In a major relief for residents and tourism stakeholders of Spiti valley, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has reopened the strategic Sumdo-Kaza-Gramphu highway via Kunzum Pass for the movement of 4×4 vehicles after remaining shut for over six months due to heavy snowfall.
The reopening has restored direct connectivity between the remote tribal valley of Spiti and the Manali-Lahaul region, marking the beginning of the much-awaited summer tourism season in Lahaul and Spiti district.
The highway had remained blocked beyond Gramphu since the first week of November after heavy snowfall blanketed Kunzum Pass, situated at an altitude of 14,931 feet above sea level. During winter, Spiti valley remained cut off from Manali, forcing residents and travellers to take the much longer and time-consuming Kinnaur-Shimla route to reach Kaza.
Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul and Spiti, Kiran Badhana, confirmed that the road has now been opened for light 4×4 vehicles following extensive snow-clearance operations and safety inspections carried out by the BRO and district administration.
“After a detailed inspection of the road condition, movement of light vehicles has been permitted. However, some stretches remain slippery during morning and evening hours because of melting snow, and restoration work is still continuing at vulnerable points,” she said. The DC added that heavy vehicles would be allowed only after the completion of full restoration and safety measures.
The reopening of the route is expected to provide a major boost to tourism in Spiti, often referred to as “Little Ladakh” for its stark cold desert landscape, Buddhist culture and picturesque high-altitude villages. Every year, thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit the valley between June and October.
Tourism stakeholder Sonam Targey said travellers can now once again access iconic destinations such as the 1,000-year-old Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake and the villages of Hikkim, Komic and Langza.
Hikkim is home to the world’s highest post office, while Komic is among the world’s highest motorable villages. Langza is known for its giant Buddha statue and fossil-rich terrain.
Adventure enthusiasts are also expected to flock to Pin Valley National Park, famous for rare wildlife species including the snow leopard and Himalayan ibex. Ancient monasteries such as Tabo and Dhankar continue to remain among Spiti’s biggest cultural attractions.
Residents said the reopening is not just important for tourism but also for emergency connectivity. During winter, patients and emergency cases had to depend on helicopter services or travel via Kinnaur to reach Shimla.
With the reopening through the Atal Tunnel route, the Kaza-Manali distance has reduced to nearly 225 kilometres, significantly cutting travel time.
Locals also expressed gratitude to the BRO, district administration and Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana for pushing restoration efforts. The reopening is expected to revive tourism, strengthen connectivity and bring economic relief to the remote tribal valley after a long winter.