Ladakh Weather Update: Snowfall and High-Altitude Alerts Issued for Zojila and Shinkula Passes
LEH, March 19, 2026 – The Meteorological (MET) Centre Leh has issued a comprehensive weather forecast and travel advisory for Ladakh as a fresh western disturbance brings active snowfall to the region.
As of today, heavy snow is being reported across the Zojila-Drass and Sankoo-Penzila axes, as well as the Siachen area and surrounding high-altitude peaks. Forecasters predict that the Zojila-Kargil-Zanskar region will remain generally cloudy today with scattered light to moderate snowfall.
The weather is expected to intensify on March 20, characterized by windy conditions and intermittent precipitation across the Kargil-Zanskar region, with heavy snowfall specifically warned for the Shinkula area.
Authorities have issued a stern warning for residents and travelers, noting that the ongoing rain and snow significantly increase the risk of landslides and avalanches.
Consequently, both Zojila and Shinkula passes face a high risk of closure through March 20, and officials have deemed current conditions unfavorable for any outdoor activities.
While a slight improvement is expected by March 21 with partly cloudy skies, a transition to mainly clear weather is not anticipated until March 22.
Travelers are strongly urged to stay updated on road status and exercise extreme caution to ensure safety during this period of atmospheric instability.