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About Rohtang Pass
A very popular tourist destination near Manali, Rohtang Pass is also known as Rohtang La. Located at an altitude of around 4000 meters from sea level, Rohtang is famous amongst tourists as a place to see snow round the year. It is one of the most visited destinations in Himachal Pradesh by families during summers as there is snow in abundance where one can indulge in snow sports. Rohtang pass also connects the Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti. Moreover, it is also used to by the tourist of Leh who travel by bike and cars.
As one drives along this high mountain pass, beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks and streams are bound to welcome him. Sonepani glacier, Dashahr Lake and Chandra River are some of the prime attractions that one can adore from the peak of Rohtang. Besides enjoying the panoramic views, the snow covered pass provides an excellent opportunity for skiing and snow scooter riding.
Rohtang Pass- a gateway to Lahaul and Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, remains one of the most spectacular destinations in the entire Kullu region. This picturesque pass is located around 51 kms away from Manali, at a height of 3980 meters, on Manali Keylong highway. This mountain slope is so beautiful that people from every corner of the country visit this place to take part in adventure sports such as skiing, ice-skating, paragliding, etc. The Rohtang Pass is open for tourist from April to October and the permission to travel on this highway is given by the Indian Army, once they clear the snow.
When planning a trip to Manali, a day off to the vista point of Rohtang is the ultimate and almost essential attraction of the itinerary. Located at a distance of just 51 kilometres from the main town, Rohtang Pass can be reached only by road. The pass is located at a massive height of 3978 metres, the way up the hills is a treat to the eyes. As the vehicle climbs higher on the Manali- Keylong road, the beauty of the landscape around will leave you awestruck. A peculiar fact behind the name of the place is that it was named so because a number of people working in CBRE died whilst trying to cross this treacherous stretch. Owing to its splendid natural beauty, Rohtang Pass is a favourite among the community of film directors. Many blockbusters ranging from ‘Jab We Met’ to ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani’ have been shot here.
Rohtang Pass is closed on Tuesday
Entry Ticket Fee
In order to travel up to or beyond Rohtang, a mandatory Rohtang Pass permit is required by all visitors. You will need to show a confirmation voucher or a proof of hotel booking at one of your destinations. The pass costs INR 500 per head with an additional INR 50 which is charged as a congestion fee that is imposed by the National Green Tribunal on all the vehicles that travel here. The permits are also of two kinds, one is for up to Rohtang Pass only while the other is for travelling beyond this point. Online permit for travelling to Rohtang is available and can be booked here. In case you want to book your permits offline, you can do so on a first-come-first-serve basis from the Tourist and Information centre on all days from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. You can either take a four wheeler or bike your way to the pass as well.
To just curl up on your seat in the car as it begins to chill with every increasing metre on the altitude scale and gaze outside at the mesmerizing beauty of nature is absolute bliss. The pass is an experience of nature in one of its rawest forms possible, amongst mountain peaks covered with snow, breathtaking view and magnificent and sprawling landscapes and views. The magnificence of the white landscape and sonorous silence is a mesmerising thing worth experiencing.
Activities in Rohtang Pass
Rohtang is near ideal for trekkers. The trails here are challenging and marked by glaciers, around water falls, pointed peaks, a breathtaking view of the surrounding and chilling cold. The 117 km long Manali- Lahaul pass is one of the most sought after treks, with sulphur springs, Bhrigu lake and a challenging path. The other famous treks are – from Gulaba to Bhrigu Lake, Batal to Rohtang and Jalori pass.
An experience of the snow can never be complete without a sledge ride, which involves sliding through the snow in a wooden toboggan. Another thrilling activity that can be pursued here would be mountain biking where you ride your mountain bikes off the regular course and into the lesser taken routes. It can get a bit rough, so you must take care in case you are planning on pursuing this activity. You can try your hand at skiing and tyre drop at the Rohtang Pass as well, where again you slide down a slope of snow whilst using the appropriate equipment. Gear for all of these activities is available for a reasonable rent, so do not miss out on this opportunity. Also, photography enthusiasts and nature lovers can never have enough of this place.
Government approved rates for hiring woollen dress, ski equipment
| Warm coat, snow shoes and stick (set) | Rs . 200 | Per Day / Per Person |
| Dhangri – Skiing Dress | Rs . 250 | Per Day / Per Person |
| Skiing Package (snow dress,Skiing Par & Gude) | Rs . 2000 | Per Day / Per Person |
Horse Ride for 1/2 Hours Rs 300 per person.
However you will not get dresses at government rates so start bargaining starting from these prices.
Vehicle Hire charges for Rohtang
A full vehicle can be booked for a journey to Rohtang or one can use shared taxi. Only middle row or only front row of a jeep can be booked. There are taxi operators in most parts of the city and some good centers are there around Mall road whom you can contact for all travel requirements. Your hotel boy or manager can easily plan your travel arrangements.
| Alto Indica Santro Spark Van | Eco Gypsy Indigo Swift | Sumo Mahindra-Maxx Qualis Travera | Sumo-grand Innova Scorpio Xylo |
| 2100 | 2300 | 2500 | 2700 |
The other hamlets around
Manali also have houses embellished with wood carving. The Rahalla falls are on the way to Rohtang pass from Manali and are worth visiting. On the way to Rohtang at Beas Nallah one has to cross the river Beas. This river starts from here ( Beas Kund ) . There are daily bus tours to Rohtang pass.
Rohtang Pass – The challenge
Rohtang Pass lies beyond the habitable world that continues to enchant travelers. At a grueling altitude of 13000 feet, the pass is a gateway on Manali-Leh highway. Enroute, places like Rani Nallah are daunting obstructions that make the journey tricky.
