Rohtang Pass in Manali

Rohtang Pass If your heart is fixed on an adventure, take a definite pass through Rohtang. Its story is in its name itself. The meaning of the word Rohtang is a ground of corpses and it has been named rightly so after the many people, who have died there, trying to find a way through the pass. Rohtang is not for the faint hearted. It really is not! The huge glaciers and the striking peaks of Geypan welcome only those who wouldn’t turn their backs from displaying a little bit of bravery when needed. The pass opens only between the months of July and September. Also, as it is the only route that connects the natives of Lahaul valley with the rest of the Himachal, the road remains extremely busy during these 3 months. At 13058 feet from the sea level, Rohtang pass serves as a gateway to Leh-Ladakh.

It is important to note that the pass remains shut for most part of the years and opens only during the months of May, June, July, August and September. Following NH21 from Manali to Rohtang, one can experience nature at its very best. However, the roads aren’t a child’s play. If you are not used to driving on such dangerous roads, you are advised to hire a taxi to travel to and fro. If you are looking to travel beyond Rohtang pass, you are expected to take a travel permit first that will cost you about Rs. 500. You will have to take a travel permit to travel to Rohtang pass as well. On the way to Rohtang is the Solang valley that holds the heart of the entire state in the grips of its adventurous sports and sceneries. Another beautiful spot that comes in the way to Rohtang pass is the Rahala waterfalls, located 16 km from Manali. It is a perfect place to get a family photograph clicked.

Best Time to Visit Rohtang Pass
The best time to visit Rohtang la Pass is from the second week of September to the second week of October. During this time, the pass opens just after monsoons and before it closes for winters. It is recommended to plan your trip during this time, because the summer months, that is May to June, see a lot of tourists in this region. As a result, it gets quite difficult to get a permit to cross the pass. Additionally, there are long traffic jams in Manali, Rohtang, and Gulaba.
Due to increased tourists’ activity, the prices of hotels, restaurants, and taxis also shoot up during these months. If you plan your trip between September and October, you may be able to get cheaper deals. As for the rest of the year, Rohtang pass is closed during the winters due to heavy snowfall. During the monsoon months, July to August, the weather is too unpleasant to enjoy any sightseeing or exploring. Hence, we recommend planning your itinerary in September or October so that you can get the most out of your trip.

How to Reach Rohtang Pass
The nearest airport is located 101.4 km away from Rohtang la pass in Bhuntar. To reach the pass from here, it will take you at least 3 and a half to 4 hours.The good news is that both Kullu and Manali are quite close to the airport. Manali is 50 km away from Bhuntar, and Kullu is even closer – just 10 km away. Therefore, it should be easy for you to find a state transport bus from Kullu or Manali to Rohtang La pass. To reach Manali or Kullu from the airport, you can hire a taxi or cab.
There are several government and private buses that operate on the Leh Manali highway. If you are willing to shell out a little extra cash, you can even book a semi sleeper bus. Or, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of changing buses, you can simply hire a taxi from the airport to Rohtang La pass, although that may be one of the most expensive options.