Rohtang Pass and Snow Point

Rohtang Pass Opening dates (2013) : May 1st (expected)

Rohtang Pass is now open for public transport bus service. It is expected to be open for tourists by May 15.
Tourists can enjoy snow activities at Snowpoint.
Rohtang Pass Highway status.

Manali - Rohtang Pass Route

Manali to Rohtang Route (distance: 51 KMs) :
Manali - Nehru kund - Kothi- Gulaba- Marhi - Raninalla- Rohtang Pass
When Rohtang Pass is open, stretch between Kothi and Rohtang is closed to tourists every Tuesdays. Vehicles with Non Himachal Pradesh registration are not allowed beyond Marhi unless you have obtained special permission from SDM office at Manali

Snow Point

Snow Point is not any particular location, rather, it is just a stretch of snow on the way to Rohtang La identified by local vendors to set up their stalls. In peak winters, Snow point is at a location very close to Manali.

As the summer progresses, location of snow point moves higher and higher till it reaches Rani Nullah and then further towards the Rohtang Pass. Enthusiasm of tourists converts snow point into some sort of a snow theme park. Tourists and honeymooners can indulge in various snow activities like Amateur skiing, yak rides, snow scotters and snow mobiles and of course throwing snow balls at one another.

Attractions enroute Manali to Rohtang La

• Nehru Kund: A natural spring, 5 Kms from Manali town.
• Kothi: River Beas runs through a narrow gorge setting up an attractive landscapes with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Gulaba: At around 20 Kms from Manali, Gulaba is Scenic spot covered in snow and usually termed "Snow Point"
• Rahla Falls: Attractive waterfall
• Marhi:Pit stop for breakfast (Maggi Noodles) and to hire snow equipments

Tips from the expert

• Rohtang Pass attracts around 25 Lakh visitors a year but is devoid of any basic amenities.
• Visit Rohtang Pass when BRO announces opening of Rohtang Pass. It looks pristine as it is devoid of trash that is commonly as we move into late May.
• If Rohtang Pass is open, do visit the pass for its views even if you had your fill of snow play at snow point. Many tour operators only include snow point and avoid Rohtang Pass. Check if Rohtang Pass is open, ensure your tour operator does not skip that in the schedule.
• If you are driving down to Manali in your own car which bears non Himachal registration, you need special permission to drive down to Rohtang Pass.
• If you have your own vehicle, ask the driver to take you to Koksar, an hours drive beyond Rohtang Pass. You can have your lunch at Dabhas in Koksar. If you are visiting Manali during July - October, the chances are that snow would have melted away. However, it is the best time for scenic drives beyond Rohtang Pass.
• The best drive would be the iconic Manali - Leh ride on a motor bike. At the minimum, drive onwards from Rohtang Pass to Gondhla to visit an ancient castle that looks straight out of a fairy tale.
• Once the tunnel under construction is open to tourists by end 2015, Rohtang Pass will be bypassed completly

Recommended Manali Tour Plan

Day One
Manali local attractions
Day Two
Rohtang Pass / Snow Point
Day Three
Solang Valley for adventure sports
Day Four
Naggar, Manikaran and proceed for onward journey.