Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass at about 3,978 metres on the Pir Panjal range in Himachal Pradesh, 51 km by road north of Manali. For centuries Rohtang Pass was the only route between the green Kullu valley and the dry, Buddhist valleys of Lahaul and Spiti, used by traders, shepherds and pilgrims. The name is usually translated as pile of corpses, a reminder of how many travellers the weather has killed here.

Rohtang Pass is snowbound for much of the year and usually opens to vehicles from around May until the first heavy snow in October or November. Since 2020 the Atal Tunnel, about 9 km long under the Pir Panjal, has carried through traffic to Lahaul all year, so most visitors now drive up Rohtang for the snow and the views rather than to cross it. To limit pollution and jams, the number of tourist vehicles is capped by India's National Green Tribunal, and online permits are needed from Gulaba onwards. The Beas river rises near the pass, and on a clear day the peaks of Lahaul stand across the Chandra valley to the north.

What to see

• Snowfields at the top, often lasting into June
• Views north over the Chandra valley and the Lahaul peaks
• The hairpin road up from Manali through Kothi, Gulaba and Marhi
• The source area of the Beas river and Beas Kund trek country
• Glaciers and waterfalls along the upper road

What to wear

Even in summer Rohtang Pass can be close to freezing, windy and wet, so bring a down jacket or fleece, a waterproof shell, gloves, a warm hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen: the UV at almost 4,000 metres burns quickly. Wear waterproof boots for snow and slush; snow suits and boots are rented at Kothi and Marhi. The traditional dress of the Kullu valley is the round Kullu cap, or Kullvi topi, with a coloured band, and handwoven wool shawls and the pattu, a wool wrap worn by women.

Local food to try

In Manali and the Kullu valley try siddu, a steamed wheat bun stuffed with poppy seed or walnut paste and served with ghee, and Kullu trout, farmed in the cold streams. A full Himachali dham, the festive meal of rajma, chana madra and sweet rice, is served at weddings and some restaurants. On the pass road, dhabas at Marhi serve Maggi noodles, parathas and sweet tea.

Good to know

• Best time: mid May to October; start early before the permit traffic builds
• Hours: open seasonally in daylight; tourist vehicles are barred one weekday for maintenance
• Entry: online vehicle permit required; permits sell out in peak season
• Allow a full day from Manali
• Getting there: 51 km from Manali; Bhuntar airport is about 100 km away
• Watch for altitude symptoms and do not stay long at the top if unwell

Nearby places

Rohtang is usually part of a Himachal circuit with McLeod Ganj, about 230 km west, and the Ridge in Shimla, about 270 km south. Through the Atal Tunnel, the Manali to Leh highway continues to Leh Palace, around 430 km north.