Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh via Manali: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are planning a trip from Manali to Leh, you might be wondering about the best time to travel. The route from Manali to Leh is known for its stunning landscapes, mountain passes, and rugged terrain. However, the road is only open for a few months each year due to heavy snowfall during the winter months. In this guide, we will help you plan your journey and provide you with all the information you need to know about the best time to travel from Manali to Leh.

Understanding the Manali to Leh Route

The route from Manali to Leh is approximately 490 kilometers and takes around 2 days to cover. The road passes through some of the highest mountain passes in the world, including the Rohtang Pass and the Tanglang La Pass. The road is also known for its narrow stretches, steep climbs, and hairpin bends. Due to the high altitude and rugged terrain, the route is only open for a few months each year.

Best Time to Travel from Manali to Leh by Road

The best time to travel from Manali to Leh is from June to September. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the road is open for travel. The temperature during the day ranges from 20-25 degrees Celsius, while the nights can be chilly with temperatures dropping to 5-10 degrees Celsius.

During the monsoon season, which starts in July and lasts till September, there can be occasional landslides and road closures due to heavy rainfall. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before starting your journey and to plan your trip accordingly.

If you are an adventure enthusiast and want to experience the thrill of crossing the high mountain passes covered in snow, you can plan your trip for May or October. However, keep in mind that the road is not officially open during these months, and you will need to obtain special permits to travel.

Month-by-Month Travel Guide to Leh via Manali

Manali to Leh in January:

It is impossible to travel on the Manali Leh Highway in January due to heavy snow accumulation.
Rohtang and Baralacha La Passes receive up to 50 feet of snow each year.
After the opening of the Atal Tunnel, the furthest you can go is Jispa in Lahaul Valley.

Manali to Leh in February:

Like January, it is not possible to travel on the Manali Leh Highway in February due to heavy snow accumulation.
Roads will remain blocked and you can only go as far as Jispa from the Manali side and Upshi from the Leh side.

Manali to Leh in March:

The Manali Leh Highway is not open in March, and it has never been freed of snow by BRO this month.
Even if Rohtang Pass is open towards the end of March, work continues on the rest of the highway.
BRO usually starts snow-clearing work in early March from both Manali and Leh sides, but a fresh snowfall can delay or halt work.

Manali to Leh in April:

Similar to March, it is not possible to travel on the Manali Leh Highway in April.
BRO focuses on Baralacha La Pass in April, and there have been rare instances where the entire road was cleared towards the end of April.
Even in such cases, temporary road closures due to snowfall can occur, making it unsafe to travel to Leh Ladakh from Manali.

Manali Leh Highway in May:

The road is mostly open by the end of May, but it depends on the snowfall received during winter.
If the region received a lot of snow or fresh snowfall in May, the opening may get delayed until June.
It’s recommended to inquire about the road status and plan only in the last week of May.

Manali to Leh in June:

The road is definitely open, but the condition of the roads can be in a terrible state due to snow clearing only a few weeks ago.
Tar on the roads will be severely limited, and there will be a lot of water crossing due to melting snow.
Temporary closures en route may occur due to ongoing restoration work, and you may have to wait for BRO to give you the signal to move.
You will find a lot of snow all along the road in early June, and this is the best time to see the famed snow walls at Rohtang and Baralacha La top and a frozen/semi-frozen Suraj Tal Lake.

Manali to Leh in July:

Road conditions improve tremendously, but restoration work continues at several stretches.
Water streams can still be a problem as the snow continues to melt, and the flow of water can be fierce by noon.
All the campsites and places to stay will be fully operational, so there will be no problem in finding a place to break your journey for the night.
The downsides of travelling in July can be the tourist rush in Manali and the possibility of heavy rains.
Monsoon hits the region in July, and pre-monsoon showers can start as early as late June.
After 15th July, there will always be a risk of heavy rains, so it’s recommended to plan your trip for the first 15 days of the month.

Manali to Leh in August:

August is not a good time to plan a trip anywhere in the hills due to heavy rainfall triggering landslides and tourists getting stranded on the road for an entire day and night.
The road conditions are almost perfect on the internal roads in Ladakh, but it’s not recommended to travel in August.
Tourist season will be at its peak, so every campsite, chadar tent, or hotel along the way will be functional.
If greenery is what you are after, this would be the best month to go.
Be prepared for rain and waterproof everything, and call ahead to inquire about the weather conditions.
If there’s news of extreme weather conditions, delay your plans by a few weeks.

Manali to Leh in September:

Considered the best month to travel on the highway.
Road conditions are good with only a few bad stretches for short distances.
Low chance of rain due to the monsoon being over.
Tourist season is ending, so there is less rush, but all accommodation options are open and functional.
The route is colourful with green grass, red stones, and deep blue water.
Winter starts to settle in, making it cold, especially at night.

Manali to Leh in October:

Winter has arrived, and October is uncertain.
Tourist season has ended, and many campsites and chadar tents have started to wrap up, limiting accommodation choices.
Temperature can drop to freezing levels at night.
High chances of snowfall at the passes, and roads can close temporarily.
Not an ideal month to travel, but if you must, plan it towards the first 10 days.

Manali to Leh in November:

Manali Leh highway is not open in November.
The road gets closed by late October, and it is unsafe to travel even if it was open.
Weather is unpredictable, and it can start to snow anytime, risking being stranded.

Manali to Leh in December:

All passes have received a high amount of snow by this time.
The road from Manali to Leh is never open in December.
To travel to Ladakh at this time, catching a flight to Leh is necessary.

What is the Manali – Leh road condition in Winter Months?

The road from Manali to Leh is closed during the winter months from October to May due to heavy snowfall. During this time, the temperatures can drop to -30 degrees Celsius, and the road is covered in snow, making it impossible to travel. However, if you are a seasoned traveller and want to experience the winter wonderland of the region, you can plan your trip from December to February. Keep in mind that you will need to take extra precautions, and the journey will be challenging.

What are Precautions and Tips for Travelling via Road?

The route from Manali to Leh is a challenging one and requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some precautions and tips to keep in mind when planning your trip:

Altitude Sickness: The high altitude can cause altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening. It is advisable to acclimatize yourself before starting the journey and to carry the necessary medication.
Vehicle: The road from Manali to Leh is a rugged one and requires a sturdy vehicle. It is advisable to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high ground clearance.
Fuel and Supplies: There are limited fuel stations and food joints on the way, and it is advisable to carry extra fuel and food supplies.
Permits: Special permits are required to travel on the route from Manali to Leh, and it is advisable to obtain them before starting the journey.

Conclusion

The route from Manali to Leh is a challenging but rewarding one, and the best time to travel is from June to September when the road is open and the weather is pleasant. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can plan your trip during the winter months, but be prepared for the challenges. Keep in mind the precautions and tips mentioned above, and you will have a safe and enjoyable journey

Related Articles:

Best Time to Visit Leh Ladakh via Manali – Month-by-Month Guide for Road Trip

Understanding the Manali to Leh Route

Best Time to Travel from Manali to Leh by Road