32.371077.2463Manali, Himachal Pradesh

NATURE

Rohtang Pass - Manali's High-Altitude Snow Point

A famous high-altitude pass near Manali, known for its stunning Himalayan views, snow activities, and the scenic but challenging road journey.

Manali, Himachal PradeshHalf day (3-4 hours)6:00 AM – 5:00 PMFree EntryPhotography OK

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Best Season:The best time to visit Rohtang Pass is from June to October when the pass is officially open for tourists. June is ideal for those wanting to see a lot of snow. July and August can experience disruptions due to monsoon rains, but the landscape is green and lush. September and October offer the clearest post-monsoon skies with stunning mountain views and less crowd. The pass remains completely inaccessible from November to May due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions.

Duration:Half day (3-4 hours)

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Allowed

Parking:Available

Why Visit Rohtang Pass?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Rohtang Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, located about 51 kilometers from Manali. At an elevation of 3,978 meters (13,058 feet), it serves as a critical link connecting the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. The journey to the pass is an experience in itself, featuring a winding road with numerous hairpin bends that offers spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and deep valleys. Visitors are greeted by a landscape often covered in snow, even during the summer months, making it a popular spot for snow-based activities. Upon reaching the top, you get a wide, panoramic view of the mountains and the Chandra River flowing down in the Lahaul valley. The area is a hub of activity where visitors can engage in skiing, snowboarding, and snow scooter rides. Small stalls sell hot tea, coffee, and snacks like Maggi noodles, which feel especially comforting in the cold, windy conditions. The air is thin due to the high altitude, so visitors should move slowly and take time to acclimatize. The pass is not just a tourist spot but a strategic gateway, and its raw, rugged beauty is its main attraction.

High-altitude location at 3,978 meters on the Pir Panjal Range

Panoramic views of glaciers, Himalayan peaks, and the Chandra River

Seasonal snow activities like skiing, sledding, and snow scooter rides

A challenging and scenic drive on the Manali-Leh Highway

Gateway to Lahaul, Spiti, and Ladakh

Being a popular filming location for Bollywood movies

Proximity to Beas Kund, the source of the Beas River

Ideal For

Adventure seekersPhotographersNature loversGroupsCouplesSolo travelers

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

Feb

Winter

Mar

Spring

Apr

Spring

May

Summer

Jun

Summer

Jul

Monsoon

Aug

Monsoon

Sep

Post-M

Oct

Autumn

Nov

Autumn

Dec

Winter

BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

May-July, long weekends. This is the peak summer vacation period when snow is still easily accessible, attracting maximum tourists.

Moderate

August-October. The post-monsoon season sees fewer family tourists but attracts bikers and adventure travelers.

Low Season

Not applicable as the pass is closed from November to May.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

6:00 AM — 5:00 PM

There are no official fixed timings as access is dependent on weather and road conditions managed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Traffic is generally allowed during daylight hours. The pass is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance and remains completely shut during winter months (November to May).

Entry for individuals is free. However, a mandatory 'Rohtang Pass Permit' is required for all vehicles going to the pass. The cost includes a permit fee (approx. ₹500) and a congestion charge (approx. ₹50). This permit must be booked online in advance from the official website of the Kullu district administration.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Leh-Manali Highway, 51 km north of Manali

Coordinates

32.3710, 77.2463

Nearest City

Manali

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar) is the nearest airport, approximately 102 km away. From the airport, it takes about 2 hours to reach Manali by taxi, and then ano...

By Train

The nearest major broad-gauge railway stations are Chandigarh (around 310 km) and Kalka (around 275 km). From these stations, you can hire a taxi or take an ove...

By Road

Rohtang Pass is 51 km from Manali on the Leh-Manali Highway. Manali is well-connected by road from cities like Delhi (approx. 550 km) and Chandigarh (approx. 31...

Local Transport

From Manali, you must hire a local taxi or a shared cab which has the required permit to go to Rohtang Pass. The taxi union in Manali has fixed rates. Some trav...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

Historically, Rohtang Pass served as an ancient trade route connecting the people of Kullu with those in the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. The name 'Rohtang' translates to 'pile of corpses' or 'ground of corpses,' which is a testament to the numerous people who lost their lives trying to cross this treacherous pass in bad weather. For centuries, it was a formidable challenge for traders, shepherds, and travelers. The road over the pass was constructed and is maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Until the opening of the Atal Tunnel in 2020, this pass was the only road access to Lahaul and Spiti from the Kullu side, making it strategically important for the military to supply forward areas in Ladakh.

Significance

Rohtang Pass holds immense strategic and tourism significance. For travelers, it is the gateway to the remote and beautiful landscapes of Lahaul, Spiti, and further on to Leh-Ladakh. Its accessibility from Manali makes it one of the most visited mountain passes in India, allowing tourists to experience a high-altitude, snow-covered environment without undertaking a difficult trek. For the Indian Army, it is a crucial link for logistics and troop movement to forward posts in the Himalayas. Its stunning natural beauty has also made it a popular filming location for numerous Bollywood movies, further adding to its fame.

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips

Tips

Start from Manali very early, around 6-7 AM, to avoid the heavy traffic jams that build up later in the day.

The pass is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance, so plan your trip accordingly.

Carry multiple layers of warm clothing, including a waterproof jacket, gloves, and a cap, as the weather is unpredictable and cold.

Book the mandatory Rohtang Pass permit online well in advance, as the number of vehicles allowed per day is limited.

To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), acclimatize in Manali for at least a day and stay hydrated. Don't spend more than an hour at the top.

Rent snow boots and suits from shops in Manali or Palchan village on the way, as it is more economical than renting at the pass itself.

Sunglasses are essential to protect your eyes from the strong glare of the sun reflecting off the snow.

Mobile network connectivity is poor to non-existent at the pass, so inform your family or hotel of your itinerary beforehand.

Safety Tips

Be cautious of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Symptoms include headache, nausea, and dizziness. If symptoms persist, descend immediately.

The road to the pass has sharp curves and is narrow in places. Always hire an experienced local driver.

Do not exert yourself. Walk slowly and take frequent breaks as the oxygen levels are low at high altitudes.

Carry necessary medications for headache and motion sickness. A small first-aid kit is also advisable.

Check the weather and road status before starting your journey, as conditions can change rapidly.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, but avoid alcohol.

Mobile networks are unreliable. Ensure you inform someone about your travel plans before you leave Manali.

Rules & Restrictions

A government-issued permit (Rohtang Pass Permit) is mandatory for all vehicles.

The pass is closed for tourists on Tuesdays for road maintenance.

The pass is closed during winter, typically from November to May, due to heavy snowfall.

Do not litter; visitors are expected to bring their trash back with them.

Nearby Attractions

Explore more places near this destination

Solang Valley - 37 km

Marhi - 16 km

Gulaba Viewpoint - 27 km

Koksar Village (Lahaul) - 19 km

Beas Kund (Trek Base) - 3 km

Rahalla Falls - 35 km

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Rohtang Pass - Manali's High-Altitude Snow Point

Why Visit Rohtang Pass?

Best Time to Visit

Entry Fees & Timings

Location & Directions

How to Reach

By Air

By Train

By Road

Local Transport

History & Significance

History

Significance

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Tips

Safety Tips

Rules & Restrictions

Nearby Attractions

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