This was accomplished through the BRO’s frontline projects, Vijayak and Beacon. They are all responsible for maintaining the road axis, which has strategic consequences as well as Ladakh’s socioeconomic well-being.

The pass was open until December 31 last winter, which was a record. According to an official statement released today, BRO quietly went on a campaign to improve its own record this season by reorganising and adding a few more snow clearing detachments, as well as equipping them with state-of-the-art snow clearance equipment.

In the face of harsh weather, the Beacon and Vijayak projects have been working around the clock to maintain the logistic supply line to Ladakh. Over the last two years, an unprecedented number of troops have been deployed in Ladakh to counter Chinese deployments on the opposite side of the LAC.

The government of Ladakh and the local population has praised BRO’s efforts, as this extended window relieves the logistical pressure on government agencies and allows local residents to stock up on extra food and supplies in preparation for the coming hard winters.

In the first three days of 2022, about 178 vehicles have been able to transit through the pass with the collective assistance of the BRO and the Police personnel. The numbers are considered significant because with the temperatures plummeting to Minus 20 degrees centigrade, the road is subject to extreme frosting with blizzard-like conditions, which can lead to accidents. Thus, besides snow clearance, the axis is subjected to maintenance on a daily basis to keep it road worthy, which is achieved by the relentless and selfless efforts of the Karamyogis of BRO.

The 5 best places in India for stargazing are:

 1. Neil Island: The white sand, lush green forests, and long beaches make Neil Island as one of the most beautiful islands in Andaman. Neil Island is located 40 km from the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Island. The stargazers from all over the world come here to have a surreal view of blue-hued surroundings. By night, the water of the ocean merges with the colors dispersed in the atmosphere, thereby expanding the hue of blue to the entire island.

2. Nubra Valley: Nubra valley is located in the Union territory of Ladakh. It is surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and rugged arid mountains.  Turtuk Village in the Nubra Valley is one of the best stargazing spots in India. With no pollution in the area, Turtuk village offers stargazers a dazzling experience. Stargazing and camping are the two main things a traveler does here.

3. Coorg: Camping and stargazing in the woods of Coorg is a lifetime experience. Coorg comes under one of the most beautiful places to do stargazing and spending holidays too. Coorg gives many chances to spend the night peacefully under the grand canopy of the starry sky.

4. Yumthang Valley: The Sikkim’s best travel spot, Mt Katao is indeed an epitome of beauty. With its high snow-capped peaks, and villages all over with multi-colored prayer flags, this traveler’s paradise is a perfect choice for people who want to go on a stargazing tour.

5. Rann of Kutch: It is an adventure to spend a night in the clear sky of rugged and beautiful Rann of Kutch. The endless white sand, clear skies and sparkling stars make the stargazing an unforgettable experience.

Before heading to any stargazing site, some of the tips a traveler must follow to get most out of it

PANGONG LAKE

Pangong Lake, the famous tourist spot lies near to Leh Ladakh. It got more popularity from the Indian Movie” Three Idiots”. A unique feature of the lake is that it doesn’t stay blue throughout the year or perhaps the day, rather it changes colors from azure to lightweight blue and gray too! It completely freezes during the winters. It is an extremely beautiful landscape of the region.

MAGNETIC HILL

Magnetic Hill of Ladakh is said to be a gravity slope where vehicles challenge the power of gravity and move upwards on the slope when left at the checked area. The slope lies at a separation of 30 km from the town of Leh, at a height of around 14,000 feet above ocean level. Toward the eastern side of the slope streams the Sindhu River, starting in Tibet and is a practical basic stopover for each one of the individuals who travel to Ladakh. An optical fantasy or fact, the Magnetic Hill in Ladakh has baffling attractive properties that draw vacationers from over the world.

LEH PALACE

Another beautiful destination to visit in Leh is Leh Palace constructed during the 17^th century by King Sengge Namgyal to live in the royal mansion. Tourists can have a glance of ancient Buddha relics, paintings, old utensils, cutlery used by the royal family and artifacts adorning the walls of the palace.

CHADAR TREK

Trek lovers can experience one of the most thrilling experience of Chadar trek across the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh during late winters from January to February end. It is considered to be the most difficult trek.

SUITABLE TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Leh Ladakh is the summer between the end of March to the middle of August. The prime time is between June and August. Monsoon season is not suitable for trekking and other activities due to rain.