Overview
Manali to Rohtang Pass is about 51 km up the old Leh road, usually 2½ to 3 hours each way once you allow for traffic and the permit check at Gulaba, 23 km from Manali. The pass sits at about 3,978 m and is one of the highest points most visitors to Himachal ever reach: snowfields for much of the season, and wide views over the Kullu and Lahaul valleys. Because daily vehicle numbers are capped and every vehicle needs an online permit, this is a trip that needs planning a day ahead. We arrange a local Manali taxi with a valid permit, and the driver waits while you spend time at the top.
Usual route: Old Leh road via Kothi, the Gulaba check post and Marhi
Included
- Fuel and driver allowance
- Tolls and state entry taxes
- Pickup anywhere in Manali
- Short refreshment stops
Not included
- ×Parking at sightseeing stops
- ×Detours beyond the agreed route (quoted upfront)
- ×Night allowance on trips that need one (quoted upfront)
The climb from Manali to Rohtang Pass
How high you go, and the stops along the way. Useful if anyone in your group gets motion sick or feels the altitude.
Start
2,050 m
Manali
Total climb
+1,928 m
over ~51 km
Finish
3,978 m
Rohtang Pass
- Manali
- Kothi
- Gulaba check post
- Marhi
- Rahala falls
- Rohtang Pass top
- Rohtang Pass
Illustrative profile. Start, finish altitudes are approximate; stops are shown in order, not to scale.
Manali to Rohtang Pass taxi fare and cab rates
Starting prices for a one-way trip (~51 km), per vehicle, with fuel, driver, tolls and HP entry tax included. Your exact price is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before you book; it can vary with dates, vehicle model and extra stops. All Himachal taxi fares
₹5,750
starting · one way
₹7,250
starting · one way
₹8,000
starting · one way
₹13,000
starting · one way
Your quote
Manali → Rohtang Pass
Sedan · one way · ~51 km
- FuelIncluded
- Driver & driver allowanceIncluded
- Highway tollsIncluded
- Himachal state entry taxIncluded
- Pickup anywhere in ManaliIncluded
Total you pay
starting price
₹5,750
Only ever extra: parking at sightseeing stops you choose (paid at cost), and detours you add on the day (quoted before you go).
Driving tips for this route
- 1Permits release online the day before, in two time slots; we apply for your date as soon as you confirm.
- 2Leave Manali by 5–6 am. The queue at Gulaba builds quickly, and weather at the top is usually best in the morning.
- 3Carry the printed permit: officials at Gulaba check paper copies, not phone screenshots.
- 4Above Marhi the road is narrow, with snow walls early in the season; expect stop-start traffic.
- 5Build in a buffer: if the pass is closed by weather on the day, the permit fee can't always be recovered, and we'll suggest Solang or Sissu instead.
Worthwhile stops on the way
Manali
Pickup
Kothi
Village at the foot of the climb, with a gorge view of the Beas.
Gulaba check post
About 23 km from Manali; permits are checked here.
Marhi
Dhaba halt about two-thirds of the way up; tea, maggi and snow-gear hire.
Rahala falls
Waterfall beside the road on the lower part of the climb.
Rohtang Pass top
Snowfields and views into Lahaul; time at the top depends on weather and crowds.
Rohtang Pass
Drop at your hotel
Rohtang permits explained
Every tourist vehicle going beyond the Gulaba check post needs a permit from the official portal, rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in. The standard tourist permit costs ₹500 plus a ₹50 congestion charge, and the total number of permits per day is limited, reported at about 1,200. Private cars use a separate, smaller quota. Permits are issued per vehicle, not per passenger.
Slots usually open the day before travel, in the morning and afternoon, and popular dates go quickly in May, June and October. When you book with us, we apply with the taxi's details as soon as your date is confirmed and include the permit cost in your written quote.
- Book at least a day ahead; same-day permits are rarely available.
- Bring ID for every traveller.
- If permits are sold out, Sissu via the Atal Tunnel is the usual alternative.
What to wear and expect at the top
Even in June it can be near freezing at the pass, with strong wind and wet snow. Warm layers, gloves, waterproof shoes and sunglasses make a big difference; snow suits and boots can be hired at Marhi and in Manali. The air is thin at nearly 4,000 m, so move slowly, drink water, and come down if anyone feels dizzy or develops a headache.
There are no proper restaurants at the top, only seasonal stalls, so carry water and snacks. Plan to spend one to two hours there; the drive back down is usually quicker than the climb.
Rohtang, Solang or Sissu?
Rohtang gives the highest snow and the biggest views, but it needs a permit and a very early start. Solang Valley, about 14 km from Manali, is easier for a half day of snow play or paragliding. Sissu, just beyond the Atal Tunnel, has a waterfall and snow for much of the year without the Rohtang permit queue. If you're unsure, tell us your dates and we'll suggest the best option for the conditions.
Weather & road conditions
When to go to Rohtang Pass
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January: Snow likely, roads can close | February: Snow likely, roads can close | March: Snow likely, roads can close | April: Snow likely, roads can close | May: Best time | June: Best time | July: Fine, check weather | August: Fine, check weather | September: Best time | October: Best time | November: Snow likely, roads can close | December: Snow likely, roads can close |
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
Pickup options
- • Manali hotels (Mall Road, Old Manali, Vashisht, Aleo, Prini)
- • Manali bus stand and taxi stand
Other ways to travel
There's no regular public transport to the top for tourists. If permits are sold out, Sissu via the Atal Tunnel or Solang Valley are the usual snow alternatives from Manali.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Manali to Rohtang Pass cab cost?+
Starting one-way fares are Sedan ₹5,750, SUV ₹7,250, Toyota Innova Crysta ₹8,000, Tempo Traveller ₹13,000, all-inclusive with fuel, driver, tolls and Himachal entry tax. Your exact taxi price is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before you book.
How far is Rohtang Pass from Manali?+
About 51 km, usually 2½ to 3 hours each way with traffic and the Gulaba check (approximate; verification pending).
Do I need a permit for Rohtang?+
The vehicle needs an online permit from rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in. We apply for it with the taxi's details and include the fee in your quote.
Can I take my own car or a Delhi taxi to Rohtang?+
Private cars use a small separate quota, and Rohtang trips are run by local Manali taxis. We book a local Manali operator for you.
When is Rohtang open?+
Usually from mid-May to around late October, depending on snow clearance and weather.
Is Rohtang closed on Tuesdays?+
Sources disagree. We check the official portal and local notices for your date before booking.
Is Rohtang safe for children and elderly travellers?+
Generally yes for short visits, but the altitude is close to 4,000 m. Keep the stay short, dress warmly, and come down if anyone feels unwell.
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