Darcha- Leh highway shut as Black Ice turns high passes treacherous; Route likely to reopen only next summer
Photo of Darcha bridge used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Dec 8,
The strategically important Manali–Leh National Highway has been completely closed for traffic beyond Darcha from Monday as severe cold, black ice formation and rapidly deteriorating road conditions have made high-altitude travel unsafe. Authorities confirmed that the shutdown marks the early onset of the highway’s annual winter closure, triggered this year by extreme cold and dangerously slippery patches along the passes.
Between November 21 and December 7, limited travel was allowed only up to Baralacha Pass, but the surface condition changed drastically over the past week. The formation of black ice—almost invisible layers of frozen moisture—has intensified slipperiness to the point that even restricted movement became hazardous. After a virtual meeting between the Lahaul-Spiti and Leh administrations, and following field assessments by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), it was agreed that the Darcha–Leh stretch could no longer be kept open.
The District Disaster Management Authority has already closed the Gramphoo–Losar route, and with the Manali–Leh road now sealed, winter connectivity across the trans-Himalayan region stands suspended. Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana said the decision prioritises public safety, adding that highway operations will resume only by May–June next year, depending on snow clearance and weather conditions. The road closes every winter, but this year plunging temperatures and early black ice accelerated the decision.
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh remains in the grip of a sharp cold wave. Temperatures continue to dip across the state, compelling residents to rely on heavy woollens. Authorities have advised people to remain indoors during late evening and night hours due to thick fog, especially in areas near major rivers. With high passes now sealed under snow and ice, the mountains enter their quiet winter phase, waiting for warmer months to once again clear the way for human movement.
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