Rohtang Pass

What it is

The pass over the ridge that separates the Kullu valley from Lahaul — 3,978 m, on the old road to Leh, and for most of a century the only way north from Manali. It is high, bare and often in cloud, with snow at the roadside well into summer, and from the top you look down into a colder, drier country. Since the Atal Tunnel opened the pass is no longer necessary for getting anywhere; it is a day out for the height.

Getting there

The road north out of Manali climbs past Solang turn-off, Kothi and Gulaba, then through Marhi to the top: 49 km and about an hour and a half on a clear road, considerably more in season. Every vehicle needs a permit — one per car, issued online by the district administration, capped per day. Taxi operators generally hold their own; a self-drive car needs yours in hand before the checkpost above Gulaba.

When to go

The pass is open roughly May to November and shut by snow the rest of the year. June and September to October are the clearest months; July and August bring cloud and slides on the road. Leave by six: the permit queue and the hairpins are the reasons the trip takes a day, and the light is on the far side in the morning.

On the way

Gulaba is where the road leaves the forest and the checkpost sits; Marhi is the last hamlet, where the dhabas are, and the place to eat on the way back. The Bhrigu Lake trek starts from Gulaba. Our treks page has the routes from this road.

What it costs

Nothing at the pass. The permit fee is set by the district administration and paid on the portal; taxi rates for the Rohtang day are quoted by the taxi union in Manali and change by season, so ask at the stand the evening before. Warm clothes are rented at the roadside above Kothi by the day — you do not need them in June.

Plans that include this

All 4 plans that stop here →

2 nights · 3 days · First visitPeak season

Manali in May and June — three days when everything is open

Three days in Manali's fullest weeks, each started before the crowd: Solang at dawn and the Jogini walk, Rohtang Pass newly open, the shaded town after.

Best May–Jun

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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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4 nights · 5 days · First visitClassic

Five days in Manali — the whole valley, first time, pass included

A five-day first-visit Manali plan in season: the town on foot, the tunnel to Sissu, Rohtang at six, Naggar and Jana Falls, then Solang and the springs.

Best May–Jun · Sep–Oct

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