Gulaba

What it is

The meadow where the Rohtang road climbs out of the forest: open slopes, the first real view back down the valley, a checkpost, and a line of stalls hiring snowsuits and sledges. In season it is the first stop on the way to the pass; in winter, when the pass is shut and the road is cleared only this far, it is the snow day itself. The trek to Bhrigu Lake leaves from here.

Getting there

About 19 km and roughly 35 min from the bus stand, up the Rohtang road past Kothi. The tunnel road branches off below at Palchan, so Gulaba is on the pass road only. Taxis run it as a half day in winter and as the first stop of the Rohtang day in season; there is no bus.

When to go

December to March for snow on the meadow, when the pass is shut and this is where the plough stops. May to November as the gateway to the pass, and the place to turn round if you have no permit. Early either way — the meadow is empty at eight and a car park by eleven.

The checkpost

Permits for the pass are checked here; cars without one turn round. The tunnel to Sissu needs no permit and branches off lower down, which is the answer for anyone who arrives without one. Snowsuits, boots and sledges are hired at the roadside by the day; the price moves with the crowd.

Around it

Kothi and its gorge are on the road below; Marhi and the pass are above in season. The Bhrigu Lake trek climbs from the meadow to the ridge. Our treks page has the route; the Solang meadow is on the other road for the rest of the day.

Plans that include this

All 7 plans that stop here →

2 nights · 3 days · PhotographersClassic

Manali for photographers — three days of light

Three days of Manali's best light: the cedar grove at dawn and Old Manali at dusk, the pass road early for the widest valley, the tunnel to Lahaul's thin sky.

Best Jan · Mar–Jun · Sep–Dec

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2 nights · 3 days · Slow travelAutumn

Manali in November — three days between autumn and the first snow

Three days in Manali in November: the quiet town in low clear light, the pass in its last open days or the tunnel to a wintry Sissu, the last colour at Naggar.

Best Nov

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2 nights · 3 days · FriendsAdventure

Manali with friends — three days of paragliding, waterfalls and the snow line

A three-day Manali plan for a group: paragliding off the Solang ridge at dawn, the Jogini falls and hot springs on foot, then the Rohtang road to the snow line.

Best Mar–Jun · Sep–Nov

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3 nights · 4 days · First visitAutumn

Manali in October — four days in the clearest month

Four days in Manali's clearest month: the cedar grove and hot springs, Rohtang Pass before it closes, Solang and the shrine walk, the orchards of Naggar.

Best Oct–Nov

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3 nights · 4 days · First visitClassic

Four days in Manali — the valley, the pass and the meadow

A four-day Manali itinerary: the temples on foot, a full day up to Rohtang Pass with the permit sorted, a slow day at Naggar Castle, then waterfall walks.

Best May–Jun · Sep–Oct

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3 nights · 4 days · TrekkersWalks & treks

Bhrigu Lake from Manali — a four-day trek plan

A four-day Manali trip built round the Bhrigu Lake trek: a climb to Jogini Falls first, two days from Gulaba to the lake at 4,235 m and back, then the grove.

Best Jun · Sep–Oct

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