National Highway 505 (India)


National Highway 505, commonly called NH 505, is a national highway in India. It is a spur road of National Highway 5. NH-505 traverses the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. NH505 a high altitude road, covers Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh, mainly running along Spity river in Spity valley. The highway from Kaza to Gramphu remains closed for nine months in a year due to heavy snowfall and closure of Kunzum La pass at an altitude of.

Overview

National Highway 505, was designated Himachal state highway 30 prior to its being notified on 4 March 2014 as national highway. The highway runs through high altitude cold desert area of Lahaul and Spity valleys which receive negligible rainfall. The terrain is barren and treacherous, prone to landslides and disruptions. The road is narrow and rough at places and crosses high altitude Kunzum pass, requiring good driving skills in mountains. NH-505 provides connectivity to some major Buddhist monasteries and various interesting places.

Route

;Kinnaur district
The route of NH-505 starts at Khab in Kinnaur district from National Highway 5. It connects Khab Sangam, Nako and Chango, then enters Lahaul and Spiti district at Sumdo. This is the preferred point of entry to Spiti valley which is located at an average elevation of 3350 meters. This mostly all-weather access point to Spiti valley from Khab is at an elevation of about 2600 meters. Travelling from Shimla to Khab gives a chance for travellers to gradually acclimatize themselves to avoid altitude sickness.
;Lahaul and Spiti district
Tabo, Attargo, Kaza, Morang, Hanse, Losar, Lachu, Chhota Dhara, Gramphu.

Junctions