Construction plans are again being modified for the link road between Nyemo and Darcha, via Padum. The object of the road, when combined with the tunnel under the Rhotang La, is to circumvent the Lachulung La and Taklang La (both of which close the existing road in winter as they disappear beneath winter snow) and provide year-round connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and the Leh-Kargil National Highway. The route that the road will take from Darcha to Padum has however been undecided for some time. The Shinku La is avalanche prone and difficult to keep snow free in winter, and the option to follow the course of the Tsarap through Shun is equally problematic as it involves keeping the Baralacha La open. However, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) clearly had a third option up their GREF sleeve: a tunnel under the Shinku La. Check out the full article here.

So, one way or another, it looks as though the writing is on the wall for the Darcha-Padum trek, although if the current rates of road construction are anything to go by it is unlikely - unless new technology is employed - to be in operation within ten years.

The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) has made a somewhat out-of-character decision to ease up on the need for an X visa before undertaking official climbing trips in India. The change means that if for example you want to climb Nun, then a tourist visa is sufficient for the IMF to issue a climbing permit. Check out the list of 'open peaks' in J&K, a selection of which are in Zanskar. Perhaps the IMF have finally realised that making it easier for overseas climbers may increase their chance of attracting some of the climbing business that currently enjoys fewer restrictions across the ceasefire line in Pakistan. Now all they need to do is reduce the in-country paperwork and, more importantly, the fees...

Rumours are circulating that the Pensi La will be open within 2 weeks, opening the Padum - Kargil road for the season. Snow-clearance is apparently in full swing on the Zangskar side and expectations are that the team will reach the top of the pass on 20th April. From the Kargil side the road clearance team left Parkachik on the 9th April. Several people left Kargil for Zangskar on foot a couple of days ago (i.e. they'll get transport as far as possible and walk across the pass until they meet transport on the Zangskar side), around 40 Zangskaris are waiting in Kargil for the first bus of the season.