Manali is the gateway to Rohtang pass beyond which lie the twin valley
of Lahaul and Spiti. In winter the mountain slopes are snow clad and
they turn into perfect skiing slopes. This point is one of the main
attraction for tourists coming to Manali. The Rohtang pass is 51 KM
north of Manali and it is located on Manali Keylong Highway at an
altitude of 4111 meters ( 13,400 ft ). This pass opens for tourist from
April end to October end of the year. The permission to travel on this
highway is given by Indian army after they clear the snow and inspect
the road for it’s fitness and safety for movement of person and the
vehicles. The same road connects to Leh Ladakh ( State of Jammu &
Kashmir ) from Manali ( state of Himachal Pradesh). Sonepani Glacier and
a small lake (Dashahr) are located opposite and left to Rohtang
respectively.
On the way to Rohtang pass one can find many food stalls serving variety
of foods. You can get a cold drink as shopkeepers keep then in running
water to maintain the temperature as there is no need of a refrigerator
here. One can relish the food by sitting inside the low running water of
the river Beas.
The other hamlets around Manali also have houses embellished with wood
carving. The Rohalla falls are on the way to Rohtang pass from Manali
and are worth visiting. On the way to Rohtang at Beas Nallah one has to
cross the river Beas.
This place is as famous as Rohtang pass. Fully covered with snow, all
kind of water sports are available. Whenever Rohtang pass is closed due
to bad weather conditions, tourist are allowed to visit upto this place.
The place is surrounded by lush green meadows.
The main attraction for tourist at Rohtang pass is snow and the scenic
beauty of the area. The road is very narrow near the Rohtang pass and
the parking of vehicles is very difficult and one has to be very alert
while parking the vehicles because slight distraction may be hazardous.
Hence it is advisable to come here very early in the morning and stay
upto afternoon and starts returning once the traffic gets clear. But if
you start late to visit here then you may have to walk a bit or take
help of horse to reach the peak point.
Walking here is not a big problem
but not advisable for elderly persons or small kids. It can be a 15 to
30 minutes walk depending on the traffic to reach the snow point from
the parking area. The safest and the easiest way to reach the snow point
is by horse ride but it is a bit costly ride, but elderly and the small
children can comfortably use this service. The horse man charges around
Indian Rupees 400 per trip ( both ways ) per horse. Tourists plan their
trip in early hours to reach Rohtang very early to avoid traffic and
reach at the snow point, at the same time it is equally difficult to
return as all vehicles way down as to be clear the road. So going early
mean returning late from there. Some time this may not be a good options
for families with kids to stay long time in cold conditions. So other
option is to start late and take the help of horses ( or walk ) to reach
the top. (VIEW FLICKR ALBUM)
