13,050 feet, surrounded by sky-high peaks cloaked in snow, and the crisp Himalayan air tingling your nostrils and slapping your cheeks! You must be thinking, what am I talking about? Well, that is the usual scene of Rohtang Pass!
It’s a place high in the mountains where you’ll always want to have a hot thermos of chai warming your hands. Rohtang Pass is a bucket-list destination that is famous for its adventure activities and natural bounty.
This high-altitude pass is in the Pir Panjal range and attracts adventurers who relish nature. But, the only problem with the place is that it’s not a place that you can just drive to.
Permits, unpredictable weather, and terrible roads take a lot of planning. But don’t you fret dearie—I have just the right guide that shows you how to plan a trip to Rohtang Pass.
I will tell you about my experiences, relay relevant tips, and more, that you will need as you embark on your own adventure.
Where is Rohtang Pass Located?
When researching about this place, I’m sure the first thing you would like to know is, where is this place located? Rohtang Pass is located about 51 km (32 miles) north of the town of Manali, Himachal Pradesh. It is right on the Manali-Leh Highway.
The pass is at an elevation of 3,978 meters (13,050 feet), and the base of the pass connects the green Kullu Valley and the stark, dry landscapes of Lahaul and Spiti at the top.
The Manali to Rohtang Pass drive is mesmerizing; we are talking freshly snow-capped mountains, waterfalls tumbling down cliffs, sky-high pines, and larger and larger walls of snow reminiscent of a winter movie scene as we rose in elevation.
It is the main highway to well-traveled Leh-Ladakh, although it did not contribute to the crowds in peak summer. I was mesmerized by the view when I first drove up, I had my head hanging out of the side window, trying to avoid blurry pictures of just about every glacier we could see.
When on this route, always have your camera ready, but be sure to enjoy the view.
Best Time to Visit Rohtang Pass
For Rohtang, timing makes a difference. The pass opens in May and closes in October, once the snow has melted enough for safe travel.
May and June are vibrant, with beautiful blue skies and patches of white snow that are play-worthy, but it’s the end of September and October, post-monsoon, that I believe is the Best time to visit Rohtang Pass!
Fewer crowds, cheaper and better deals, and the weather is nice and crisp. One time, I visited at the end of September, and the golden light on the peaks was incredible!
Avoid visiting here between July and August. Monsoons arrive here, which causes landslides and road closures, so it’s just not safe at that time.
From November to April, Rohtang is completely closed off due to heavy snow, so don’t even bother trying.
Make sure to check road statuses before you head out, because weather can be unpredictable!
How to Reach Rohtang Pass from Manali
The 51-km journey from Manali to Rohtang takes about 2–3 hours one way, depending on traffic and road conditions. Here is how to reach Rohtang Pass from Manali:
- Private Cab: Comfortable but pricey (₹3,500–₹4,500 round trip). Book through a local agency in Manali for a hassle-free permit. My first trip was in a cab, and the driver’s stories about the pass kept us entertained!
- Bike (Self-Drive): Perfect for adventure junkies. Rent a Royal Enfield in Manali (₹1,000–₹1,500/day) and apply for a permit. Just ensure your bike is under 10 years old. I tried this once and felt like I was in a Bollywood chase scene—exhilarating but chilly!
- HPTDC Bus: Budget-friendly (₹600–₹800 per person) and includes stops at Kothi, Rahala Falls, and Marhi. Check availability at Manali’s bus stand or online.
- Local Taxis with Permits: Shared taxis are cheaper (₹1,000–₹1,500 per person), but you might need to negotiate.
Whatever you choose, leave early to beat the traffic jams at Gulaba checkpoint.
Rohtang Pass Permit Process (2025 Updated Info)
Here’s where things get tricky. A Rohtang Pass permit is mandatory for all vehicles to control pollution and traffic. Only 1,200 vehicles are allowed daily (800 petrol, 400 diesel), so plan ahead.
Here is the Rohtang Pass permit process. The permits can be obtained online in two time frames:
(i) 10:00 hrs (200 Diesel and 400 Petrol)
(ii) 16:00 hrs (200 Diesel and 400 Petrol)
In a week (Tuesday to Monday) only 3 permits can be obtained for each vehicle.
No Vehicles are allowed on TUESDAY as the day is marked for maintenance of Rohtang Pass.
