For generations, Rohtang Pass was the hard mountain gateway between the green Kullu valley and the stark high desert of Lahaul. Today it is one of the most popular day trips from the Manali area — a place to touch snow in summer, gaze across Himalayan ranges and feel the air thin out at nearly 4,000 metres. From Naggar, it makes a long but unforgettable day out.
Where it is
Rohtang Pass sits at 3,979 m (about 13,050 ft) on the Manali–Leh highway, roughly 51 km from Manali. Add the short hop down the valley from Naggar and you're looking at an early start, but the drive itself — up through Kothi, past the Rahala Falls and a series of dramatic hairpins — is half the experience.
Permits: what you need to know
To protect the fragile alpine environment, vehicles crossing to Rohtang need a permit. The permit costs around ₹500 per vehicle plus a congestion charge (about ₹50 for cars and ₹100 for SUVs); bikes are generally exempt. Permits are issued through the Himachal Pradesh tourism online portal or the SDM office in Manali, and daily numbers are capped — so apply a day or two ahead.
Two things catch visitors out: the pass is closed to tourist vehicles on Tuesdays for maintenance, and it is only open seasonally.
Best time to visit
Rohtang is usually open from June to October, once the snow-clearing teams have cut through the winter drifts. Early summer is when you'll find the biggest snow walls beside the road; by autumn the snow recedes but the views are at their clearest. In winter the pass is firmly shut.
Tips for a smooth trip
- Leave very early — hundreds of cabs head up each morning and the narrow road jams quickly.
- Carry your ID and permit; checkpoints will ask for both.
- It's cold and the air is thin even in summer — bring a warm jacket and take it slow if you feel breathless.
- Hire warm clothing and snow boots in Manali if you don't own them.
- Consider stopping at Gulaba or Marhi if Rohtang itself is closed or crowded.
Because it's a long day, a relaxed base in the valley helps. Ghar in the Hills in Naggar is a comfortable homestay to set out from at dawn and return to in the evening, with quiet valley views to unwind after the high-altitude excitement.
Plan your mountain day
Rohtang Pass is raw, high and genuinely thrilling — just go prepared, sort your permit early, and avoid Tuesdays. Make Naggar your base and book your stay for an easy start to a big day in the mountains.