Manali-Leh : CLOSED
October 19, 2009
Leh had it´s first snow yesterday , lasting a few hours . Higher up the Khardung La was blocked – and today the Manali-Leh Highway is shown as closed. IANS talks of heavy snowfall over the Lachulung La & Tanglang La. Daytime temperatures still around + 10 , night time -10.
Sources : Tribune , leh.nic.in
Leh had even heavier snowfall on 19 Oct, more than 4 inches in Sankar and maybe Changspa, and about 3 inches down in “The Colony.” But almost none out at SECMOL Campus, and we hear that this was a very localised snowfall and it didn’t happen in Kargil or Zangskar. It was already hot and sunny by midday so it’s mostly melted by afternoon around Leh.
Does it mean no more tour till reopening(i.e april/may) or may get a chance to get in before November 1st week?
I would expect it to be cleared again soon , even though temporary closures normally don´t show up on the official road marker at leh.nic.in .
I have used the road out twice in mid-October , but I would´t recommend anyone trying later than that. Since I trek I have a full kit with me : tent , sleeping bag and storm kitchen. Getting stuck on the high sections means facing harsh conditions : night temperatures in Leh now start to drop below -10 degrees , which should translate in to -20 or worse basically everywhere after Darcha to Lato at 4000 meters – and no camps , dhabas etc to rely on at this time beyond Keylong.
Thanks a lot Vistet! Was waiting eagerly for my 1st trip to Leh. May be i will wait till may or so.