Rohtang Pass, Manali has two sides to it. One is what you see in every Bollywood frame: snow walls, sharp bends, and scenery that stops you cold. And there is a reason filmmakers keep coming back.
At just 51 km from Manali, the pass sits at the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti, where snow-covered peaks, ancient temples, hot springs, and waterfalls exist almost within the same stretch of road.
The other side is what catches most travellers off guard. Permits with a daily cap, a road that shuts without notice, and weather that has its own agenda.
This guide covers everything from permits, best time to go, things to do in Rohtang Pass, how to get there, what the road is actually like, and how to fit it all into your Himachal Tour Packages without the last-minute chaos.
Rohtang Pass Manali: Quick Facts
- Altitude of Rohtang Pass: 3,980 meters (13,058 ft)
- Manali to Rohtang Pass distance: 51 km
- Ideal Time to Visit: September to October
- Permit Required: Yes
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Permit Fee: Required for Rohtang Pass (obtained online)
- Green Tax: ₹100–₹500 for non-HP vehicles entering Manali
- Required Time: 2–3 hours
- Restricted Items: Single-use Plastics, Drones, Tobacco & Thermocol products
- Best Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, sledging, snow scooter rides, ATV rides, mountain biking, & trekking
rohtang is just the beginning! here are some trips built around it
Among the many things to do in Himachal Pradesh, crossing Rohtang Pass is an experience that stays with you long after you've left. Located at an altitude of about 3,978 meters, it is a high-altitude mountain pass in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, and its name alone tells you everything.
Why Rohtang Pass Manali is Still Worth Visiting
The Atal Tunnel may have made reaching Lahaul faster, but it hasn't made Rohtang Pass any less special. If anything, the pass has gone from being a transit route to a destination in its own right.
The tunnel saves time; Rohtang gives you the experience. Snow in summer, sweeping glacier views, sharp mountain bends, and that raw high-altitude feel that no tunnel can replicate. For travelers who actually want to see the Himalayas, not just pass through them, Rohtang is still the one.
Rohtang Pass vs Atal Tunnel
Rohtang Pass Permit: Your Essential Guide to Entry
Why is a permit required?
Rohtang Pass comes under the environmental guidelines of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The region has a sensitive ecosystem, and the surge in tourist footfall over the years has not been easy on it.
The NGT, keeping this in mind, restricts the number of vehicles heading up to the pass on any given day, the permit is simply how that restriction is put into practice.
It is to make sure that the landscapes that make Rohtang worth visiting are still around for years to come.
All permits for Rohtang Pass are issued through the official HP government portal.
For tourists planning a day visit to Rohtang Pass
Valid for: One day only (To & Fro)
Slots:
- 10:00 AM (200 Diesel / 400 Petrol)
- 4:00 PM (200 Diesel / 400 Petrol)
Weekly limit: 3 permits per vehicle (Tuesday to Monday)
Permit Fee: Car & Jeep, MUV's, Buses & HMV: ₹500/vehicle
Congestion Charges: Cars & Jeeps: ₹50; MUV's: ₹50 Buses & HMV: ₹100/vehicle
What you'll need:
- Valid ID proof
- Pollution Under Check (PUC) Certificate
- Vehicle Registration (vehicle must not be older than 10 years)
Notes:
- Printout is compulsory. Mismatched details on your permit will get you turned back at the barrier.
- No vehicles allowed on Tuesdays (maintenance day)
2. Special Rohtang Pass Permit
Traveling in a private vehicle to explore Rohtang Pass? You'll need this one specifically
Valid for: One day only (To & Fro)
Daily slots: 60 Petrol vehicles / 40 Diesel vehicles; permit must be obtained online
Season limit: Issued only once per vehicle for the entire season
Booking window: Can only be applied 2 days in advance
Permit Fee: Car & Jeep, MUV's, Buses & HMV: ₹500/vehicle
Congestion Charges: Cars & Jeeps: ₹50; MUV's: ₹50 Buses & HMV: ₹100/vehicle
What you'll need:
- Valid ID proof
- Pollution Under Check (PUC) Certificate
- Vehicle Registration (vehicle must not be older than 10 years)
- Tourist Address Details
Notes:
- Printout is compulsory.
- No vehicles are allowed on maintenance day (NONE day).
Planning to go further than the pass itself? Towards the Lahaul/Spiti Valley or Leh. It grants access to areas connected through the pass, with further travel into these regions regulated.
Congestion fees apply for places beyond Rohtang.
Valid for: One day only (To & Fro)
Booking window: Can only be paid 1 day in advance
Weekly limit: 2 permits per vehicle (Tuesday to Monday)
Applications open: Midnight (12:00 AM) daily
Congestion Charges: LMV: ₹50; Passenger Vehicle: ₹50; Goods Vehicle: ₹100
Note:
- Printout is compulsory. Any mismatch in your congestion fee slip details will get you stopped at the barrier.
