Rohtang Pass

Rohtang crosses the Pir Panjal at 3,978 metres and was for centuries the way from the Kullu valley into Lahaul, Spiti and beyond toward Ladakh, a route difficult enough that its name is usually translated as a reference to those who died attempting it. It is open roughly from late May or June to October and holds snow at the top well into summer, which is the main reason day visitors come up from Manali. Traffic and pollution led to court-imposed limits on vehicle numbers and a permit system. The Atal Tunnel, opened in 2020 beneath the pass, now carries through traffic to Lahaul year-round.

What you actually see

• The pass summit - snow at the top well into the summer months.
• The Lahaul side - the barer, drier valley falling away north.
• The Atal Tunnel - the 9.02 km tunnel beneath the pass carrying through traffic.
• The Beas source - Beas Kund lies below the pass on the Kullu side.

When to go

June to October, when the pass is open; dates vary each year with snow clearance. Permits are limited daily and must be obtained in advance online. Weather closes the pass at short notice.

Honest expectations

Daily vehicle permits are capped and sell out; going without one is not possible. Snow activity operators at the top are aggressive and overpriced. Altitude affects visitors coming up quickly from Manali. Through traffic now uses the tunnel, so the pass is mainly a day excursion.

Nearby

Manali lies south; Lahaul and Keylong are north.