Introduction

About 50 kilometers from Manali town, Rohtang Pass is situated at an altitude of 3,978 meters (13,051 feet) on Keylong-Leh Highway. A gateway to the twin valley of Lahaul and Spiti, Rohtang Pass remains open in summers from May/June (depending on the prevailing weather conditions) to October when regular buses ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh. On your way to this snow covered mountain pass you will come across many food stalls offering a variety of snacks and beverages. If you have begun very early in the day, maybe you can make a stop for breakfast or brunch here. As you proceed towards Rohtang Pass you will notice that the road narrows considerably. Parking also gets very difficult at this point. It is ideal to begin early in the morning, stay up to afternoon and start your return journey once the traffic clears. If you begin later in the day, you might have to walk for 15-30 minutes or ride a horse to Snow Point. The horseman charges about Rs 400 per horse, to and from peak point.

Rohtang Pass opens up a surreal, white landscape of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, the serene Chandra River flowing down Lahaul Valley and the twin pyramidal peaks of Geypan in the left. You are at the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road affording a panoramic view of frosty mountains soaring into the sky, the pretty Dassaur Lake, Beas Kund - the source River Beas, and massive slopes of snow stretching into distance. Enjoy the stunning scenery and take some pictures.

While exploring Rohtang Pass, you might face bright sunshine in some places, and a dark, overcast sky in others. Here it doesn’t take long for golden sunlight to turn over to moderate or heavy snowfall. Oddly enough, all types of food stuff are allowed into this site of pristine natural beauty. However, the shops selling snacks and beverages in Rohtang Pass have temporary sheds for tourists to take shelter in case of sudden change of weather. A must-do for every traveler to Manali, this is the place to enjoy snow activities even in peak summer.

Special Attributes

It is an excellent venue for adventure sports.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

HPTDC Transport has a large fleet of well maintained luxury coaches operating around Manali. You can also explore places around Manali in a private taxi.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers

Exposure

You will be under open sky. At any time of the year, you are advised to carry a few layers of woolens. Don’t forget your sunshades and a sunscreen lotion as the sunlight reflects on the snow and causes glare.

Avoidable Season

December, January, February, March, April, May

Facilities

Ample photographic opportunities and an adventure sports destination

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

It is ideal to begin early in the morning, stay up to afternoon and start your return journey once the traffic clears. If you begin later in the day, you might have to walk for 15-30 minutes or ride a horse to Snow Point. The horseman charges about Rs 400 per horse, to and from peak point.

Type of site

A land of glaciers and snow-clad peaks