The Rohtang Pass is a dangerously steep mountain pass in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The Kullu Valley, the Lahaul Valley, and the Spiti Valley are all linked by this mountain pass. The pass is open to the public from May to November and is located at an elevation of 3,978 metres (13,050 feet) above sea level.
The Rohtang Pass is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Skiing, snowboarding, and hiking are just a few of the exciting activities available at this mountain pass, which also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Lahaul and Spiti Valleys, as well as the rest of the state, are linked to the rest of the state by the pass, making it an important route for product transit.
If you are planning a trip to Rohtang Pass, keep the following information in mind:
Before entering Rohtang Pass, visitors must obtain a permit from the relevant authorities in their area. The permits can be purchased both at the local tourism office and online.
Weather: From the second week of September to the second week of October is the best time to visit Rohtang La Pass. During this time, the pass opens just after the monsoons and closes for the winter. It is best to plan your trip during this time because the summer months, from May to June, see a high number of tourists in this region. As a result, obtaining a permit to cross the pass becomes increasingly difficult. There are also long traffic jams in Manali, Rohtang, and Gulaba.
Because of increased tourist activity, hotel, restaurant, and taxi prices rise during these months. You might be able to get a better deal if you plan your trip between September and October. During the rest of the year, the Rohtang Pass is closed due to heavy snowfall. The weather is too bad to go sightseeing or exploring during the monsoon season, which lasts from July to August. As a result, we recommend planning your itinerary in September or October to make the most of your trip.
Because the weather at Rohtang Pass has the potential to be erratic, it is critical to come prepared for any scenario that may arise. There is a chance that the temperature will drop below freezing, so bring warm clothing and blankets with you.
Visitors to Rohtang Pass, which is located at a high elevation, should prepare for the possibility of developing altitude sickness. If you have any health concerns, you must seek medical attention and take the necessary safety precautions.
Transportation: The nearest airport is in Bhuntar, which is 101.4 kilometres away from the Rohtang La Pass. It will take you at least three and a half to four hours to get to the pass from here.The good news is that Kullu and Manali are both relatively close to the airport. Manali is 50 kilometres from Bhuntar, and Kullu is even closer - only 10 kilometres. As a result, finding a state transport bus from Kullu or Manali to Rohtang La pass should be simple. You can take a taxi or cab from the airport to Manali or Kullu.
The Leh Manali highway is served by a number of government and private buses. If you're willing to spend a little more money, you can even book a semi-sleeper bus. If you don't want to deal with changing buses, you can simply hire a taxi from the airport to Rohtang La pass, though this is likely to be one of the most expensive options.
Permit: A special permit is required to cross the breathtaking pass. You can, thankfully, apply for it online.You can apply for the pass on the Himachal Tourism website, and it is valid for 24 hours. To travel through Rohtang La, you only need one permit. It should be noted, however, that the government does not grant an unlimited number of passes, and only a limited number of passes are available each day. As a result, it is recommended that you plan your trip ahead of time and obtain your pass as soon as possible.
To apply for the permit, you will need the following documents:
- Valid identity proof
- A current pollution check certificate for your vehicle
- Vehicle registration documents displaying the registration date
Here are some recommendations for visiting Rohtang La Pass:
1. Allow for extra time when visiting the pass to account for potential delays. Because the pass sees a high volume of tourists, traffic can become backed up for hours. In such cases, you may need to walk to the main location, which will take some time.
2. Plan your trip so that you arrive at the pass while it is still light. The path is difficult; the roads are winding, the altitudes are high, and the temperature drops as the day progresses. As a result, it is preferable to begin early in the day so that you can return on time.
3. Dress warmly because it can get quite cold in the mountains. It is also recommended to bring a thermos of tea or coffee, as well as some snacks.
4. If you plan to rent snow clothes, make sure to compare the prices to the government's fixed prices.
5. Because oxygen levels in the mountains are low, you may experience altitude sickness. Pack some medications in case of emergency.
To summarise, anyone visiting Himachal Pradesh should include a visit to Rohtang Pass on their itinerary. The pass is an excellent location for high-adrenaline activities and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Travellers should be aware, however, that the weather can change quickly and that high altitudes can cause illness. If you are well prepared, a trip to Rohtang Pass has the potential to be an unforgettable experience.