in full swing through March and early April. The 2025-26 winter was unusual. For the first time in recent memory, Zojila stayed open well beyond February 28, 2026, before fresh snowfall and avalanche risk forced a temporary winter closure. Based on the trend of the last five years, civilian traffic on the Srinagar Leh Highway should resume any time between mid-April and early May 2026, and I will update this article as BRO issues official clearance.
Quick Facts: The Srinagar Leh Highway is 434 km long and crosses Zojila Pass at 11,578 ft. It connects Srinagar to Leh via Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil, and Mulbekh. The highway typically opens between late March and mid-April and closes in late December or January each year. The 6.5 km Z-Morh Tunnel (renamed Sonamarg Tunnel) opened on January 13, 2025 and now gives all-weather access up to Sonamarg, even when Zojila is shut.
When Does the Srinagar Leh Highway Usually Open?
The Srinagar Leh Highway typically opens between late March and mid-April each year, depending on the amount of snowfall during winter and BRO’s snow clearance progress at Zojila Pass. Here is a summary of recent opening dates to give you an idea of the pattern.
| Year | Opening Date | Closure Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 28 February | ~58 days | Record early opening, tourists not allowed until April |
| 2022 | 19 March | ~73 days | Record BRO clearance, tourist traffic from May |
| 2023 | ~16 March | ~70 days | Early clearance, tourist vehicles allowed later |
| 2024 | ~15 April | ~79 days | Open for one-way traffic on odd-even days |
| 2025 | 1 April | ~33 days | Record fastest reopening by BRO |
| 2026 | Pending (expected mid-Apr to early May) | Stayed open past 28 Feb | Unusual winter, longest recent connectivity window |
Keep in mind that the “opening date” and “tourist traffic allowed” are two different things. BRO may clear the road and declare it open, but authorities often restrict tourist vehicles for another couple of weeks until the road is deemed safe for general traffic. In the initial days, only essential and military vehicles are allowed. Hence, even if you hear news of the highway opening in March, do not rush to book your trip right away.
I have been watching this highway for the last 15 years now, and eventually, it all gets down upon the weather and mountain gods that always have the last say 🙂 …
Should I Travel on Srinagar Leh Highway Immediately After It Opens?
No, and I cannot stress this enough. When the Srinagar to Leh road opens, it takes some time for the conditions to stabilize. Due to snow sliding and loose gravel, roadblocks are very common in the initial days, especially around Zojila Pass.
In the early days of opening, there is usually one-way traffic with time restrictions. On even dates, traffic is allowed from Srinagar to Kargil, and on odd dates, traffic is allowed from Kargil to Srinagar direction. The road is not wide enough due to snow walls, and only one-way traffic can pass safely at Zojila Pass.
Hence, it is recommended that you wait for at least a couple of weeks before planning your trip on the Srinagar Leh Highway after its official opening. The last thing you will want on your much-awaited Leh Ladakh road trip is to get stranded on some lonely and freezing stretches of Srinagar Leh Highway in early April.
Please keep in mind that even when the Srinagar to Leh road opens, it needs at least a couple of weeks to settle and get stabilized from the initial snow sliding that happens due to the quick melting of snow. So, please do not rush to Ladakh by road as soon as the highway is thrown open. Wait for a couple of weeks to let it stabilize 😉 … This will ensure safe passage for you and avoid any unforeseen mishaps.
How Does the Z-Morh Tunnel Change Things for Travelers?
This is a big development that happened in January 2025. The 6.5 km long Z-Morh Tunnel (now officially renamed Sonamarg Tunnel) was inaugurated by PM Modi on January 13, 2025, and is now fully operational. This tunnel provides all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, bypassing the landslide and avalanche-prone stretch between Gagangir and Sonamarg that used to cause serious problems every winter.
What does this mean for you as a traveler? It means Sonamarg is now accessible throughout the year, even in the deepest winter months. The tunnel cuts the travel time on this stretch from a couple of hours to around 15 minutes. No toll tax is charged for using this tunnel as of April 2026.
However, keep in mind that the Z-Morh Tunnel only takes you to Sonamarg. Beyond Sonamarg, you still have to cross Zojila Pass to reach Drass and Kargil, and that section remains closed in the winter. So, while you can now visit Sonamarg year-round, the full Srinagar to Leh highway is still dependent on Zojila Pass being open.
What Is the Status of the Zojila Tunnel Project in 2026?
