Srinagar – Leh Highway has officially reopened for 2017 with the J&K government allowing light vehicles to ply on the highway from today onward.

After an initial trial run by the army on 7th of May 2017, 25 light vehicles carrying essential commodities and 1 vehicle carrying a medically critical individual was allowed to ply on the highway on 9th of May 2017. Since then, light vehicles carrying essential commodities and taxis carrying locals were plying on the highway.

For the next couple of weeks, there is fairly high chance of avalanches or snowfall closing the Zoji La temporarily for a day or longer. Road condition too would be extremely poor and the road is fairly narrow as well due to heavy accumulation of snow.

Due to this, for the next month or so, Zoji La would be one way. With the traffic from the Kargil side being allowed to ply on the highway in the wee hours of the morning and traffic from the Sonamarg side being allowed before noon (official timings are yet to be announced.)

For all those planning to travel to Ladakh in the next few days, it is best to be extra cautious while crossing the Zoji La and have a few buffer days in hand to deal with any temporary closures.