Jammu & Kashmir, India — The strategic Zojila Pass — a key mountain route connecting the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh — remains a focal point for travellers and authorities as winter snow and weather conditions continue to shape access and safety advisories for the region.
🏔️ Current Access Status & Weather
While there have been periods earlier this year when traffic was restored on the Srinagar–Leh highway through the Zojila Pass after snow clearance operations, recent fresh snowfall and adverse conditions have once again made travel precarious. Roads were temporarily closed at various points due to slippery surfaces and unsafe conditions, prompting transport authorities to suspend vehicular movement as a precautionary measure.
In mid‑March, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) carried out snow‑clearing operations and allowed limited traffic — including passenger vehicles and carriers — to traverse the route once conditions improved. But intermittent snowfall in higher reaches quickly made sections unsafe, resulting in traffic suspensions again until conditions stabilized.
⚠️ Recent Avalanche Incident & Safety Warning
Tragically, a **major avalanche near the Zojila Pass on 28 March 2026 **buried several vehicles and claimed the lives of at least seven people, with additional injuries reported. Rescue teams, including disaster response units, are on site, and the injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
This incident underscores the risk of avalanches and snow‑related hazards that can occur in the region even as spring approaches, especially at high altitudes. Locals and tourists alike are urged to exercise extreme caution, stay updated with weather forecasts, and avoid non‑essential travel during unstable conditions.
📢 Official Travel Advisory
Local authorities — including traffic police and disaster management officials — continue to issue advisories for those planning to travel across the Zojila Pass and nearby areas:
- Check road conditions before departure: Weather and road status can change rapidly due to snow, rain, and avalanches.
- Avoid overnight travel on high‑altitude passes: Conditions at high elevations like Zojila can deteriorate quickly after sunset.
- Carry warm clothing, emergency kits, and snow‑appropriate gear: Even at the end of March, temperatures remain low and weather unpredictable.
- Follow instructions from BRO, police, and local officials responsible for road safety and mountain operations.
Travel organisations and motorist groups recommend that vehicles attempting this route be well‑equipped for mountain driving, and that drivers use appropriate tires and chains if required.
📌 What Travelers Should Know
- Tourist plans should remain flexible, particularly for spring travel through Zojila, as road closures can be sudden.
- Permits and official clearances may be needed for travel in some sensitive or high‑altitude zones.
- With the advancing construction of the Zojila Tunnel project — which is expected to significantly improve all‑weather connectivity once completed — long‑term travel conditions are expected to improve in future years.
Summary:
Although the Zojila Pass has been reopened at times this season after snow clearance, ongoing snowfall and recent avalanche incidents have prompted fresh travel advisories and temporary closures on the Srinagar–Leh highway. Authorities urge travellers and locals to stay informed of current conditions, follow safety instructions, and plan journeys through the pass with caution, especially given the high‑altitude terrain and unpredictable weather.