The Zojila Tunnel is the game-changer that every Ladakh traveler is waiting for. Once completed, this 14.15 km long tunnel will bypass Zojila Pass entirely and provide year-round connectivity between Sonamarg and Drass. Combined with the already operational Z-Morh Tunnel, this will effectively make the Srinagar Leh Highway an all-weather road for the first time in history.
As of early 2026, the Zojila Tunnel is approximately 64% complete. The original completion deadline was September 2026, but according to the Ladakh Chief Secretary’s review in November 2025, the revised target is now February 2028. The total project cost is Rs 6,809 crore, of which Rs 3,934 crore has already been spent. When completed, the Zojila Tunnel will reduce travel time between Sonamarg and Meenamarg from about 4 hours to just 40 minutes, and lift the average vehicle speed on this stretch from 30 km/h to 70 km/h.
This is going to transform Ladakh tourism completely, and more importantly, it will transform the lives of people in Kargil and Drass who currently get cut off for several months each year. For now though, we still rely on BRO’s annual snow clearance operation to open Zojila Pass each spring.
Where Can I Track Srinagar Leh Road Status in 2026?
As per the previous years, I will be updating this article with the latest status of the Srinagar Leh Highway for the 2026 season. I also post updates on the DoW YouTube Channel community posts for better tracking of updates.
Hence, all updates on Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2026 will be posted or updated in this article as well as on my YouTube Channel threads. Please subscribe to it and stay tuned.
You can also check the official Leh District Administration website for weather and road status updates. They post official orders whenever Zojila Pass is opened or closed, and the Traffic Police J&K handle on X (formerly Twitter) is another reliable source for real-time Zojila traffic advisories.
Will This Thread Have Daily Srinagar Leh Road Updates?
Once the Srinagar Leh road opens, I may not be that active in updating the minor road closures or status because these roads are in the high Himalayas, and 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 to 4 days, I will try to update such information about the Srinagar Leh Highway status 2026. For day-to-day status, I suggest checking the official Leh District website or following local news channels from Kashmir and Ladakh.
I hope, as per the last few years, this article thread will be useful in planning your journey on Srinagar Leh Highway and further to the Leh Ladakh region.
What Is the Route and Distance of Srinagar Leh Highway?
The Srinagar Leh Highway (NH-1, formerly NH-1D) covers a total distance of approximately 434 km. Here is a breakdown of the key stops and distances along the route.
| From | To | Distance | Altitude | Key Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Srinagar | Sonamarg | 80 km | 8,960 ft | Z-Morh Tunnel now bypasses avalanche zone |
| Sonamarg | Drass | 65 km | 10,760 ft | Crosses Zojila Pass (11,578 ft), most critical stretch |
| Drass | Kargil | 60 km | 8,780 ft | Good road, Drass is second coldest inhabited place |
| Kargil | Mulbekh | 45 km | 11,000 ft | Giant Maitreya Buddha rock carving at Mulbekh |
| Mulbekh | Lamayuru | 70 km | 11,520 ft | Crosses Namika La (12,198 ft) and Fotu La (13,479 ft) |
| Lamayuru | Leh | 114 km | 11,562 ft | Passes through Magnetic Hill, Sangam confluence |
Most travelers break this journey into two days with a night halt at Kargil. I suggest the same, especially if it is your first time. Driving the entire 434 km in one day is possible but extremely tiring and does not give your body time to acclimatize to the altitude. Also, you will miss some beautiful spots along the way.
If you want a detailed route plan, I have covered everything in my article on how to plan a journey on Srinagar Leh Highway.
What Is the Best Time to Travel on Srinagar Leh Highway?
The best time to travel on the Srinagar Leh Highway is from mid-May to September. Here is a month-wise breakdown to help you plan.
- Late March to April: Highway starts opening. One-way traffic, frequent closures, icy conditions at Zojila. Not recommended unless you are an experienced driver and comfortable with uncertainty.
- May: Road stabilizes, but one-way traffic may continue at Zojila. Snow walls visible. Weather can be unpredictable with occasional fresh snowfall.
- June to September: Best window. Road is fully open, two-way traffic, good conditions. This is the peak Ladakh season. June and September are less crowded compared to July-August.
- October: Still doable but days get shorter and temperatures drop. Road conditions start deteriorating.
- November onwards: Highway closes for winter once heavy snowfall begins at Zojila Pass.
In case you want a detailed month-wise analysis, check out my article on best time to travel to Ladakh.
What Are the Bus Service Options on Srinagar Leh Highway?
JKSRTC operates bus services from Srinagar to Leh once the highway opens for the season. The bus departs from the Tourist Reception Centre near Dal Lake in Srinagar at 8 AM, halts overnight at Kargil, and reaches Leh the next day by evening.
