Kunjum Pass to Remain Closed for Tourists from November 19, Cutting Off Lahaul-Spiti Link

Keylong, November 18: In order to prevent incidents of disaster and stranded travellers due to snow accumulation on roads in the passes due to extreme cold in the upper reaches of the valleys in Lahaul and Spiti district, Deputy Commissioner Lahaul and Spiti Rahul Kumar has regulated the movement of traffic on the Koksar to Losar (on NH-505) road, Darcha-Sarchu (on NH-03) and Darcha-Shinkula road connecting Lahaul to Spiti from November 19 till further notice.

From Tuesday, only security and emergency vehicles and only local four-by-four vehicles with snow chains will be allowed to move on Koksar to Losar (on NH-505) from both sides between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Tourist vehicles will not be allowed to travel on this route. Movement will be allowed for all on the Darcha-Sarchu (NH-03) and Darcha-Shinkula road only from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm (from both sides). Police check posts will manage the traffic system accordingly.

He said that in case of rain and snowfall, vehicles will not be allowed to pass. He said that these routes may be officially closed completely in a few days, so if anyone has to travel on these roads, they should plan their journey in advance. He said that vehicles will not be allowed to stop unnecessarily in the middle of these routes during the stipulated time. He has told that black ice has been found frozen at many places on these routes in the morning and evening. Therefore, he advised the travelers to keep necessary equipment like shovels and snow-removing chains with them while traveling.

He has also requested the travelers to go or stay in safe places in case of snowfall. He has asked all the hotel and homestay owners to inform their guests about this. In case of emergency, District Disaster Management Authority Lahaul and Spiti can be contacted on these numbers 94594-61355, 01900202509, 510, 517 and toll free-1077.