A Rohtang Pass day trip from Manali is different from a typical sightseeing excursion because it takes you deep into the high-altitude Himalayan landscape. As the road climbs from the green valleys around Manali towards the pass, the scenery gradually changes to rugged mountains, open slopes and, depending on the season, snow-covered terrain. Unlike many nearby attractions, a Rohtang trip requires travellers to consider the permit system, seasonal accessibility and daily vehicle quota before setting out. Once these arrangements are taken care of, the journey itself becomes one of the most memorable mountain drives from Manali, offering dramatic views and a clear sense of how quickly the landscape changes with altitude.

How far is Rohtang Pass from Manali

Rohtang Pass is around 51 km from Manali, making it a practical day excursion when the pass is open to tourists. The road climbs steadily from the green Beas Valley towards a much higher and more rugged mountain environment, eventually reaching an altitude of approximately 3,978 metres. (himachaltourism.gov.in)

Along the way, the route passes several scenic points, including Nehru Kund, Kothi and Rahala Waterfall. Each stop reflects the gradual change in landscape as you move higher—from dense forests and flowing streams around Manali to more open slopes, rocky terrain and alpine scenery closer to Rohtang.

Because the road involves continuous climbing, sharp bends and changing mountain conditions, the journey should be treated as part of the experience rather than simply a transfer to the pass. Weather, traffic and road conditions can also affect the journey, so keeping the schedule flexible is useful.

Road to Rohtang Pass on a Rohtang Pass day trip from Manali

The Rohtang Pass permit: what you need in 2026

The Rohtang Pass permit is an important requirement for tourists travelling from Manali towards Rohtang Pass. The permit system regulates tourist vehicles and helps manage traffic on this busy high-altitude route.

Key permit details for 2026:

Tourism permit fee: ₹550 in total, including a ₹500 permit fee + ₹50 congestion charge.
Daily tourism quota: The commonly cited quota is 1,200 tourist permits per day, including 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles.
Booking portal: Permits should be booked through the official Rohtang Permits Portal: rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in.
Tuesday closure: Rohtang Pass is closed for maintenance every Tuesday, and tourist vehicles are not permitted to travel to the pass on that day.
Vehicle age limit: Vehicles older than 10 years are not eligible for a tourism permit.
Physical permit required: Carry a printed copy of your approved permit at the checkpoint. A digital screenshot on your phone should not be relied upon as a substitute.
Book in advance: Permits are limited and can become unavailable during busy travel periods, especially when tourists are travelling to Rohtang for snow. It is better to arrange your permit before the day of travel.
Carry vehicle documents: Keep the vehicle’s registration documents and other required papers with you during the journey, as they may be checked at the checkpoint.

Permit fees, quotas, closure days and other regulations can change. Always check the official permit portal shortly before your trip for the latest requirements rather than relying only on older travel guides.

If you’re travelling to Sissu or Lahaul instead of Rohtang itself, you don’t need this permit at all — the Atal Tunnel route bypasses Rohtang entirely.

Nehru Kund, Kothi and Rahala Waterfall

The drive from Manali to Rohtang Pass is an experience in itself, and Nehru Kund, Kothi and Rahala Waterfall are three notable stops along the way. Rather than treating them as major destinations, think of them as scenic points that gradually introduce you to the changing landscape as the road climbs higher.

Nehru Kund, around 5 km from Manali, is known for its natural spring and peaceful green surroundings. The spring is traditionally associated with Jawaharlal Nehru, and the stop makes an easy first break after leaving Manali. At this stage of the journey, the landscape is still dominated by forests, greenery and the Beas Valley.

Kothi, roughly 12 km from Manali, marks another change in the scenery. This small mountain settlement is surrounded by steep slopes and dramatic views towards the valley. As you continue beyond Kothi, the road begins to feel more rugged and remote, with the mountains becoming increasingly prominent on both sides.

Further ahead is Rahala Waterfall, about 16 km from Manali. The waterfall is fed by snow and glacial melt, so its volume varies considerably with the season. Surrounded by rocky terrain and forest, it is a popular photo stop and a refreshing place to pause during the climb towards Rohtang.

Together, these three stops make the journey more interesting because they show the gradual transition from Manali’s green valley and forests to the higher, colder and more rugged mountain landscape. The major attraction remains Rohtang Pass itself, but these roadside stops add character to the journey and give travellers a chance to experience the changing scenery along the way.

Rahala Waterfall stop on the way to Rohtang Pass

Reaching Rohtang Pass

At around 3,978 metres above sea level, Rohtang Pass feels dramatically different from the green valleys around Manali. As the road climbs higher, dense forests gradually give way to open mountain slopes, exposed rock and wide alpine landscapes. Depending on the season and recent snowfall, the surroundings can range from thick snow-covered terrain to rocky slopes with patches of alpine grass.

