It connects Nimmu in the Indus Valley to Padum, the capital of Zanskar, and to Darcha village in Lahul and Spiti.

The road is strategic for the Indian Army as it is set back from the international border and can facilitate safe troop movements.

Major Prithi Chand trekked over the Zoji La pass in winter to arrive in Leh before the raiders from Gilgit could.

[15] But it was reportedly cancelled by a member of the Legislative Assembly from Srinagar to prevent linking of Zanskar with Leh.

[15][17] Trekkers on the Chadar trek (the frozen Zanskar River during winters) perceived the planned road as spoiling the wild and pristine environment.

[3] On 20 June 2024, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) conducted a trial run of a bus service from Keylong in Lahaul to Padum.

This section covers the following towns/villages:[19] From Padum, the road runs south along the Tsarap Lingti Chu river up to Purne, a distance of 53 km (33 mi).

[20] At Purne, the road crosses the river and continues along the Kargiakh Chu, a left bank tributary of the Tsarap up to Lakhang Sumdo.

The road crosses the gorge and runs along the left bank via Chikka and Rarik to meet the Leh-Manali Highway about 2 km before Darcha.