Himachal
Places to Visit
ROHTANG PASS:
A ROAD TO HEAVEN
If you are in Manali then you must not skip visiting Rohtang Pass via Atal tunnel. Manali to Rohtang Pass via Atal Tunnel and back is perhaps one of the most beautiful experiences you can cherish for a long time to come. With mighty mountains and gushing waterfalls for company, you ride on a long winding road to nature’s heaven aka Rohtang Pass. And of course, you also get to go inside the Atal tunnel, an engineering marvel that connects the Kullu valley with Lahaul & Spiti. Here is all about Rohtang Pass, Atal tunnel and everything else in between and beyond to help you plan your road trip.
Where is Rohtang Pass located?
Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass located at an altitude of 3980 meters (13,058 feet) in the Pir Panjal range of mountains. Rohtang Pass is situated 55 kilometres from Manali and connects Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti. Though not as high as other Himalayan mountain passes but Rohtang Pass was one of the most dangerous routes and is known for sudden snowstorms and blizzards.
What is the history of Rohtang Pass?
In the past when there were no roads, it was a traders’ route. Rohtang Pass literally means ‘pile of dead bodies.’ Numerous people had died while crossing this pass, mostly from Lahaul Spiti side to Kullu. Hence this name. Hamta Pass, the other mountain pass that also connects these two valleys, was also used by the traders and locals but it was less frequented due to its location.
Rohtang Pass not only connected two separate valleys but also two distinct cultures. People in the ancient days believed that the world beyond Rohtang Pass was not habitable. Even the old name of Kullu was Kulantpith or ‘the end of the habitable world.’ It was believed that one can’t live or survive beyond Rohtang Pass. According to Penelope Chetwode, a British writer and traveller, “Anyone who has stood at the top of the Rohtang Pass, the boundary between Kullu and Lahaul, will understand this.”
Why is Rohtang Pass popular?
Because the most majestic views of the nature, you could ever imagine, are to be witnessed here. The snowfall is but magical here. It can snow here even in summer. The mist in monsoon is mysteriously spellbinding. The view from the top on a clear day is amazing to say the least with lush green Kullu valley on the one side and the cold and dry but beautiful Lahaul on the other. The nature is at its complete glory here. Also, the Beas Kund, the place of origin of Beas river is at the Rohtang Top only.
What is the best time to visit Rohtang Pass?
September, October and till mid-November. These three months are ideal because of the comparatively low traffic. Also, the probability of witnessing snowfall gets higher especially in October and November. We won’t recommend July and August because of the high incidents of landslides and floods. You can also visit in May and June but at that time especially in June there is a great rush of tourists and traffic on this road can be a hassle. Also, you may not get the permit to visit Rohtang as easily.
Is there a permit required to visit Rohtang Pass?
Yes. The local administration has put a cap on the number of vehicles that can visit the Rohtang Pass following orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Only 60 petrol vehicles and 40 diesel vehicles are allowed to go to Rohtang Pass daily. You can get the permit online by paying a fee of Rs 500 plus congestion charges of Rs 50 for cars and jeeps. You need to have valid identity proof, valid pollution check certificate while applying online. Only those vehicles are eligible whose age is not more than 10 years. The permit is valid for one day only. You can apply here for the permit.
When is Rohtang Pass closed for traffic?
Rohtang Pass is closed for traffic every year towards the end of November when heavy snowfall makes it dangerous to travel on this road. The road is opened for traffic around mid-April or after that depending on the snow condition. The Rohtang road also remains closed on each Tuesday of the week for road repair work.
How do I reach Rohtang Pass from Manali?
Rohtang Pass is situated 55 kms from Manali. There are two ways to reach Rohtang Pass from Manali. First you reach Palchan village. From Palchan, you can either take the Palchan-Kothi-Gulaba route or the Palchan-Solang valley-Atal tunnel-Khoksar route. Both routes are scenic and offer amazing views of the high mountains.
How cold is it up at the Rohtang Top?
It mostly remains windy at the Rohtang Top and the temperature here can drop suddenly even during summer months.
Which are the main places on way to Rohtang Pass via Atal tunnel and back to Manali?
These are the main places:
*Palchan: A beautiful small place from where you get the first true views of the Himalayan mountains in all their splendour.
*Solang Valley: Another beautiful but more popular place and known for winter sports and paragliding.
*Atal Tunnel
*Kunth Bihali: The first station on the other side of the Atal tunnel. Located at the footstep of a rocky mountain and on the bank of Chandra river, Kunth Bihali is known for rafting and camping.
*Khoksar: One of the oldest villages that served as a halting point for travellers and traders, who would cross the Rohtang Pass. This place remains mostly buries in snow during winters.
*Gramphu: It is at Gramphu that the road to Spiti valley and Rohtang Pass separates.
*Marhi: Marhi is the first village as you come down the Rohtang Pass from the other side. There are shops and food stalls here. Khoksar and Marhi were and are still the two most popular places on both sides of the Rohtang Pass.
*Gulaba: Another beautiful village known for its trek starting points.
*Kothi: A small village that gives one of the most beautiful views of the mountains and of the Beas river.
Why is Atal tunnel famous?
Atal tunnel has a length of 9.02 kms which makes it the longest tunnel in the world at a height of above 3,048 meters (10,000 feet). Located at an altitude of 3100 meters (10171 feet), this tunnel has cut the travel time to reach Lahaul and Spiti substantially besides eliminating various dangers like avalanche and landslides faced on the Rohtang Pass road. An engineering marble, it was a challenge to excavate the tunnel especially in winters as the whole area gets covered in snow.
How is the road condition after Atal tunnel? Is it unsafe to drive here?
The road condition up to Rohtang Pass is good as it is maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). However, it seems that the road on the other side from Kothi to Rohtang Pass is not maintained properly as this route has lost its relevance after the opening of the Atal tunnel.