As of the 2025 season, the approximate bus fares were as follows. Verify with JKSRTC at the Srinagar counter for the latest 2026 season fares before booking, as revised fare lists are usually published close to the opening date.
| Bus Type | Fare (approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary | Rs 450 | Not available daily, basic seating |
| Semi-Deluxe | Rs 650 | More comfortable, available on most days |
| Deluxe | Rs 1,050 | Best comfort option, pushback seats |
There is no online booking portal for JKSRTC buses on this route as of now. You need to purchase tickets in person at the counter. I suggest reaching the bus stand early, as seats fill up fast during peak season.
For a complete guide on bus timings, halts, and tips, check my detailed article on Srinagar to Leh Bus Service.
What Safety Tips Should I Keep in Mind for Srinagar Leh Highway?
Traveling on the Srinagar Leh Highway is an incredible experience, but it comes with real risks that you should not take lightly. Here are some important safety tips.
- Acclimatize properly. You gain significant altitude on this route. Halt at Kargil for at least one night. Do not push straight to Leh in one day. Read my detailed guide on Acute Mountain Sickness and acclimatization.
- Start early, reach early. Leave Srinagar or Kargil by 6 to 7 AM. You want to cross Zojila Pass (from Srinagar side) before the afternoon traffic rush. Weather deteriorates as the day progresses.
- Carry extra fuel. There are fuel pumps at Srinagar, Sonamarg (seasonal), Drass, Kargil, Mulbekh, and Khalsi. However, fuel availability can be uncertain early in the season. Carry a jerry can if possible.
- Check traffic schedule. In the early weeks after opening, Zojila Pass operates on an odd-even system with specific time slots. Confirm the schedule with Traffic Police J&K before you travel.
- Mobile network. BSNL and Jio have coverage on most of the route. Airtel works in Srinagar and some parts but is unreliable in between. Carry a BSNL or Jio SIM for safety.
- Vehicle preparation. Ensure your vehicle is in top condition. Check brakes, battery, and coolant. Carry basic tools and a tow rope. If driving a sedan, be extra cautious at Zojila Pass where the road gets narrow and gravelly.
- Carry warm clothing. Even in May, temperatures at Zojila and Drass can drop below freezing at night. Layered warm clothing is essential.
Please take a sensible call for yourself and your loved ones waiting for your safe return. Getting stuck in freezing conditions on a mountain pass is not an adventure, it comes like a nightmare.
If you are traveling from Manali to Leh over Rohtang Pass and coming back from Leh to Srinagar highway, you will need to get the permit for Rohtang Pass which can be applied for online. But, if you plan to use the Atal Tunnel which opened in 2020, you do not need a Rohtang Pass permit.
Why Should I Choose Srinagar Leh Highway Over Manali Leh Highway?
Both routes have their own charm, but there are strong reasons to prefer Srinagar Leh Highway, especially if it is your first trip to Ladakh. Here are the key advantages.
- Better acclimatization. On the Srinagar route, you gain altitude gradually over 2 days with a halt at Kargil (8,780 ft). On the Manali route, you cross 4 passes above 15,000 ft in quick succession, which is harder on the body.
- Opens earlier. Srinagar Leh Highway typically opens 3 to 6 weeks before the Manali Leh Highway.
- Better road conditions. Overall, the Srinagar route has better tar roads except for the Zojila Pass section.
- Fuel and services available. More fuel pumps, dhabas, and accommodation options along the way compared to the Manali route where you cross vast empty stretches.
- Scenic highlights. You pass through the Kashmir Valley, Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil War Memorial, Lamayuru Moonland, and the Indus-Zanskar Sangam.
I have written a detailed comparison in my article on 5 reasons to choose Srinagar Leh road over Manali Leh road. For the ideal circuit, most travelers take Srinagar Leh Highway going and Manali Leh Highway returning (or vice versa).
Current Srinagar Leh Highway Status April 2026 = Pending Civilian Reopening
As of April 2026, the Srinagar Leh Highway has not yet been officially thrown open for civilian and tourist traffic. BRO snow clearance operations at Zojila Pass have been in progress through March and early April, after the pass closed due to fresh snowfall earlier this year. Based on the trend of the last few years and BRO’s pace, civilian traffic should resume any time between mid-April and early May 2026.
I will update this section as new information becomes available through the 2026 season. Check back regularly or subscribe to the DoW YouTube Channel for timely updates.