Heading to Lahaul? Manali to Lahaul Adventure covers the route as a planned 3-day trip.
How to Obtain Your Rohtang Pass Permit Online
Rohtang permits are released in two batches: 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily, and fill up fast. Booking a day or two in advance is the safer approach.
- Select your permit type and travel date.
- Keep your ID proof, PUC certificate, and vehicle registration certificate ready before you begin.
- Once payment is confirmed, print the permit.
- Checkpoints are strict, and every detail must match your documents.
Managing Your Rohtang Pass Permit
- Check Availability: Slots fill up fast, especially in peak season. Check permit availability before you plan your date.
- Validate Permit: Already booked? Validate your permit or congestion fee slip before heading up.
- Check Permit Status / Reprint Permit: Misplaced your permit slip or want to confirm your booking? You can recheck and reprint.
- Submit Refund Request: If your plans change, refund requests can be raised, though keep in mind they only open two days after the transaction.
Best Time to Visit Rohtang Pass Manali
The pass is seasonal, and each month brings a very different experience. Here is what to expect.
- May to June: Reopening Season
The best time to visit Rohtang Pass for snow is right after it reopens in mid-to-late May. Snow walls up to 20 feet line the road, and skiing and sledging are at their best. However, crowds are heavy and traffic jams are part of the deal.
2. July to August: Monsoon Season
Best avoided. The hills turn intensely green, but landslides and thick fog make the road unpredictable. Authorities shut it down without warning during heavy spells.
3. September to October: The Sweet Spot
If you want clear skies, manageable crowds, and stable roads, this is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh’s Rohtang Pass. The Pir Panjal peaks are at their most visible, the air is crisp, and the chaos of summer has settled down.
If you are planning a trip around this time, explore 6 Days Fun Himachal Tour with Manali and Kasol and build a fuller itinerary around it.
4. November to April: Closed Season
The pass shuts to tourists by late November. Most visitors are only permitted up to Gulaba or Marhi during these months. Lahaul is accessible via the Atal Tunnel, which bypasses the pass entirely.
Daytime sits between 10°C and 20°C, but the wind chill at 3,978m can pull it down to around 5°C even on a clear day. UV exposure is intense; sunscreen and sunglasses are non-negotiable.
The pass drops to anywhere between -2°C and -15°C. Lower points like Gulaba stay slightly warmer, ranging from -5°C to 8°C.
Pro Tip: Rohtang's weather is unpredictable. Clear skies can turn overcast within the hour, and cold winds are common even in summer. The temperature at the summit is significantly lower than in Manali, so carry layers no matter what time of year you visit.
How to Reach Rohtang Pass
1. Getting to Manali First
Rohtang Pass is 51 km from Manali, roughly a 2 to 3 hour drive depending on road conditions. Manali is the base for all visits to the pass.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar), about 50 km from Manali. Taxis are readily available from there.
- By Rail: The nearest broad-gauge station is Chandigarh, roughly 300 km away. Joginder Nagar is closer but operates on a narrow-gauge line with limited connectivity.
- By Bus: Volvo and state buses run regularly from Delhi (12–14 hours) and Chandigarh (8–10 hours). If you are traveling from Chandigarh, our 7 Days Amazing Himachal Tour Package covers Manali and more, which is worth considering if you want a planned itinerary.
Manali to Rohtang Pass by Road
- By Public Transport (No Permit Required): This is the simplest option and budget-friendly too.
- HRTC Electric Buses: Round trips cost approximately ₹500–₹695
- HPTDC Tourist Buses: Bookable at the HPTDC office on Mall Road or their official site
- Shared Taxis: Faster than buses, available near Manali bus stand. Manali to Rohtang Pass taxi fare starts from ₹3,500 and varies depending on the vehicle.
2. By Private Car or Hired Taxi: Permit Mandatory
- A Rohtang Pass permit is required at the Gulaba checkpost. Daily quota is allocated with 1,200 vehicles(800 petrol + 400 diesel).
- Permits are released at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM; during May and June they sell out within minutes.
- Permit fee is approximately ₹550 (₹500 permit + ₹50 congestion charge).
- Your vehicle must not be older than 10 years from registration date.
3. By Rented Bike
- A popular choice for solo travelers. Rentals range from ₹800 to ₹2,000 per day depending on the model.
- Bikes require the same tourism permit as cars.
- The pass remains closed every Tuesday for maintenance.
Things to do in Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is not just a scenic stop, it is one of the better spots for adventure activities in Manali. Here is what you can do once you are there.
