Manali to leh on 21 or 22 May

soledad

So far as the news goes, traffic beyond Keylong right at this very moment is perhaps not allowed;
And, about 22nd of May,I am keeping my fingers crossed,and I pray the Manali-Leh road is thrown open to all sorts of traffic by then.Are you planning to do it then ?
Good luck to you!

Abhay_Mysore

Thats what I also think... having an egg on face already, and serious life threatening consequences to general public with audacious and unrealistic openings, I guess BRO is going to be doubly careful for Manali-Leh route. Also, my gut feeling is that the snow too had been more this year than the previous. All this means that this year the pass would seemingly open later than last year (15 May). So those who are trying to make a trip during May end may possibly think twice and quickly postpone by 2weeks or so???

Thanks anyway.

vistet

Maybe some very light vehicles..

Seriously though : the official status as we speak of the road is closed, what we know at the moment is that the Rothang is open (old news), and we´re waiting for confirmation that people have crossed the Baralacha La and onwards to Leh. I was told today from Leh by person who had come by road from Srinagar about waiting for road to open to Manali.

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soledad

So,is that the light vehicle that everyone was talking about?

And,would it really not be possible to do the trip even after 25th? Another 12/13 days time won't do the trick then? What do you all think ?

Abhay_Mysore

Thats it: "Rohtang" open does not mean "Manali-Leh" is open. Particularly Baralacha could be real bottleneck beyond Rohtang. What I have seen in past is that first Manali-Koksar-Keylong gets opened and after some time the entire Manali-Leh. So we need to really know from people in that area whether the entire Manali-Leh is open; and not the opening of mere Rohtang.

soledad

Another 7/8 days could really make a difference,no matter in what position it is now,right at the moment; Perhaps,the late rainfall and lowering of the mercury must have proved spoilsport in the effort to open Manali-Leh highway early.

Abhay_Mysore

I think 25th May will be touch and go. I crossed Rohtang last year on 23rd May after the pass was opened on 15th May. Last year, however, the build_up to Rohtang opening and Manali-Leh opening was quite unambiguous and clear. This year it seems cloudy and no clear indication of Rohtang and Manali-Leh opening. Given this lack of info as of this date, i.e. 12 May, I would suggest that you consider shifting the trip by 2 weeks or else take Srinagar route to reach Leh and return via Manali.

Abhay_Mysore

I heard that even Simala is getting hail storms...

soledad

Now,this is really getting too scary! I fear,I may not change it again,and if it goes like that,it could very well mean,we have to postpone the maiden Ladakh trip for this year;
Lets see,if things doesn't materialize within the next few days,maybe,I have to rethink to continue with the trip; I would be keeping an eye on IM though,just in case, something positive is reported by someone from that region;

Dilliwala

soledad,
Having sat in on some of your planning and reading your posts here and elsewhere, I know how much you've worked on your trip and how keen you are about it; indeed your enthusiasm is infectious. But nothing is going to be gained by worrying about it. As I recall you have all of Kinnaur and Spiti to go thru before reaching Lahaul (or has that changed?), so I can suggest 2 things between now and then - sit back and relax. And stop worrying!
If you get held up for a day or two en-route, I'm sure you'll be able to adjust your itinerary at short notice.

Abhay_Mysore

Keep monitoring IM and hope for the best. Good luck.

soledad

you were so very right dilliwala,there was really no point worrying now;And today as the news are pouring in that Manali-Leh is offficially opened,I am so much relieved. Now,I just hope that Kunzum Pass opens within this week or so,to make this trip successful for me;
Thanks for all your effort once more!

AvidTrekker

Kunzum La normally opens within seven days of Rohtang La.

Go ahead and have a happy trip !!!


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Dilliwala

What'd I tell ya?
Everything works itself out. And now you even have the official thumbs-up above from our senior resident to have a good trip - what else cud one want?

Abhay_Mysore

Congrats Soledad... here you go!!! I am sure you are releived and excited no ends. And I can assure you that you would probably see the most prestine show of Himalaya... pure and real "snow-white". Those who go later would only see a "part" of it. Enjoy the "wholesome" experience....earlybird.....

Ciao.