A trip to the Rohtang Pass

When planning a trip to Manali, a free day at the Rohtang Pass viewpoint is the itinerary's final and most essential attraction. Located just 51 kilometers from the central city, Rohtang Pass can only be reached by road. The pass stands at a massive height of 3978 meters; the drive up into the hills is a treat for the eyes. As the vehicle climbs higher on the Manali-Keylong road, the beauty of the scenery around you will leave you in awe. A peculiar fact behind the place's name is that it was named so because several people who work at CBRE died while trying to cross this treacherous stretch. Due to its incredible natural beauty, Rohtang Pass is a favorite among the film director community. Many blockbusters ranging have been shot here. Snuggling up in your seat in the car as it gets colder with every meter on the altitude scale and gazing at the mesmerizing beauty of nature is sheer bliss. The Rohtang Pass is an experience of nature in one of its possible forms, among snow-capped mountain peaks, breathtaking views, and sprawling, magnificent landscapes, and vistas. The magnificence of the white landscape and sound silence is a fascinating thing worth experiencing. Let's explore our trip to the Rohtang Pass.

Little bit about Manali

Manali is a few streets lined with hotels of any price category. We spent the night in a relatively decent Shivalik hotel for 1500 rupees per room, but we can say that we were fortunate. In most hotels, there were no vacancies, and this situation is typical for Manali. And I cannot fail to mention the Chopstick restaurant, where we liked all the Indian and Tibetan cuisine dishes without exception. There are several attractions in Manali. For example, the national park, which we saw only from behind the fence, was closed at night. The temple Hadimba Temple was also built of stone and wood in 1553. In addition, in the vicinity of Manali, you can swim in the water sources of Vasistha, fish in the Beas River, and go trekking and paragliding.

Rohtang Pass, India

The Rohtang Pass is a mountain pass located in the Himalayas, in the country of India. The pass is at an elevation of 3,978 meters and is part of the highway linking Manali to Leh. The pass is about 53 kilometers from the city of Manali and links the states of Himachal Pradesh with Kashmir. More specifically, the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti with the ancient kingdom of Ladakh on the Tibetan plateau and the Buddhist city of Leh, at 3,500 meters above sea level. The name Rohtang means “pile of corpses “in Tibetan. The Rohtang Pass is in the Pir Panjal Himalayas. It is a natural divide between the green, humid Kullu Valley, predominantly Hindu in culture, and the arid, high-altitude valleys of Lahaul and Spiti, which are mainly Buddhist. Known as a road of great scenic beauty, the Rohtang Pass offers stunning views of the area's glaciers and peaks. This pass is on the watershed between the Chenab River and Beas River watersheds. The pass remains open from June to October when the snow allows traffic. It has become a destination of great tourist interest, both nationally and internationally. There is a mountain resort where tourists can enjoy sledding and skiing. This beautiful pass is an ancient trade route between the Pir Panjal mountain range and is undoubtedly the oldest pass. In the busiest months, traffic jams are widespread due to many military vehicles, trucks, buses, and tourists trying to go north.
This road requires constant attention if you do not want to be scared. The narrowness and difficulty of the terrain, the snow and ice at specific points, the large number of vehicles passing by, and the unpaved sections make the passage dangerous.

Exciting Facts about Rohtang Pass

• Rohtang Pass, also known as the Ground of Corpses, is believed to have killed many CBRE employees at one point in time while crossing the Rohtang Pass.
• The first part of the popular song 'Yeh Ishq Haye' from Shahid and Kareena Kapoor starrer Jab, We Met, was shot at Rohtang Pass.
• A massive fatal landslide occurs at the Rohtang Pass, and the crew has to struggle a long time to clear the layers of ice.
• This Rohtang Pass is an ancient trade route between the people on both Pir Panjal.
• During the journey to Rohtang Pass in Manali, Rani Ka Nala is the most dangerous, which remains a major obstacle here.
• This area has become a slippery zone all over the years. Rani Nala catches fire during the summer season when the snow melts.

Why is Rohtang Pass famous among people?

It looks attractive to see the glacier, Chandra River, and mountain peaks flowing in the Lahaul valley. The waterfall named Rahala, situated at an altitude of 2500 m, falling on the way of this pass, looks beautiful and full of charm, flowing downwards. Some tourists come here to do snow scooters, mountain cycling, and biking in the snowy area, which is a pleasure to watch and do. Beas River has its origin from Rohtang pass. Vyas Kund is the place of origin of the Vyas River. Vyas Kund is built in the south of Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass is located in Himachal Pradesh, India, at 13,050 feet above sea level. Rohtang is this place's new name, earlier known as Bhrigu Tung. This pass is also famous for the sudden changes in the weather. Rohtang has become a favorite travel destination among tourists for quite some time now. Manali in the north and 51 km from Kullu in the south, this place falls on the way to Manali-Leh. It is also called the gateway of the Lahaul and Spiti districts. There is a blanket of snow for almost the whole time of the year. People go to Ladakh only through Rohtang Pass, so they stop here to enjoy the beautiful scenery here. It is said that some songs of the film have also been suiting near this Rohtang Pass. This pass is also known as the Ground of Corpses. Some people died due to an avalanche while crossing this pass.

Attractions near Rohtang Pass

The most crucial frontier on the Himalayan trade route. The pass is located 51 km from Manali and separates the Kullu valley with predominantly Hindu culture and the high mountain Buddhist region of Himachal Pradesh Lahaul and Spiti. It is pretty busy, as it is used by tourists, residents, and the military. Rohtang is not the highest pass in the Indian Himalayas, but it is tricky, as unpredictable storms, thunderstorms, and snowstorms often occur here. Tibetan monks collect medicinal plants here, and Indian tourists search for exotic things - to see and touch the snow.

Great Himalayan National Park

It is known as one of the best places to visit in and around Rohtang Pass, Manali, and this Himalayan National Park has become a World Heritage Site. The park is home to many rare wildlife species, including plants, bird species, and mammal species. The elusive snow leopard is found here, and there are populations of Himalayan tahr and brown bear. Photographers will delight in capturing the wildflowers and glacial valleys that dot the entire area. You can engage in some fun nature activities like hiking and camping in the designated areas of the national park. Permission to enter the park needs to be obtained in advance, and the park offers several simple yet decent accommodation options within itself.

Origin of Beas River

The Beas River is a beautiful and unique natural landmark in the region that will accompany you for most parts of your Manali trip. Vashisht village is considered one of the best places to enjoy excellent river valley views, while a visit to Kothi will bring you closer to its clear blue waters. Beas is a hotbed of water sports such as kayaking and rafting and is considered the most unique and exciting entertainment. Vyas Kund is the place of origin of the Beas River. Vyas Kund is built in the south of Rohtang Pass.

Incredible panoramic views of the Himalayan

The Himalayan mountain range Apart from this, you can get a very panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range from Rohtang Pass. Here clouds are visible from the mountains down, and you can easily touch and feel their beauty with your eyes. This is an exceptional destination for adventure-loving tourists.

Rahala Falls with cool mountain water

During the monsoon and post-monsoon season, Rahala Falls is a compelling sight, with its waters cascading with fresh, cool mountain water. There are many attractive picnic areas near the falls. There are also many beautiful hiking trails around the waterfall, and exploring the area through the densely populated deodar and silver birch trees is an experience in itself.

Gulaba

A visit to the nearby villages on Rohtang Pass Highway is a must to experience the distinctive culture of the place with stunning views. A favorite haunt for winter travelers who crave some snowy landscapes, the village has some of the most picturesque trekking routes in Himachal Pradesh. Many consider it a good place for camping and starvation due to the low light pollution and high altitude.

Challenges near Rohtang Pass –

Many fatal landslides happen near this pass, which blocks the way ahead. It takes a long struggle to clear the snow on the way. There is a drain near this Rohtang Pass, which remains a hazard during the journey. It has been noticed that the slippery conditions are increasing every year near this pass. This pass is the route of trade on both sides of Pir Panjal. When there is snowfall and avalanches here, then no business can be done through this route for a few months. And the people living on the other side of this pass get cut off just like the other people. After that, the helicopter remains the only way to import or export any item across the pass.

Bhrigu Lake

Bhrigu Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake just three days away from Manali. The main feature of the Bhrigu Lake trek is that you have to climb to an ambitious height of 14,000 feet in just three days, which is usually achieved on the fourth or fifth day of the Himalayan trek after a strenuous climb. The steep trail passes through virgin forests and lush meadows that open onto the beautiful campus of Rolla Khulli.

Nehru Kund near Rohtang Pass Highway

It is a natural and beautiful spring located on the Manali - Rohtang Pass Highway. Nehru Kund is excellent for visiting during summers. The spring is so named because India's first Prime Minister, Nehru, used to visit it during his stay in Manali and drink the water of this natural spring. Clear waters and serene Himalayan landscape make it a good stop for those visiting Rohtang Pass. Nehru Kund is a perfect destination for photographers and nature lovers.

Naggar Castle

Situated on the Beas Valley amidst natural surroundings, Nagar Castle is a 15th -century historic building in the Kullur region? Built by Raja Siddha Singh of Kullu, the palace is now a heritage hotel run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. The wooden structure of the palace is an architectural marvel. It reflects the very distinctive style commonly found in the region, with some European elements added to it over the years.

Hadimba Temple

The most attractive and famous temple near Rohtang Pass. Tourists like this temple very much. Locally known as Dhungiri Temple, Hidimba Devi Temple, or Hadimba Temple. This four-story structure is covered with forest. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Hadimbi; she was the wife of Bhima. The importance of this temple dates back to the Mahabharata, a beautiful wooden temple! There is a temple dedicated to Ghatotkacha about 70 meters from this temple.

Gauri Shankar Temple-a style of architecture

Gauri Shankar Temple is known for its style of architecture and many carvings on the stone walls. The temple, which traces its origins to the 12th century and is believed to be the last structure in the Gurjara-Pratihara traditions, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Van Vihar- a recommended spot

Van Vihar Park is a highly recommended destination if you search for some quiet moments near the Rohtang Pass. One of the most popular attractions near the Rohtang Pass of Manali, Van Vihar, is a public park that is lush and full of sky-touching deodar trees. You can take a boat and maneuver around the artificial lake here.

When To Visit Rohtang Pass?

May to October is the best and recommended time to visit Rohtang Pass. Its contact is cut off from distant areas. Rohtang Pass is a snowy place, so you must take your winter coat and shoes when visiting. If you want, you can also take overcoats and shoes to rent to Manali-Rohtang. