The Srinagar-Leh Highway is one of the key routes connecting Srinagar and Leh in North India. Ladakh has only two major road connections with the rest of India, the Srinagar-Leh Highway and the Manali-Leh Highway. For many travelers visiting Ladakh June onwards, it is important to know about the latest updates concerning these two routes to help plan travel itineraries. In this blog, we’ll share with you the latest updates about the Srinagar-Leh Highway – what it is, when it opens, and other important details.
Srinagar-Leh Highway: The Lifeline Connecting Ladakh And The Rest Of Kashmir
What Is The Srinagar-Leh Highway?
The Srinagar-Leh Highway – officially part of the National Highway 1 – is one of the most strategically important highways in India.
It is about 434-km long, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the cold desert region of Ladakh.
The route of the Srinagar-Leh Highway is as follows:
Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zoji La – Drass – Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
The highway is managed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO). This authority builds uand maintains roads, bridges, tunnels, and airfields in India’ remote border areas and friendly neighboring countries.
The highway crosses several high-altitude Manali-Leh Highway, the Srinagar-Leh route gains altitude much more gradually. Travelers strongly prefer this route because it gives the body time to acclimatize.
When Does Srinagar Leh Highway Open In 2026?
Srinagar-Leh Highway is currently open to tourists for vehicular traffic in 2026. The highway is open for both light motor vehicles (LMVs) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs).
The highway is usually open for vehicular traffic from late March to early November. This is the time when the snow starts receding and the stretch experiences the ideal condition for driving.
The Srinagar-Leh Highway is widely considered the best entry route into Leh for first-time visitors who want to include the Kashmir Valley in their road trip. With a gradual altitude gain, it makes acclimatization easier as compared to the steeper Manali-Leh Highway.
Before traveling, check current status updates or advisories through your local tour operator or the official J&K Tourism Board website.
Also Read: 8 Days Ladakh Itinerary: Complete Travel Plan, Route, Budget & Permits (2026 Guide)
Is Mobile Network Available On Srinagar Leh Route?
Mobile network on the Srinagar-Leh highway can be patchy and unreliable at times. Coverage is available in major towns like Sonamarg, Drass, and Kargil, but the vast stretches between them have no signals. To stay connected, we’d recommend carrying a postpaid SIM (preferably BSNL, Airtel, or Jio), as prepaid SIMs from outside J&K/Ladakh will not work for security reasons.
Srinagar to Sonamarg: Good coverage
Sonamarg to Drass: Very weak coverage
Drass & Kargil: Excellent coverage
Kargil to Leh: Patchy coverage; can drop completely in high-altitude stretches
How Many Days Are Needed For Srinagar To Leh Trip?
A standard Srinagar to Leh trip can be planned for about 7 to 9 days. This duration provides the optimal balance of travel time, sightseeing, and altitude acclimatization.
The approximately 434-km long journey, starting from Srinagar and ending in Leh, can take between 14 to 16 hours in total. The journey can be split up into two days to ensure that the driver gets adequate rest and that there is gradual and spaced out elevation gain.
Also Read: 8 Days Ladakh Itinerary: Complete Travel Plan, Route, Budget & Permits (2026 Guide)
Do Indians Need Permit For Leh Ladakh?
Yes, Indians need a permit to explore Ladakh fully.
An Inner Line Permit or ILP grants access to restricted areas in Ladakh. Without an ILP, one cannot explore these places in Ladakh.
While travelers can explore Leh city without an ILP, they cannot explore other places. These have been mentioned below:
- Khardung La Pass
- Nubra Valley
- Shyok
- Chang La Pass
- Tangtse and Pangong Tso
- Chumathang
- Tyakshi
- Chusul
- Hanle
- Digger La
- Tangyar
- Loma Bend
- Man
- Merak
- Tsaga La
- Tso Moriri
- Dha-Hanu Valley (Aryan Valley)
- Batalik
However, note that you do not need an ILP on the Srinagar-Leh Highway. You’ll be expected to contribute to the Ecology Contribution Fund though. For a detailed guide on the Ladakh ILP, read our Ladakh Inner Line Permit 2026: How To Apply Online (Step-by-Step) blog.
Recent Srinagar-Leh Highway Updates
The Srinagar-Leh Highway was closed on Sunday, 26th April, in the wake of an avalanche that hit Zojila Pass.
Avalanches hit multiple vehicles at Zojila Pass, including two tankers. The Union Territory Disaster Response Force (UTDRF) Kargil and other response teams swiftly rescued three drivers.
A similar incident happened on this highway stretch on 27th March, claiming six lives and injuring five others.
Also Read: Ladakh To Host World’s Highest Art Festival sā Ladakh Biennale
Essential Tips For Travelers On The Srinagar-Leh
- Check Weekly Closures: Even when open, the highway traditionally closes regularly Friday for maintenance.
- Acclimatization:. If you drive from Srinagar, stay overnight in Kargil (8,780 ft) before heading to Leh (11,500 ft) to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Vehicle Choice: A 4×4 or a vehicle with high ground clearance is mandatory due to “black ice” and deep slush at Zojila Pass.
- Weather Monitoring: Check the weather reports daily to stay updated on the latest weather updates.
Summing Up
Srinagar-Leh Highway is one of the most important highways in India, connecting the Kashmir Valley to Ladakh. In this blog, we’ve shared with you details on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, including when it opens, days needed for a Srinagar-Leh trip, ILP permit, and essential tips.