- Snow Activities: The pass stays snow-covered through much of the season. Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are all on the table, and if you are lucky with timing, you can do this in the middle of summer. May and June are the months to aim for if snow is the draw.
- Trekking: The region around Rohtang connects to some well-known trekking trails; Bhrigu Lake, Hampta Pass, and Chandratal Lake among them. Worth planning a separate day for if trekking is on your list.
- Mountain Biking: The terrain here is rough and uneven, which is exactly what makes it good for biking. It is not a casual ride, but the route is rewarding for anyone who enjoys riding through mountain roads.
- Nature walks and photography: The pass is genuinely one of the best photography spots in Manali. Alpine flowers, snow-capped ridges, and open valley views make it hard to put the camera down. A slow walk around the area is just as worthwhile as any of the adventure activities.
rohtang is a day trip. himachal is a journey. explore himachal trips that are worthy
Exploring Beyond: Sightseeing Around Rohtang Pass, Manali
Near Rohtang Pass, there are some places that are worth visiting. They include:
- Marhi: 16 km from Rohtang. A quiet stop with open meadows and solid mountain views. Good place to take a break on the way up or back.
- Koksar village: 20 km from Rohtang. A small village marking the entry point to Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Starting point for several treks into the region.
- Solang Valley: 27 km from Rohtang, Solang Valley is one of the busiest spots near Manali for a reason. Paragliding, skiing, and zorbing draw crowds, but the landscape makes it worth it.
- Rahala Waterfalls: 2 km from Rohtang. Fed by glacial melt, the falls sit against a green hillside and make for a natural photo stop along the route.
- Gulaba: 22 km from Rohtang, Gulaba is one of the popular offbeat places in Manali. Good views, peaceful, and worth a short halt if you are not in a rush.
- Lahaul Valley: Starts just beyond Rohtang, Lahaul only came onto most travellers' radar after the Atal Tunnel opened. Snow-covered peaks, lakes, and waterfalls; it is a different world from Manali and worth a dedicated trip.
Dining & Accommodation Near Rohtang Pass
Most of what you need is along the Manali–Rohtang route. Nothing luxurious, but enough to keep the trip comfortable.
Restaurants/Dhabas at Rohtang Pass
Near this pass, there are some good restaurants where visitors can enjoy delicious local food of Manali, such as:
Accommodation Options (No Staying Directly at Pass)
There are no staying options in Rohtang Pass. However, you can select some of these hotels in Manali near Rohtang Pass.
Essential Travel Tips for Rohtang Pass, Manali
- Acclimatize First: The altitude of Rohtang Pass sits at 3,978 meters; high enough to cause altitude sickness if you ascend too quickly. Give yourself a day or two in Manali before heading up.
- Start Early: Traffic on the Manali–Rohtang road builds up fast. An early start beats the jams and gives you better weather windows before clouds roll in by afternoon.
- Layer Up: Even in summer, it gets cold up there. Pack a warm jacket, gloves, and a cap. Waterproof outerwear is a good idea regardless of the forecast.
- Wear the Right Shoes: The ground around the pass is uneven, often slushy, and catches people off guard. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is non-negotiable.
- Plan Your Stay in Manali: The pass has no accommodation. Everyone bases in Manali. Hotels in Manali near Rohtang Pass fill up quickly in peak season, so sort your stay before you sort anything else.
- Carry Cash: Dhabas, snow activity operators, and local vendors mostly work on cash. ATMs are far behind you once you leave Manali.
- Fuel Up Before You Leave: There are no fuel stations beyond Manali. Top up before you head out.
- Stay Hydrated: The altitude affects you more than you realise. Carry water and some light snacks like energy bars, dry fruits, or anything easy to carry.
- Basic Medical Kit: Pack tablets for headaches, nausea, and motion sickness. The road has sharp bends and altitude does the rest.
- Keep Your Permit Printed: A screenshot will not work at the checkpost. Carry a physical printout.
- Mind Your Connectivity: Signal drops significantly past Manali. Download offline maps, weather updates, and any information you need before you start.
- Leave it as you found it: The pass falls under NGT environmental guidelines for a reason. Carry your waste back. Plastic bags are a strict no.
Rohtang Pass: Some Roads Are Worth the Effort
At just 51 km, the Manali to Rohtang Pass distance is short on paper, but what that road holds is anything but ordinary. From the snow walls of May to the clear skies of October, every season tells a different story up here.
The permits are limited, the slots fill fast, and the checkpost is strict. The early starts, the layered clothing; none of it feels like a hassle once you are standing at 3,978 meters with the Pir Panjal Range stretched out in front of you.
Whether you go for the snow, the trek, the drive, or simply to say you did it, Rohtang has a way of staying with you. Plan well, start early, and carry that printout.
