Rohtang Pass (3,978m) on the Manali-Leh Highway is typically open from mid-May to mid-October depending on snowfall. The Himachal Pradesh government issues daily permits for vehicles to cross Rohtang — maximum 1,200 vehicles per day. Permits must be booked online at himachalrohtang.nic.in at least a day in advance. Diesel vehicles are banned beyond Gulaba during the day. In June-July, queues at the permit barrier start at 4 AM. EZPZ Taxi arranges Rohtang Pass day trips from Manali — call +91-9871121217.
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Rohtang Pass (3,978m) — the gateway from Kullu Valley to Lahaul-Spiti — is seasonal and permit-controlled. Here's everything you need to know:
Opening & Closing Dates (Approximate)
| Period | Status |
|---|---|
| May (usually mid-May) | ✅ Opens — exact date varies by snowmelt |
| June–September | ✅ Open — peak tourist season |
| October (usually mid-Oct) | ❌ Closes for winter |
| November–April | ❌ Closed under heavy snow |
The exact opening/closing date changes every year — check hptdc.in or Manali district administration updates before planning.
Permit — Mandatory for All Vehicles
A Rohtang Pass permit is compulsory — no vehicle can enter without it.
- Booking: Online at rohtangpermits.nic.in — book 1–2 days in advance
- Fee: ₹550 per vehicle (non-BSVI) or ₹250 (BSVI/BS6 compliant)
- Daily quota: Limited number of vehicles per day — book early in peak season
- Timing: Vehicles must cross before 2 PM — this is enforced strictly
Day Trip from Manali to Rohtang
Rohtang is 51 km from Manali — allow 2–2.5 hours each way (slow mountain road). A full day trip: depart Manali 6–7 AM → Rohtang by 9–10 AM → explore → descend by 12 PM → back in Manali by 2–3 PM.
Beyond Rohtang — Lahaul & Spiti
If continuing beyond Rohtang to Lahaul-Spiti, you don't need the tourist permit — that's only for the pass area itself. The Atal Tunnel (9.02 km, world's longest above 10,000 feet) now provides an all-year alternative route to Lahaul, bypassing Rohtang.
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