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What will happen to the Srinagar-Leh Highway in 2022?
What will happen to the Srinagar-Leh Highway in 2022?
The Srinagar-Leh Highway is one of the most iconic roads in India and probably one of the most important roads within Kashmir. The road connects states across Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Ladakh region, to the rest of India. This highway also serves as a gateway to many places in the Indian subcontinent. The Srinagar-Leh highway is a must-pass road when you are on your way to or from Pakistan, Chinatown, or other areas in Jammu and Kashmir.

If you are planning the best India tours, you should first learn about the places here so that your trip is enjoyable and exciting.

The Srinagar-Leh highway, also known as National Highway 1D (NH 1D), stretches for over 400 kilometers. Road trips are essential for any adventurer. However, before embarking on a journey, every traveler should be aware of the state of the highway. Nobody wants any last-minute news that could put a halt to their journey. So, in this article, we will provide general information about the current state of the 434-kilometer-long Srinagar-Leh Highway as well as some useful tips to make your journey more enjoyable and exciting.

Is the Srinagar-Leh Highway still open?

The highway is now open to the general public and tourists. However, the odd-even system only allows for one-way traffic. The authorities allow traffic from Ladakh to Srinagar on odd dates. On even dates, the road from Srinagar to Leh remains open. On Fridays, the pass is closed for maintenance. Vehicles are only permitted to travel from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the Kargil side, and traffic is permitted after 10 a.m. on the Sonmarg side.

Should you only travel once the road is open?

When planning a trip via the Srinagar-Leh Highway, keep in mind that even when the highway is open, it takes some time to settle down. In the early days, this is frequently caused by loose gravel and snow slipping around Zojila. This is why, in the beginning, only one-way traffic was permitted. Because the roads are too narrow due to snow cover, restricting traffic flow, authorities allow only one-way traffic.

As a result, we recommend that you plan your trip along the Srinagar-Leh Highway at least a few weeks after the road opens. A person stuck in a strange and isolated location would be the last thing on a much anticipated and thrilling road trip.

When is the highway typically open?

For the past few years, the Srinagar Leh Highway (NH 1D) has been closed in December and remains closed until the first week of April or the last week of March. The hours of operation are determined by the amount of snow. If there is no heavy snowfall during the winter, the road can be reopened. To avoid last-minute cancellations, make your travel date a few days later than the estimated opening time.

The Border Roads Organization broke a 61-year-old record for clearing snow from the highway on February 19, 2021. (BRO). Everyone expected the highway to open by the end of February, which would be a record for a highway opening this early in the season. You must have noticed the erratic pattern of highway openings. That is why we recommend giving yourself a few extra days to travel.

 Conclusion

We hope this article has provided you with answers to your questions about the opening of the Srinagar-Leh Highway, as well as some general information. Knowing the status prior to your trip is critical to avoiding a ruined trip. Cross-check the situation because roads may be closed for a short period of time and an outsider may not be aware of every update on the road.