The district administration of Lahaul and Spiti has opened the Manali-Leh national highway up to Zingzingbar for tourists, following successful snow clearance by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The highway is now motorable up to Zingzingbar, located beyond Darcha.
Until recently, tourist movement along the Manali-Leh highway was restricted beyond Darcha to Dipak Taal due to heavy snow accumulation and ongoing clearing operations in the area. With the newly opened stretch, the district hopes to attract more visitors, especially as the May holiday season and favorable weather conditions are drawing tourists to the picturesque Lahaul valley.
The decision to allow access to Zingzingbar was made following a recommendation by Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana, who urged the district administration to extend access as the region sees an increase in tourist footfall. After reviewing road conditions, authorities approved vehicular movement up to Zingzingbar, improving travel options for tourists to the high-altitude region.
Meanwhile, the BRO is continuing its efforts to fully restore the Manali-Leh highway, focusing on the critical stretch via Baralacha La, which remains covered in snow. BRO officials are optimistic that the road will be fully operational up to Sarchu and on to Leh by May 15, if weather permitted.
The opening of Zingzingbar is being seen as a positive step towards the full revival of one of India’s most iconic mountain highways, which connects Himachal to Ladakh and sees thousands of travellers every year. Hotels, homestays and travel operators in the region have welcomed the decision and are anticipating a rise in tourist arrivals in the coming days.
With the Lahaul valley’s natural beauty, snow-capped peaks, and cultural richness, the partial reopening of the Manali-Leh highway is expected to boost the local economy and support livelihoods dependent on tourism.
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