- Srinagar to Sonamarg via Z-Morh Tunnel is OPEN (all-weather connectivity since January 2025)
- Sonamarg to Zojila Pass to Drass is CLOSED (BRO clearance in progress, civilian reopening pending)
2026 Season Updates
Early April 2026: BRO snow clearance at Zojila Pass in full swing. Sonamarg fully accessible via Z-Morh Tunnel. Civilian traffic through Zojila not yet permitted. Fresh snowfall in March delayed the final push, but clearance is now on the last few kilometers.
End February 2026: In a first for recent memory, Zojila Pass stayed open beyond 28 February 2026 before fresh snowfall and avalanche risk finally forced a winter closure. This was the longest continuous winter connectivity the Srinagar Leh Highway has had in the BRO era.
2025 Season Summary
In 2025, BRO created a record by reopening Zojila Pass in just 33 days on April 1, 2025. This was the fastest reopening in recent history. The highway remained operational through the season until late 2025 when it was closed due to winter snowfall. The Z-Morh Tunnel, inaugurated on January 13, 2025, was a landmark development that now provides year-round access to Sonamarg and is one of the single biggest infrastructure wins for Kashmir tourism in the last decade.
2024 Season Updates (Archive)
The 2024 season was unusual. The highway stayed open unusually late into January 2024 due to very low snowfall. Zojila Pass finally closed on January 26, 2024, which was a record at the time. During winters of 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23, records from BRO show that the road was closed on December 31, 2020, January 4, 2022, and January 6, 2023, respectively.
Update: 8 May 2024
Srinagar – Leh Highway has been opened for 1-way traffic. The timings are 7-11 AM. On the even date, traffic is allowed from Srinagar to Kargil, and on the odd date traffic is allowed from Kargil to Srinagar direction.
![What are tips for long-distance bike ride in Ladakh or Spiti? [10 Practical Tips]](https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/yt_vid_thumbs/ladakh/86.png)
Update: 03 May 2024
Since the last week of April 27, the Srinagar Leh Highway has remained closed due to fresh snowfall and avalanches between Sonamarg and Kargil. Even the one-way traffic is not allowed anymore which was allowed in April for light vehicles.
Update: 27 April 2024
Srinagar to Leh road has been closed due to landslides and snowslides at Zojila Pass. Fresh snowfall and bad weather predictions for the coming days.
Update: 15 April 2024
Srinagar Leh Highway was opened earlier in April for one-way traffic on odd-even days. As of today as well, it continues to remain open only for light motor vehicles on odd-even days. There are frequent road closures every other day. So, you should plan with disruptions in mind.
Update: 26 January 2024
Finally, with the fresh snowfall of the season on 26th January, the Zojila Pass closed for the winter season. It is the record time BRO has kept the Srinagar Leh Highway open in the winter season.
Important Articles for Reference and Regular Updates
- How to Plan a Journey on Srinagar Leh Highway
- 5 Reasons to Choose Srinagar Leh Road Over Manali Leh Road
- 7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh Ladakh
- 40 Must-Have Things to Carry on Ladakh Self Drive Trip
- List of Things to Carry for Your Ladakh Trip
- Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
- Srinagar to Leh Bus Service Guide
- Manali Leh Highway Status 2026
- Srinagar to Leh Road Map With Distances
- Leh Ladakh Taxi Rates 2026
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.
Srinagar Leh Highway Travel Guide Infographic
Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Srinagar to Leh route travel infographic. If you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.
Historical Srinagar Leh Highway Status Updates (Archive)
For reference, here are key updates from previous years. These help illustrate the pattern of openings and closures, which can be useful when planning your trip timing.
2023 Season
16 March 2023: Road from Srinagar to Leh cleared of snow. Tourists and civilians were not yet allowed to travel. Once deemed safe, authorities allowed traffic on this route later in the season.
2022 Season
3 May 2022: Road from Srinagar to Leh open for tourists. Traffic allowed one way only at Zojila Pass. Odd dates: Srinagar to Leh. Even dates: Kargil/Leh to Srinagar.
19 March 2022: BRO created history by opening the Srinagar Leh Highway in a record 73 days. Tourists were allowed once road was deemed safe for passage.
1 March 2022: Snow clearance at the last stage. Only 2-3 km of stretch left at Zojila Pass from the Srinagar side.
19 Feb 2022: Snow clearance in full swing. BRO expected to open by early March. The Srinagar Leh Highway had been open as late as 4 January 2022, nearly 10 months of connectivity. This shows how climate change is affecting snow levels in the Himalayas.
