At present, there is only one route to Leh from Manali via the Baralacha Pass for the Army and civilians, which remains closed for months during the winter every year due to heavy snowfall.

Key Points:

• Ever since the face-off with China in Galwan valley, the Centre is keen to explore the possibility of all-weather connectivity to Leh from Manali side, especially for military purpose.

About Baralacha pass:

• Bara-lacha la also known as Bara-lacha Pass is a high mountain pass in the Zanskar range connecting the Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh to Leh district in Ladakh.
• It is situated along the Leh–Manali Highway.
• The Bhaga river, a tributary of the Chenab river, originates from Surya Taal lake, which is situated a few kilometres from the pass towards Manali.
• The native name of Chenab “Chandrabhaga” represents the union of Chandra and Bhaga rivers downstream.
• The pass also acts as a water-divide between the Bhaga River and the Yunan River.