Rohtang Pass (3,978 m / 13,051 ft) is a high-altitude mountain pass in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh, on the old Manali–Leh route via NH3. It separates the green Kullu Valley from the arid, high-altitude Lahaul plateau, offering dramatic snow views from May to October (when permits are required).
Rohtang Pass
3,978 m — The High Himalayan Gateway Between Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti
A Glimpse into History
Origins – Ancient Trade Route
Rohtang Pass has been used for centuries as a trading corridor between the Kullu Valley and Lahaul-Spiti. Caravans carrying salt, wool, and grain crossed it seasonally. The name "Rohtang" derives from a local word meaning "pile of corpses" — referencing the many traders and travellers who perished crossing it in blizzards.
Evolution – Military and Highway
The Indian Army improved the road over Rohtang during the early 1960s as part of the NH3 development linking Manali to Leh for strategic purposes after the 1962 war. The pass became the Army's critical supply route to Lahaul-Spiti and later to Ladakh via the Leh-Manali Highway.
Modern Era – Tourism and the Tunnel Bypass
From the 1990s, Rohtang became Manali's most popular tourist day trip, drawing over 3,000 vehicles daily during peak season until NGT placed restrictions. The Atal Tunnel (2020) now bypasses Rohtang, connecting Manali to Lahaul without using the pass — but Rohtang itself remains a major draw for its snow spectacle.
Significance
Rohtang Pass divides two of India's most distinct ecosystems: the lush Beas Valley to the south and the stark, high-altitude Cold Desert of Lahaul to the north. It is the watershed between rivers flowing to the Bay of Bengal (Beas) and the Indus basin (Chandra River). The pass is visible from Manali on clear days and appears as a white ridge 51 km north of the town.
Festivals & Events
Pass Opening Day (May)
Each year, the BRO (Border Roads Organisation) clears Rohtang of winter snow and formally opens the pass, usually in late April or early May. The opening is celebrated by local communities in Lahaul who have been cut off for 6 months — it marks the start of the tourism and trading season.
Lahaul Utsav (September)
The Lahaul district government hosts a cultural festival coinciding with the harvest season. Rohtang serves as the gateway for tourists and cultural delegations travelling to the festival from the Kullu-Manali side, making it a key transit point each September.
Did You Know?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has declared Rohtang Pass an eco-sensitive zone and limits vehicle entry to 800 vehicles per day (400 diesel, 400 petrol). Permits must be booked online at least 1 day ahead from the Himachal Pradesh state portal — walk-ins at the Manali check post are not permitted. Tuesdays are no-vehicle days.
Travel Guide
How to Reach
By Air: Kullu-Manali Airport / Bhuntar (KUU) is 103 km from Rohtang Pass; Chandigarh Airport (IXC) is ~353 km — all require road journey through Manali.
By Train: No rail near Rohtang — base yourself in Manali (51 km) reached from Chandigarh (~310 km), which has the nearest major broad-gauge rail connectivity.
By Road: 51 km from Manali via NH3 (Manali-Leh Highway); shared taxis from Manali bus stand (₹250–400 per seat); private taxi ~₹2,000–2,500 return including waiting. NGT permit compulsory.
Best Time to Visit
May–Jun (Opening, Snow): Maximum snow at the summit, dramatic landscapes — most popular window. Jul–Aug: Pass open but monsoon brings fog, rain, and frequent road closures — risk of landslides on the 51 km approach. Sep–Oct (Closing): Clear crisp days, autumn colours in Kullu Valley below. Nov–Apr: Pass closed to tourists; Atal Tunnel is the only route to Lahaul.
Local Attractions
Bhrigu Lake (~22 km trek from Manali): High-altitude glacial lake at 4,300 m accessible en route — 2-day trek required.
Solang Valley (~37 km below Rohtang): Adventure sports hub on the return route — ski in winter, paraglide in summer.
Keylong (~67 km beyond the pass): Capital of Lahaul-Spiti district; ancient monasteries, Tibetan culture, extreme terrain.
Manali (~51 km): Base town with Hadimba Temple, Mall Road, and the Leh-Manali Highway starting point.
Tips for Visitors
Book NGT Rohtang permits online (himachalrohtang.nic.in) at least 1 day in advance — Tuesdays are restricted; only 800 vehicles per day are allowed.
Start from Manali by 6 AM — the pass frequently clouds over and closes temporarily after noon due to afternoon snowstorms even in summer.
At 3,978 m, altitude sickness is real — acclimatise for 1–2 nights in Manali (2,050 m) before attempting Rohtang; avoid rushing up on day 1 of arrival.
Carry full snow gear — gloves, waterproof jacket, warm layers — even in June. Temperature at the summit can be 0°C to -5°C regardless of Manali's warmth below.
Location Map
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