2021 Season
31 May 2021: One-way traffic allowed from both directions, Srinagar to Leh and Leh to Srinagar.
26 April 2021: Highway reopened for one-way traffic from Srinagar to Leh for all types of vehicles. Timings: traffic from Sonamarg after 10:30 AM, from Meenamarg to Kargil after 11:00 AM. Road conditions still very snowy and icy.
15 April 2021: Inclement weather and snow at Zojila Pass kept the road closed for 1.5 months. BRO expected to complete snow clearance in the coming days. Covid-19 screening checkpoints were being set up at Meenamarg. Read the Tribune India report here.
28 February 2021: The road from Srinagar to Leh opened after remaining closed for only 2 months (58 days), a record at that time. Read the full report here.
Zojila Pass Traffic Timings (When Highway Is Open)
When the highway is operational in the early season, Zojila Pass usually has one-way traffic with the following general pattern. Confirm exact timings with Traffic Police J&K before your travel as these change each year.
- Sonamarg to Drass: 7 AM to 1 PM (typically on odd dates or specific days)
- Drass to Sonamarg: 7 AM to 1 PM (typically on even dates or alternating days)
- Fridays: Often closed for maintenance when the highway is operational
Later in the season (usually by June), two-way traffic is allowed as BRO widens the road at Zojila Pass.
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
When will Srinagar Leh Highway open in 2026?
Based on the trend from the last 5 years, the Srinagar Leh Highway is expected to open for civilian traffic between mid-April and early May 2026. In 2025, it reopened on April 1 in a record 33 days. Tourist traffic is usually allowed a couple of weeks after the official opening once the road stabilizes. The 2025-26 winter was unusual with Zojila staying open past 28 February 2026 before fresh snowfall closed it.
Is Srinagar to Leh road open in February or March?
Usually no, the road is not open for tourists in February. In some years BRO clears the snow by late February or March, but tourist vehicles are not allowed until the road is deemed safe. The Z-Morh Tunnel now provides year-round access up to Sonamarg, but beyond Sonamarg, the road to Leh via Zojila Pass remains closed in winter. The 2025-26 winter was an exception where Zojila stayed open until 28 February 2026.
Can I travel to Leh from Srinagar in one day?
Technically yes, but I do not recommend it. The 434 km drive takes about 12 to 14 hours depending on road conditions. It is much better to break the journey at Kargil for a night halt. This gives you proper acclimatization time and you also get to visit Kargil War Memorial, Drass, and other attractions along the way.
Is the Zojila Tunnel open now?
No, the Zojila Tunnel is still under construction as of April 2026. It is approximately 64% complete with a revised completion target of February 2028. Once completed, the 14.15 km tunnel will provide year-round connectivity between Sonamarg and Drass, eliminating the winter closure of Srinagar Leh Highway at Zojila Pass.
What is the Z-Morh Tunnel and is it open?
The Z-Morh Tunnel (now called Sonamarg Tunnel) is a 6.5 km long tunnel inaugurated on January 13, 2025. It is fully operational and provides all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg. There is no toll for using this tunnel. It has made Sonamarg accessible year-round, which is a significant change from earlier years when even Sonamarg would become inaccessible in deep winter.
Is it safe to drive a sedan on Srinagar Leh Highway?
Yes, a sedan can travel on the Srinagar Leh Highway. The road is mostly well-tarred except for the Zojila Pass section where it gets narrow and gravelly. Drive cautiously at Zojila, and you should be fine. An SUV or 4×4 is preferred but not mandatory. For more tips, check my article on self-drive tips for Leh Ladakh.
How much does a Srinagar to Leh road trip cost?
A basic Srinagar to Leh road trip by self-drive costs approximately Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per person (one way, including fuel and one night at Kargil) for a group of 3-4 sharing a car. By JKSRTC bus, it costs Rs 450 to Rs 1,050 per person depending on the bus type, plus accommodation at Kargil. For taxi rates and detailed budget planning, check Leh Ladakh taxi rates and budget calculator for Ladakh trip.
Do I need any permit to travel on Srinagar Leh Highway?
No special permit is needed to travel on the Srinagar Leh Highway itself. However, once you reach Ladakh, you will need Inner Line Permits (ILP) to visit certain areas like Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Tso Moriri. These can be obtained online. Check my detailed guide on Ladakh Inner Line Permits for the complete process.
I hope this article and the updates on Srinagar Leh Highway Status 2026 will be useful in planning your journey to Leh Ladakh. In case you have any questions or doubts, feel free to post them in the comments section below. If you know your friends or family are planning a road trip to Ladakh, do share this article with them. For more travel discussions and finding travel partners, check the DwD Community and the DoW Travel Calendar from the main menu 🙂 …
