Rohtang at a glance
The pass divides the green Kullu valley from the dry, high-altitude Lahaul valley. The name is usually explained as 'pile of corpses', a reminder of how many travellers died crossing it in bad weather before there was a proper road. Today the road is good, but the weather still decides everything.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | About 3,980 m (13,060 ft) |
| Distance from Manali | 51 km by road, usually 2.5–3 hours each way with traffic and checks |
| Season | Usually open from about May to November, depending on snow clearance |
| Vehicle permit | Needed for every vehicle; ₹500 for cars and MUVs, plus a ₹50 congestion charge |
| Daily limit | About 1,200 vehicles: 800 petrol and 400 diesel |
| Closed | Through the winter, from the first heavy snow until clearance in spring |
How the Rohtang permit works
Every vehicle going up to Rohtang needs a permit from the Kullu district administration's online portal. The permit is issued against the vehicle's registration number, so your taxi operator applies for it, not you. According to the official portal, permits are released in two batches each day, at 10:00 and 16:00, can be booked up to two days ahead, and are valid for a single day.
The same portal sets a few conditions that catch people out: a vehicle can get at most three permits a week (counted Tuesday to Monday), the vehicle must be no more than 10 years old and have a valid pollution certificate, and the printed permit must be carried. In peak season the daily quota can be gone within minutes of release, which is why no honest operator guarantees Rohtang before the permit is issued. Our separate page on the Rohtang permit for taxis explains how we handle bookings.
- Permit fee: ₹500 per car or MUV (official portal).
- Congestion charge: ₹50 for cars, ₹100 for buses, collected at Gulaba.
- Limit: 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles a day.
- Validity: one day, for the trip up and back.
When Rohtang is open, and the best time to go
The pass normally reopens to tourists between mid-May and early June, once the Border Roads Organisation has cut through the winter snow. Those first few weeks are the most dramatic, with snow walls several metres high on either side of the road. June is the busiest month, with Indian school holidays and the heat on the plains sending crowds up.
July and August bring monsoon cloud, landslides lower down and days when the road is shut. September and October are clear, cold and quieter, though most of the snow has gone by then except near the top. The pass usually closes for tourists in November, or earlier if heavy snow arrives. Dates change every year, so check the official portal for the current status before you plan around it.
There's also a maintenance day when no permits are issued; the portal lists which day of the week it is. At the time of writing it showed none, but this has varied over the years.
Rohtang weather
At almost 4,000 m, Rohtang is far colder than Manali, which sits nearly 2,000 m lower. As a rough rule, temperatures fall by about 6°C for every 1,000 m you climb, so a pleasant 25°C afternoon in Manali in June can mean single digits at the pass, colder in wind. Nights and early mornings near the top can be below freezing even in summer.
Weather at the pass also changes fast. Clear mornings often cloud over by early afternoon, with wind, sleet or fresh snow possible in any month. In the monsoon, from July to August, cloud and rain are common and the road can close for landslides. September and October bring the most stable, clear days. Check the forecast for Rohtang specifically, not for Manali, the evening before you go.
What you'll see on the way up
The road climbs out of Manali past Palchan, the turn for Solang valley, then through Kothi and the long series of hairpins to Gulaba, where permits are checked. Above Gulaba you pass Marhi, a cluster of tea stalls and dhabas that's the usual breakfast stop, before the final climb to the top.
At the pass itself you'll find the source area of the Beas, a small Buddhist shrine, snow on the slopes for much of the season and wide views over the Chandra valley on the Lahaul side. Snow scooters, horse rides and photo stalls operate near the top in season; prices are set locally and change from year to year.
Rohtang, Atal Tunnel or Solang: which to choose
If you can't get a permit, or you're visiting in winter, you still have two good options. Solang valley, 14 km from Manali, has snow from about December to March, plus a ropeway and adventure sports. The Atal Tunnel's south portal is about 25 km from Manali, and the Lahaul side at Sissu is usually snowy for much of the winter. Neither needs a Rohtang permit.
For many families the best plan is Solang and the Atal Tunnel on one day, and Rohtang on another only if a permit comes through. See our Solang valley guide and Atal Tunnel guide for the details.
Tips for a good Rohtang day
Leave Manali early, ideally by 6 or 7 am. Traffic builds quickly, and the weather near the top is clearest in the morning. Rent snow suits and boots in Manali or at the stalls on the way up if you plan to play in the snow, and check them for fit before you pay.
At almost 4,000 m the air is thin. Walk slowly, drink water, and don't run around in the snow straight after getting out of the car. Anyone with heart or lung problems, young children and older travellers should limit their time at the top. If someone gets a bad headache, nausea or dizziness, go back down: that's the only reliable cure for altitude sickness.
Carry sunglasses and sunscreen, because the glare off the snow burns quickly even on cloudy days. Keep warm layers in the car, cash for the stalls, and some snacks. Mobile signal is patchy near the top.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Rohtang Pass from Manali?+
About 51 km by road. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours each way in season, because of traffic, the permit check at Gulaba and the climb.
What is the height of Rohtang Pass?+
About 3,980 m, or roughly 13,060 ft, above sea level.
Is Rohtang Pass open now?+
It's usually open from about May to November and closed through the winter. Opening and closing dates depend on snow, so check the official permit portal for the current status.
How much is the Rohtang permit fee?+
The official portal lists ₹500 per car or MUV, plus a congestion charge of ₹50 for cars collected at Gulaba. The taxi operator applies, and the fee is added to your fare.
Can I visit Rohtang in December?+
Normally no, because the pass is closed by snow. In winter, Solang valley and the Atal Tunnel to Sissu are the usual snow trips from Manali.
Is there snow at Rohtang in June?+
Usually yes. In late May and June there's often a lot of snow near the top, sometimes in high walls beside the road. By September most of it has melted.
Do I need a permit for Rohtang if I'm going through the Atal Tunnel?+
No. The Atal Tunnel bypasses Rohtang, and no Rohtang permit is needed to use it.
What is the weather like at Rohtang Pass?+
Much colder than Manali: often single digits in summer afternoons and below freezing at night, with fast changes. Mornings are usually clearest.
