Rohtang Pass Guide: Permit, Fee, Timings & Best Time
Permit, fee, open months, stops on the way and what to carry for Rohtang Pass.
What is Rohtang Pass?
Rohtang Pass is a high mountain road about 52 km from Manali. The top is at 3,978 m (13,050 ft). On one side is the green Kullu valley, and on the other side is the Lahaul valley. In summer, this is the best place near Manali to see and play in thick snow.
But you cannot go on any day you like. The road is open only for a few months. It is closed on Tuesday, and every car needs a permit. This Rohtang Pass guide tells you everything you need to know before you go.
Important things to know before you go
- Leave very early. Start from Manali as early as you can, by 5 am if possible. After that, long traffic jams start on the road.
- Permit first. Every car needs a Rohtang permit of ₹500. Book it on rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in. No permit, no entry after Gulaba.
- Closed on Tuesday. Plan your Rohtang day on any other day of the week.
- Open from end of April to October. April to June is the peak season, with the most snow and the most crowd.
- Carry warm clothes. Bring a warm jacket and gloves, even in May or June. It is very cold at the top.
- Forgot them? Rent them. Shops on the way give jackets, snow suits and boots on rent, so you do not need to buy anything.
When is Rohtang Pass open?
Every spring, the snow is cleared from the road. Rohtang Pass opens for tourists at the end of April and stays open till October. April to June is the peak season. You get the most snow then, and also the most crowd.
End of April to June · peak season
This is the busiest time. There are high walls of snow on both sides of the road. Book your permit early and leave Manali very early.
July to September
Most of the snow melts and the hills turn green. Rain can block the road, so keep one extra day in your plan.
October
The sky is clear and the views are great, but it is very cold. There is not much snow. After October, the road closes for winter.
Opening dates can change a little every year because of snow. In winter, you can see snow at Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel or Sissu. For the weather in each month, read our guide on the best time to visit Manali.
Rohtang Pass permit: how to get it
Only a fixed number of cars can go up each day. This keeps the place clean and stops too much traffic. So every car needs a permit, even for a short visit.
Book online
Book the permit on the official Himachal government website: rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in. Do not use any other site.
Book one or two days before
You can book only for the next two days. From April to June the permits finish fast, so book quickly.
Pay and print
Pay online and print the permit. The staff at the check post ask to see the paper copy.
Or let your driver do it
Most people ask their taxi driver or tour company to book it. They do this every day and know the rules.
| Vehicle | Road charge (extra) | Permit fee |
|---|---|---|
| Car or jeep | + ₹50 | ₹500 |
| Big car (Innova, Ertiga etc.) | + ₹50 | ₹500 |
| Bus or big vehicle | + ₹100 | ₹500 |
The Rohtang permit fee is ₹500 per car, not per person. A small road charge is added for every car that crosses the Gulaba bridge. Both are good for one day, going and coming back.
Things you need for the permit
- 🪪 ID proof
- 🚗 Car RC (car not older than 10 years)
- 🌿 Pollution paper (PUC)
- 🏨 Your hotel address in Manali
Driving your own car? A private car can get a Rohtang permit only once in a season. Only a few private cars get it each day. Ask your hotel about it as soon as you reach Manali.
Manali to Rohtang Pass: stops on the way
In 52 km, the road goes up almost 2,000 metres. Each stop is higher and colder than the one before.
- 2,050 m
- ~2,500 m
- ~2,850 m
- ~3,300 m
- 3,978 m
Heights and distances are rough. On busy days the drive up can take 3 to 4 hours.
How a Rohtang day usually goes
It is a full day out. The earlier you leave, the less traffic you meet. Weather at the top also turns cloudy and windy after lunch.
Leave the hotel as early as you can. Pack breakfast or eat at Marhi on the way.
Stop at Kothi. If you did not bring warm clothes, rent jackets, snow suits and boots here.
Show your permit at the Gulaba check post and keep driving up.
Reach the top. Play in the snow, take photos and enjoy the views.
Start coming back before the clouds and the traffic come.
Reach Manali. A hot water bath at Vashisht feels great after the cold.
Things to do at Rohtang Pass
Play in the snow
Make a snowman, throw snowballs or just sit on the soft snow. Kids love this part most.
Sledge and skiing
From April to June, local people give sledges and skis on rent, with a guide, for short rides on easy slopes.
Pony and yak photos
Sit on a pony or a yak for a photo. Fix the price before you sit.
See the peaks
On a clear day you can see snow peaks all around, and the Lahaul valley on the other side.
Beas Rishi temple
The Beas river starts near the top. A small temple here is made for Rishi Vyas.
Tea at Marhi
On the way back, stop at Marhi for hot tea, Maggi and pakoras with a mountain view.
Rohtang Pass vs Atal Tunnel
Many people get confused between these two. Atal Tunnel goes under the mountain. The Rohtang Pass road goes over the top. Both take you to the Lahaul side, but they are very different trips.
| Rohtang Pass | Atal Tunnel | |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Yes, ₹500 per car | No permit for tourists |
| Open | End of April to October | Most of the year |
| Tuesday | Closed | Open |
| Height | About 3,978 m | About 3,000 m |
| Snow | April–June, lots | Dec–March |
| Time | Full day | Half day with Sissu |
Coming between November and early April, or did not get a permit? Then go to Atal Tunnel and Sissu instead. Read more in our list of the best places to visit in Manali.
Rohtang Pass trip cost and what to carry
What the day costs
- Permit for one car ₹500 + ₹50
- Local Manali taxi for the day ₹4,500–7,500
- Jacket, snow suit and boots on rent, per person ₹300–500
- Sledge, ski or pony ride Ask first
- Tea and snacks at Marhi ₹100–300
These prices are only a rough idea. They change with the season and the size of the car. Many taxi fares include the permit, so ask before you pay.
What to carry
- A warm jacket, cap and gloves, even in June. Forgot them? You can rent jackets and boots on the way.
- Sunglasses and sun cream, because the snow is very bright
- Water and some dry snacks or chocolates
- Your permit printout and ID
- A spare pair of socks, because feet get wet in snow
- A bag for your waste, so you can keep the place clean
Feeling unwell at the top? There is less oxygen at the top. If someone gets a headache, feels dizzy or finds it hard to breathe, come down at once. They will feel better soon. Drink water through the day, and do not run around too much at the top.
Adding Rohtang Pass to your Manali trip
Rohtang is not part of our fixed tour plans, because only a few permits are given each day. If you travel between the end of April and October, we try to get a permit for you and change your Atal Tunnel day to Rohtang. The permit and the local taxi cost extra.
See our Manali tour package for a short trip, or the 5 Nights 6 Days Shimla Manali Tour if you want Shimla too. For other fun ideas, read things to do in Manali.
Rohtang Pass: your questions answered
Is Rohtang Pass open today?
Rohtang Pass is usually open from the end of April to October, on every day except Tuesday. New snow or rain can close it for a day, so ask your driver the evening before.
How much is the Rohtang Pass permit fee?
The Rohtang Pass permit fee is ₹500 for a car or jeep. A small road charge of ₹50 is added to it (₹100 for buses). The permit is good for one day, going and coming back.
How do I book the Rohtang Pass permit?
Book it online on the official Himachal government website, rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in. You can book only for the next two days, and only a fixed number of cars get it each day. Most people ask their taxi driver or tour company to book it.
Is there snow at Rohtang Pass in June?
Yes, in most years there is still plenty of snow at Rohtang Pass from the end of April to June, often with high walls of snow next to the road. By July most of the snow melts and the hills turn green.
Do I need a Rohtang permit for Atal Tunnel?
No, a normal tourist trip to Atal Tunnel and Sissu does not need the Rohtang Pass permit. The tunnel goes under the mountain and is open in most months.
Is Rohtang Pass safe for kids and older people?
Yes, most families go without any problem. The top is very high, so there is less oxygen and it is cold. Stay only an hour or two, drink water, and come down if someone gets a headache or feels dizzy. People with heart or breathing problems should ask their doctor first.
Can I go to Rohtang Pass in my own car?
Yes, if your car has a permit. The car should not be more than 10 years old and needs a valid pollution paper (PUC). Driving on snow and ice is hard, so many people take a local Manali taxi with a driver who knows the road.
Want Rohtang in your Manali trip?
Tell us your dates. We will check the season, plan your days and help with the Rohtang permit and a local taxi.