The landscape also changes considerably throughout the tourist season. Early in the season, snow can still cover large sections of the pass, even when Manali below is already green and relatively warm. As summer progresses, the snow gradually melts and reveals more of the rugged mountain terrain beneath it. By the later part of the season, visitors may see a much more exposed and rocky Rohtang landscape.

For many travellers, snow is the biggest attraction, but it is important not to assume that a particular travel date will guarantee snow. Snow conditions depend on the winter snowfall that year, temperatures, weather and how much melting has occurred before your visit.

The real appeal of reaching Rohtang is therefore not just the possibility of snow, but the dramatic change in altitude, landscape and mountain scenery as you leave the forests of Manali behind and reach the high Himalayan terrain.

Which one do you actually want?

Travellers sometimes confuse Rohtang Pass and the Atal Tunnel because both are part of the journey beyond Manali, but they offer very different experiences.

Rohtang Pass is the destination itself. You travel there for the high-altitude landscape, seasonal snow and panoramic mountain views at almost 4,000 metres. Access is seasonal and subject to road conditions, government regulations and the required tourism permit.
Atal Tunnel is a route rather than a sightseeing destination. The 9.02-km tunnel passes through the Pir Panjal range and provides a direct road connection from the Manali side to Lahaul. It allows travellers to continue towards destinations such as Sissu without travelling over Rohtang Pass, and the Rohtang tourism permit is not required simply to use the tunnel.

So, if your main goal is snow, the high mountain pass and the Rohtang experience, plan a Rohtang trip. If you want to explore Sissu, Lahaul Valley and the landscape beyond the tunnel, choose the Atal Tunnel route. For the latter, our Atal Tunnel day trip guide covers the journey in detail.

Best time for a Rohtang Pass day trip

Rohtang Pass is a seasonal destination, and its accessibility depends heavily on snowfall, road clearance, weather and official regulations. The pass generally becomes accessible to tourists after the winter snow has been cleared, while heavy snowfall later in the year can lead to closure.

May–June: A popular period for visiting, with a good chance of finding snow at higher elevations while Manali itself is already green and relatively mild.
July–August: Monsoon conditions can make the journey more unpredictable. Rain, landslides, cloud cover and reduced visibility can affect the mountain road, so check conditions before travelling.
September–October: Generally cooler, with the possibility of clearer mountain views. Snow conditions can vary considerably from year to year.
Late autumn and winter: Heavy snowfall can make the pass inaccessible, and the road may remain closed until authorities consider it safe to reopen.

Rather than relying on a fixed opening or closing date, check the latest road status, weather conditions and permit information before starting your journey. Mountain conditions can change quickly, so keeping your Rohtang day trip flexible is always sensible.

Altitude, weather and what to carry

Rohtang Pass sits at an altitude of almost 4,000 metres, so the environment can feel very different from Manali. The air is colder and thinner, and some visitors may experience headache, dizziness or discomfort after reaching the higher elevation. Take it easy after arriving, stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity if you are not feeling well.

Even when Manali has pleasant weather, Rohtang can be cold, windy and snowy. Pack accordingly:

Warm jacket or insulated layer for low temperatures
Gloves and a warm cap for protection from cold winds
Sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright sunlight and snow glare
Sunscreen, as UV exposure can be stronger at high altitude
Comfortable shoes with good grip for snow, rocks and uneven surfaces
Water and light snacks for the journey
Extra layers, as temperatures can change quickly at higher elevations

Most importantly, don’t treat Rohtang as just another sightseeing stop. The combination of high altitude, unpredictable weather and mountain-road conditions means the journey should be planned with some flexibility.

A simple day plan

Manali → Nehru Kund → Kothi → Rahala Waterfall → Rohtang Pass → return to Manali

Don’t overload the lower stops. If snow is your priority, spend more time at the pass itself and treat Nehru Kund, Kothi and Rahala as short breaks on the way. If you’re travelling with family, build in rest stops and keep the pace comfortable. If you’re chasing photographs, allow flexibility, since visibility at altitude can change fast.

According to Himachal Pradesh Tourism, Rohtang Pass has long served as a gateway toward the Lahaul and Spiti regions during the summer months, and access is deliberately regulated to manage both traffic and the pass’s fragile alpine environment. Once you’re through the permit process, you can browse curated Himachal tour itineraries if you’d like Manali, Rohtang and the rest of a Himachal trip planned and booked for you.

If Rohtang doesn’t fit your dates or the permit quota runs out, a Kullu day trip from Manali makes a good permit-free alternative that still gets you out of town for the day.