Ladakh Weather Alert: Heavy Snowfall Warning Issued for Jan 23; Zojila Pass Faces High Closure Risk

LEH, Jan 20, 2026 — The Meteorological Centre Leh-Ladakh has issued a major weather advisory for the region, warning of moderate to heavy snowfall expected to peak on January 23.

Currently, the weather remains cold and cloudy across most parts of the Leh district, with light snowfall possible over high-altitude passes such as Khardongla and Changla.

While January 21 is projected to be fair to partly cloudy, a significant weather system is expected to arrive by the afternoon of January 22, bringing moderate snowfall to most of Ladakh.

The most intense activity is forecast for January 23, with a high probability (over 75%) of heavy snowfall in the Kargil and Zanskar areas.In response to the incoming storm, authorities have issued a high-risk warning for the closure of the Zojila Pass between January 22 and 26. Travelers are further advised that heavy precipitation may disrupt flight operations on January 23 and 24.

Residents and tourists are urged to stay updated on road conditions and plan their movements accordingly to ensure safety during this period of extreme winter weather.