Permits can only be applied for next 6 days from the current date.
Who Needs a Permit?
Anyone visiting Rohtang for tourism or traveling beyond (to Lahaul, Spiti, or Ladakh). If you’re on a rented bike or car, the permit is per vehicle, not per person.
Documents Required
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, etc.)
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (should not be more than 10 years old)
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate (must be recent)
- Travel dates and vehicle details
How to Apply
- Online: Head to https://rohtangpermits.nic.in. The portal opens daily at 10 AM, and permits sell out fast. I learned this the hard way when I logged in at noon and found no slots left! Apply at least 2–3 days in advance.
- Offline: Visit the SDM office in Manali (10 AM–1 PM). It’s a bit of a queue, but locals are helpful.
- Through Agencies: Many taxi or bike rental agencies in Manali can arrange permits for a small fee. This saved me a ton of stress on my second trip.
Fees
- ₹500 per vehicle + ₹50 congestion fee for tourism permits.
- ₹50 congestion fee only for “Beyond Rohtang” permits (no limit on these).
Restrictions
- No permits on Tuesdays (maintenance day).
- Vehicles over 10 years old aren’t allowed.
- Permits are valid for 24 hours.
Double-check your permit at the Gulaba checkpoint, or you’ll be turned back. Trust me, it’s not fun to drive 20 km only to realize you forgot the printout
Cost of Visiting Rohtang Pass
Budgeting for Rohtang is straightforward if you plan smart. Here’s a breakdown based on my trips:
- Permit: ₹550 per vehicle (tourism permit + congestion fee).
- Transportation:
- Private taxi: ₹3,500–₹4,500 round trip.
- Shared taxi: ₹1,000–₹1,500 per person.
- Bike rental: ₹1,000–₹1,500/day + fuel (~₹300).
- HPTDC bus: ₹600–₹800 per person.
- Snow Gear Rental: ₹200–₹500 for jackets, boots, or gloves. I skipped this once and regretted it—my sneakers were soaked!
- Food/Snacks: ₹200–₹400 per person. Maggi and tea stalls are your only options up top, and they’re pricey for what you get.
- Miscellaneous: Parking (₹30–₹50), optional activities like skiing (₹500–₹1,000).
Total for a day trip? Around ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person, depending on your transport and activities. Bargain with taxi drivers and gear vendors to save a few bucks.
For a couple traveling from Manali for a day trip in a private taxi with activities included, budget around ₹6,000-8,000 total.
During my last visit, I discovered that carrying some snacks and a thermos of hot tea saved not just money but time, as the few eateries at Rohtang get extremely crowded during peak hours.
Things to Do at Rohtang Pass
Rohtang is a playground for snow lovers and shutterbugs. Here’s what you can do:
- Snow Activities:Even in summer months, you’ll find areas for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. The makeshift “snow park” areas charge separately, but haggling is expected. My personal favorite was the tube slide – nothing beats spinning down a snow slope at 40! These tube rides can cost anywhere between (₹500–₹1,000). I attempted skiing and fell spectacularly, but the laughter made it worth it!
- Photography: Capture the glaciers, snow walls, and Pir Panjal peaks. The viewpoint near the pass is a must for Instagram-worthy shots. For the best shots, walk about 200 meters away from the main tourist area. I found an elevated rock that provided the perfect frame for capturing both the valley below and the peaks above.
- Nearby Spots: Stop at Gulaba (20 km from Manali) for rolling meadows, Rahala Falls for a quick photo, or Marhi for a tea break.
Rahala Falls: A beautiful waterfall approximately 16 km before Rohtang
Marhi: The perfect halfway stop for maggi, tea, and restroom breaks
- Local Experiences: Chat with the seasonal vendors and shepherds who bring their flocks to these high-altitude meadows. One elderly shepherd shared fascinating stories about how climate change has altered the grazing patterns over his lifetime – the kind of authentic connection you won’t find in guidebooks.
The vibe at Rohtang is electric—families tossing snowballs, couples posing for photos, and adventurers zipping around on snow scooters. Just watch your step; the snow can be slippery
What to Pack for Rohtang Pass
Pack strategically, even for a day trip! From forgetting lip balm on my first visit (hello, painfully cracked lips!), I’ve refined my packing list:
- Clothing: Layer, layer, layer! Even in summer, temperatures can drop suddenly.
