Key roads blocked in Lahaul; No tourist movement allowed beyond Darcha

Fresh snowfall in the high-altitude regions of Lahaul and Spiti district has disrupted normalcy again, forcing the district administration to restrict tourist movement beyond Darcha towards Shinkula Pass on the Darcha-Shinkula-Padum road and towards Dipak Taal on the Manali-Leh Highway.

According to Deputy Commissioner Lahaul and Spiti Rahul Kumar, the restrictions have been put in place to ensure public safety as the freshly accumulated snow has blocked key stretches of roads and created slippery conditions.

These restrictions come barely days after the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had successfully restored the strategically important Darcha-Shinkula-Padum route that connects Lahaul valley in Himachal Pradesh with the remote Zanskar valley in Union Territory of Ladakh.

Following the reopening, the route had witnessed a surge in tourist traffic, with many heading to Shinku La to enjoy the breathtaking views and indulge in snow-related activities.

Similarly, the BRO had also opened the Manali-Leh Highway beyond Darcha up to Zingzingbar, permitting tourist movement up to Dipak Taal. However, the latest bout of snowfall has blocked these routes again, bringing tourist movement to a halt.

“The weather is proving to be a major challenge. BRO teams are working around the clock to restore the blocked roads, but the snowfall has slowed down progress,” said the Deputy Commissioner, adding that public safety remains the administration’s top priority.

The inclement weather has also impacted restoration work on other critical roads in the region. The Manali-Leh Highway beyond Darcha towards Sarchu, the Sumdo-Kaza-Gramphu highway on the Gramphu-Losar stretch, and the Koksar-Rohtang Pass road continue to remain closed. These routes are crucial for both military logistics and tourism, particularly as the summer tourist season begins.

The Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road has also been blocked at Jangle Camp and near Kadu Nala due to landslides. Restoration efforts are underway, but challenges persist due to unstable weather and terrain.

As road connectivity remains disrupted, tourists and local tourism stakeholders are anxiously awaiting restoration. These routes not only serve as lifeline for locals but also attract thousands of visitors each year, particularly to popular destinations like Rohtang Pass, Spiti Valley and Leh-Ladakh.

The BRO and local authorities are urging travellers to stay updated with advisories and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.

Himachal Tribune