Situated 6 km before the pass, the nallah is a major irritant for people traveling to Rohtang. The toughest is a 2 km nightmarish stretch that’s only slush and mud all the way along.
Given the rough weather conditions, the Rohtang Pass is closed for public use for the most part of a year. Every new season, the road crew has to struggle with their GPS to dig out the road buried under the layers of snow. Landslides and sluggish weather conditions keep challenging travelers with new difficulty levels.
The Government of India has now started building an 8.8 km, two-way tunnel that will bypass the Rohtang Pass trek and create an alternate year-round link that will be much safer and faster.
Beautiful places to visit near Rohtang Pass
1. Solang Valley: The adventure hub
A popular destination for skiing in India, Solang valley is in the close proximity to Manali, hence Rohtang Pass. During winters when heavy snowfall lashes the valley, it becomes perfect for skiing and sliding on heavy snow. In summers when the snow melts, activities like parachuting, zorbing, paragliding, and horse riding become popular.
2. Rahala waterfalls: Picture perfect
A popular but rarely photographed waterfall, Rahala is 16 km from Manali towards Rohtang Pass. The beauty of the waterfall is its breathtaking descent from an altitude of 2500 meters. This nature’s beauty is an absolute treat for shutterbugs.
Given the slippery roads and narrow curves to negotiate, the drive to Rohtang from here is as tough as it gets. Hiring a cab or a bus is recommended.
3. Chandra & Bhaga rivers: A breathtaking confluence
As the glaciers in the Shivalik Ranges of lesser Himalayas melt, they flow downwards holding their course and become Chandra and Bhaga river. They later flow across the Spiti valley and after their confluence, are known as Chenab. The confluence is so perfect that it presents a stunning view for the onlookers.
The river falls to the south of the Rohtang Pass and is a must-visit for everyone traveling up into the lesser Himalayan region.
4. Lahaul & Spiti valley: Nature lover’s favorite
2.5-hour drive, covering 145 km along the NH 505 takes you to Lahaul & Spiti valley. The Himalayan mountain desert is located in the northeastern Himachal and happens to be the land that connects India with Tibet. Dotted with monasteries and nature’s escapades, the valley is often frequented by nomads and backpackers.
5. Khoksar village: Find your cozy abode here
19 km beyond Rohtang is Khoksar- a picturesque village in Lahaul district, which also happens to be the coldest place in the region. The village has some amazing dhabas in the region and is indeed a recommended place to stay. If you are traveling during summers, there are chances that snow would have melted away and the vision beyond Rohtang will leave you mesmerized with its allure!
Rohtang Pass weather: Temperature in the region during summer is between 20 & 32 degrees, while during winters the mercury drops down to -2 degrees with the maximum temperature going up to 18 degrees.
Best time to visit Rohtang Pass: May to October is the ideal time to visit Rohtang. This is when tourists can comfortably take up activities like mountain biking, skiing, and snow scooter riding at the famous Snow Point.
How to reach
The road from Manali to Rohtang Pass is one of the most scenic roads that you’d find anywhere across India. While traveling along NH 21 leading to Rohtang is a memorable experience. You are advised to move forward in the company of expert drivers or for the best, hire a taxi.
By rail: Joginder Nagar railhead at a distance of 104 km from Manali. From Manali, you can either hire a taxi or take a state transport bus
By road: Private taxi or HRTC buses run frequently from Manali to Rohtang Pass, which is almost a 2-hour ride.
One has to take a Rohtang Pass permit to travel up to and beyond Rohtang. This is a mandatory permit for all the travelers traveling to the pass. A charge of INR 500 + INR 50 (congestion fees) has been imposed by National Green Tribunal on every vehicle traveling to Rohtang.
There are two kinds of permits, one is for traveling up to Rohtang Pass and the other one is for traveling beyond Rohtang Pass, which is mainly for travel purpose. Online permit for traveling up to Rohtang is available.
Highlights
The Rohtang Pass is the same road, which connects to Leh Ladakh (State of Jammu & Kashmir) from Manali. It spot more than 25 lakh visitors every year, however, the routes here are completely covered in snow in winter and hardly anyone visit this place during the snowfall. In May, Rohtang become a place for nature enthusiast and adventure seekers, who can experience adventure sports such as skiing, skating, paragliding, snow scooter, and more.
Just beyond the stunning Rohatng pass is the Sonapani Glacier and the twin peak of Gaypan, which is known for its panoramic view and peaceful atmosphere. People visit this spot to have some refreshing moments purely in the arms of mother nature. Some people also visit the famous Beas Kund, the source of the Beas River and a holy site for Hindus as the same is easily accessible from the Rohtang Pass. It is believed that the sage Vyas used to meditate at this site.
Where to Stay
Most tourists stay in Manali and take a day out for Rohtang. Apart from a couple of budget guest houses that you could spot while going up the pass there are no accommodation facilities in Rohtang. Manali, however has a wide ranges of hotels. Being a popular tourist destination and one of the most favourite of honeymoon couples, Kullu- Manali has hotels suiting all budget brackets. The options of river side cottages and studio apartments are also available for those keen on living by themselves.
Tips
1. Take a day off for Rohtang. Leave for Rohtang early in the morning, as there are hundreds of others local tourist cabs visiting the pass and the narrow lanes gets jammed with traffic quickly, leaving one to walk up to the main spot.
2. Considering the difficult road, high altitude and low temperature of the area, Rohtang is best visited in daylight.
3. Carry woollens and snacks, if possible pack a thermos of hot tea or coffee too. It would be the most useful up there.
4. When renting snow clothes, compare the prices with those fixed by the government.
5. Take care of your health, altitude sickness is common here.
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