Rohtang Pass Permit Guide (2026)

Why Rohtang Pass is Manali's Crown Jewel

Situated at a staggering altitude of 3,978 meters (13,050 feet), Rohtang Pass is the holy grail of tourism in Kullu Manali. Located 51 kilometers away from the main town, it serves as the natural divide between the humid, lush green Kullu Valley and the arid, high-altitude desert of the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys.

For most Indian tourists, Rohtang is synonymous with snow. It is one of the few places in the country where tourists can interact with massive snowbanks even in the middle of summer (May and June). However, the massive influx of diesel vehicles over the past decade severely threatened the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, causing the glaciers to melt at an alarming rate. This led to strict intervention by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

1. Permit Availability & NGT Vehicle Quotas

To protect the glaciers, the NGT has capped the number of vehicles that can travel to Rohtang Pass every single day. Understanding this quota is critical before you plan your trip.

The Daily Cap

Currently, exactly 1,200 vehicles are allowed to cross the Gulaba barrier toward Rohtang Pass daily. This quota is strictly divided into:

• 800 Petrol Vehicles
• 400 Diesel Vehicles

This quota includes all private cars, rental cabs, and local taxis. Heavy fines are levied on vehicles attempting to bypass the check posts, and all permits are validated via digital scanners at the Gulaba barrier.

What happens when the quota is full? You cannot visit Rohtang Pass in your planned vehicle. You either need to reschedule your permit for a future date, or hire a local Manali taxi that already possesses a commercial Rohtang permit for that specific day. You can check the remaining permit availability in real-time on the official website before applying.

2. Rohtang Pass Permit Fees & Charges

The cost for a Rohtang Pass permit is fixed by the state government and is uniformly applicable to both private and commercial vehicles:

• Congestion Charge: ₹500 per vehicle
• Information Fee: ₹50 per vehicle
• Total Permit Cost: ₹550 per vehicle

Note: Two-wheelers (bikes) are currently exempt from the congestion charge but must still apply for a permit and pay the ₹50 information fee depending on current local administrative orders. Always verify the current fee structure on the official portal.

3. Documents Required for the Permit

You must upload specific documents when applying online and carry the original/printed copies during the journey to show at the Gulaba check-post:

• Valid ID Proof: Voter ID, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Driving License of the person applying.
• Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC): Showing whether the vehicle is petrol or diesel.
• Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: Must be valid on the date of travel.
• Vehicle Age Limit: As per NGT rules, petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years are strictly not allowed to go to Rohtang Pass.

4. Complete Online Permit Application Process

If you are driving your own private vehicle, you must apply for the permit online via the official portal: rohtangpermits.nic.in. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and can only be applied for the next 6 days.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Visit the official portal at exactly 10:00 AM (for the first half of the quota, i.e., 400 Petrol / 200 Diesel) or 4:00 PM (for the remaining 400 Petrol / 200 Diesel).
2. Select "Tourism Permit" and enter your travel date.
3. Enter your vehicle details (Registration number, chassis number, etc.) exactly as they appear on your RC.
4. Upload your ID proof and PUC certificate if prompted.
5. Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the ₹550 fee.
6. Once successful, download the PDF and print it out. You will need a physical copy at the Gulaba barrier.

5. Permit Verification and Reprint

If you lose your printed permit or the payment was deducted but the page crashed, do not panic. You can go to the official portal and click on "Check/Print Permit". By entering your vehicle number and mobile number, you can instantly verify your permit's status and reprint it for your journey.

6. Rohtang Pass Opening & Closure Rules

Seasonal Opening: Rohtang Pass is entirely dependent on weather conditions. It typically opens for tourists in mid-May after the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) clears the winter snow. It officially closes for the season in mid-November when heavy snowfall begins.

The Tuesday Closure Rule (Verified)

Rohtang Pass is strictly closed for tourists every Tuesday. This is officially mandated to allow the BRO to conduct critical road maintenance, clear landslides, and repair the harsh alpine tarmac without tourist traffic getting in the way. Do not schedule your Rohtang visit on a Tuesday, and do not fall for scammers claiming they can get you a "special Tuesday pass."

7. Best Time to Visit Rohtang Pass

The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience:

May to June (Summer Snow): This is the peak tourist season. The pass has just opened, and you will find walls of snow (up to 15 feet high) on either side of the road. It is perfect for snow activities, but expect heavy traffic jams and permits selling out instantly.

September to October (Clear Skies): Post-monsoon, the sky is exceptionally clear, offering panoramic views of the Lahaul Valley and surrounding peaks. While the snow is less, the driving conditions are much safer and less crowded.

8. Rohtang Pass vs Gulaba vs Solang Valley

9. Places En Route: Kothi, Gulaba, and Marhi

The 51-kilometer journey to Rohtang is as breathtaking as the destination itself. You will pass through several distinct ecological zones, from dense pine forests to completely barren alpine tundra.

Kothi Village

Located about 15 km from Manali, Kothi is a quiet, picturesque village offering stunning views of the deep gorge carved by the Beas River. Many Bollywood movies have been shot here due to its dramatic landscape.

Gulaba

Gulaba is the official check-post where your Rohtang permits are scanned. During early winter or late spring, when Rohtang Pass is closed due to heavy snow, Gulaba acts as the alternative "Snow Point" for tourists.

Marhi

Situated 35 km from Manali, Marhi is a barren landscape entirely devoid of trees. It serves as the primary pitstop for food and acclimatization before the final ascent to Rohtang. You can grab a hot bowl of Maggi and tea here while getting used to the thinning oxygen levels.

10. Transport Options to Rohtang Pass

Tourists have a few options for reaching Rohtang:

Private Vehicle: You can drive your own car, provided you successfully secure the online permit. However, driving on these steep, hairpin bends requires immense high-altitude driving experience.

Permitted Local Taxi: This is the most popular and safest choice. You can hire a local Manali taxi (Alto, Dzire, Innova) whose driver already arranges the permit. It saves you from the stress of online portals and ensures a safe drive. Prices range from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 depending on the vehicle and season.

11. Complete Travel Checklist & Renting Snow Clothes

No matter how hot it is in Delhi or Chandigarh, the temperature at Rohtang Pass is almost always near freezing, accompanied by violent, icy winds. Regular winter jackets are absolutely useless against this extreme weather.

You must rent a heavy-duty snow suit and waterproof snow boots. Hundreds of rental shops line the highway from Manali to Kothi. A complete set (Full-body suit + Boots + Gloves) typically costs between ₹250 to ₹400 per person. Do not try to walk on the Rohtang glacier in regular sneakers; you will suffer from frostbite and slip dangerously on the hard ice.

Essential Packing List:

• Original ID Proof and Permit Printout
• Polarized Sunglasses (Snow blindness is real and dangerous!)
• High SPF Sunscreen and Lip Balm
• Basic medicines (for motion sickness and headache/AMS)
• Sufficient drinking water and dry snacks/chocolates
• Power bank (cold weather drains batteries extremely fast)

12. Safety & High-Altitude Travel Tips

At 13,050 feet, the oxygen level is noticeably lower. To prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), stay hydrated, avoid running or heavy exertion upon reaching the top, and do not consume alcohol before the trip. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, immediately inform your driver to descend to a lower altitude like Marhi. Walk carefully on the snow, as melted snow refreezes into slippery "black ice."

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

14. Explore More of Kullu Manali

• Kullu-Manali Tourist Places Main Hub
• Top Hotels & Resorts in Manali
• Kullu-Manali Adventure & Trekking Guide
• How to Reach Manali from Delhi
• How to Reach Manali from Chandigarh