- Thermal inner layer (mandatory in early/late season)
- Waterproof outer layer/windcheater
- Gloves, woolen cap, and sunglasses
- Extra pair of socks (wet feet = miserable day)
- Protection: The high altitude intensifies exposure.
- Sunscreen (minimum SPF 50)
- Lip balm with SPF
- First-aid kit with altitude sickness medication
- Documents & Electronics:
- Printed permit and ID proofs
- Fully charged phone and power bank
- Cash (no ATMs or card machines at the pass)
- Food & Water:
- 1-2 liters of water per person
- Energy bars or light snacks
- Thermos with hot beverage (absolute lifesaver!)
Pack light but smart—lugging a heavy backpack up the pass is no fun.
Important Rohtang Pass Travel Tips
These Rohtang Pass travel tips come from my own hits and misses:
- Start Early: Leave Manali by 5–6 AM to avoid traffic at Gulaba. My 8 AM start once left me stuck in a 2-hour jam.
- Expect No Signal: Mobile connectivity is spotty. Download offline maps and tell loved ones you’ll be off-grid. It’s nearly non-existent beyond Gulaba.
- Acclimatize: Spend a day in Manali to adjust to the altitude. I felt dizzy my first time because I rushed up. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol the night before.
- Stay Eco-Conscious: Rohtang is an eco-sensitive zone. Carry back ALL your trash. The fragile ecosystem is already under tremendous pressure from tourism. Bring a small bag for your trash and avoid plastic.
- Check Weather: The pleasant morning sunshine can transform into a snowstorm within minutes. Always check the latest weather updates before proceeding. Sudden snow or rain can close roads. Follow @hp_tourism on social media for updates.
- Oxygen Levels: The oxygen at this altitude is approximately 40% lower than at sea level. Move slowly, especially when you first arrive, and don’t ignore headaches or dizziness.
- Local Etiquette: Respect the local customs. Many visitors leave small offerings at the temple near the pass for safe passage – a tradition dating back centuries.
The pass is unpredictable, so flexibility is key. Pack patience and a sense of adventure.
Sample Rohtang Pass Itinerary
Here’s a Rohtang Pass itinerary for a day trip from Manali, based on what worked for me:
- 5:00 AM: Depart from Manali. Grab a quick coffee at a dhaba.
- 7:30 AM: Arrive at Rohtang Pass. Spend time on snow activities like tube rides or skiing.
- 10:00 AM: Explore viewpoints, snap photos, and soak in the Himalayan views.
- 1:00 PM: Head back, stopping at Marhi for lunch (Maggi and tea hit different at 11,000 feet!).
- 4:00 PM: Return to Manali, maybe with a quick stop at Rahala Falls.
This schedule keeps you ahead of the crowds and gives you enough time to enjoy without rushing.
FAQs About Rohtang Pass
Do I need a permit to visit Rohtang Pass?
Yes, a permit is mandatory for all vehicles. Apply online at https://rohtangpermits.nic.in or at the SDM office in Manali.
Can I take a rented bike to Rohtang?
Absolutely, if the bike is under 10 years old. You’ll need a permit, and some rental agencies can arrange it for you.
Is Rohtang Pass open in May?
It usually opens in mid-May, depending on snow clearance. Check https://rohtangpermits.nic.in for exact dates.
What is the altitude of Rohtang Pass?
Rohtang Pass is at 3,978 meters (13,050 feet) above sea level.
Can I visit Rohtang in a day from Manali?
Yes, a day trip is ideal. Start early (5–6 AM) to make the most of it.
Conclusion
Rohtang Pass is the kind of place that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. It whispers adventure and wonder with every twist of its rugged, winding roads.
The moment you step onto that snow-dusted ground, the crisp Himalayan air bites at your cheeks, and the towering peaks tell ancient stories! All this makes you feel alive—really, truly alive.
With the right planning—securing permits, packing smart, and timing your visit—you’re set for a trip that’ll leave you starry-eyed. Be a responsible traveler: respect the fragile ecosystem, stick to your permit, and leave only footprints.
Ready to conquer Rohtang? Grab your permit, pack your thermals, and hit the road for an adventure you’ll never forget!
Also read: Is It Safe to Travel to Manali Now? A Tourist’s Guide After the Pahalgam Tragedy
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