Popular for its scenic beauty and situated on the highway to
Keylong/ Leh at an altitude of 3,979 meters (13,054ft) and at a distance of
approx 52 kms from Manali, Rohtang Pass, which joins the Kullu Valley with
Lahaul and Spiti, serves as the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti valleys in the
state of Himachal Pradesh and holds strategic significance for India. Rohtang
Pass, like the Zojila Pass, also serves as the gateway to Ladakh. This pass,
which lies on the watershed between the water basins of the Beas River and
Chenab River in the Pir Panjal Mountain Range of the Himalayas, was named
Rohtang having its meaning the ‘ground of corpses’, because of the number of
the people, who died trying to cross it.
With the majestic mountains at its splendor and altitude,
Rohtang, which has snow even in the month of June, is called the only hill
resort in India. At the top of the pass, you can feel the air to glitter
against the snow. Rohtang Pass, which offers charming views of peaks, glaciers,
Chandra River and Lahaul Valley, overlooks the twin peaks of Geypan too, and
also plays its role as a natural divider between the humid Kullu Valley with
the predominant Hindu culture and the arid & highly located Lahaul and
Spiti Valleys with predominantly Buddhist. This pass figures high on the
itineraries of tourists exploring Manali, Kullu, Leh and nearby regions. Delays
are inevitable for being the road remained jam-packed.
Rahala waterfall, which is situated on the route to Rohtang
Pass at a distance of 16 kms from Manali, flows down from a height of 2,500
meters and looks surprisingly charming. Because of the slippery road and narrow
curves, the drive to Rohtang Pass becomes quite tough, so tourists must take a
bus or hire a local cab.
Activities at Rohtang
Pass
Here, tourists can take the enjoyment of several thrilling
activities such as mountain biking, Para Gliding, skiing, trekking, snow-sledge
rides, snow-scooter driving, pony riding, etc. ‘Snow-ball fights’ is enjoyed by
a large number of kids as well as the grown ups. Sledges and ski-sets can be
availed on rent.
Bollywood Connect: The shooting of the first part of
the renowned song ‘Yeh Ishq Haaye’ from the romantic film ‘Jab We Met’ was made
at Rohtang Pass.
Best Time to Visit
Rohtang Pass
The best time to visit Rohtang Pass is from May/June to
October/November. This pass, which becomes a hotspot for adventure enthusiasts
during the month of May, is open between June and October for motor vehicles,
but remains closed in winters for being snowbound during the rest of the year.
Nevertheless, trekkers do proceed to the Pass even before the opening of it to
the traffic of vehicles.
