Everyone who visits Manali wants to touch snow, and everyone has heard of Rohtang Pass. But the pass has permits, quotas and a long, winding climb, and it isn't always the easiest day out. Gulaba is the answer many travellers don't know about — a broad meadow on the Manali–Rohtang road that turns into a snow field in winter and a green, flower-strewn pasture in summer, all without the paperwork.
Where Gulaba is
Gulaba sits on the road up to Rohtang, roughly 20–25 kilometres beyond Manali and around 2,900 metres above sea level. Crucially, it lies below the point where the Rohtang permit rules kick in, so you can usually reach it without the online permit that the pass itself demands. The setting is lovely: open grassland framed by pine-dark ridges, with the Beas River threading the valley far below.
Snow in winter, meadows in summer
From about November to February, Gulaba is reliably under snow — and when Rohtang closes for the season, this becomes the go-to spot near Manali for a first taste of the white stuff, with sledging and simple snow play. Come summer, the snow melts back to reveal wide meadows dotted with wildflowers and grazing horses, making it a peaceful place for a short walk and a picnic. Spring and autumn bring crisp air and long views.
Getting there from Naggar
From Naggar, first drive up to Manali (about an hour to ninety minutes), then continue on the Rohtang road towards Gulaba. Hiring a taxi for the day is the most comfortable way to do it, especially in winter when a driver who knows the road — and carries chains if needed — makes all the difference. Local operators in Manali also run shared trips towards the snow line.
Practical tips
- Best time: December–February for guaranteed snow; May–October for green meadows and easy walking.
- Permits: Gulaba generally sits below the Rohtang permit zone, but rules change with the season and traffic — check the current position in Manali before you set off.
- Clothing: In winter, hire or bring waterproof boots and a warm jacket; the temperature drops sharply with altitude.
- Altitude: Take it slow if you've come up quickly from the plains, and don't overdo it in the thin, cold air.
Because Gulaba is so close to Manali, it slots neatly into a bigger day up the valley — pair it with Solang or an Old Manali café afternoon. And if you'd rather escape the Manali bustle at night, Ghar in the Hills in Naggar gives you a calm, orchard-side base an easy drive down the valley.
Chasing your first snow — or a quiet mountain meadow? Gulaba delivers both, minus the crowds and the permit queues. Stay at Ghar in the Hills and let Naggar be your relaxed launchpad for the high road to Rohtang.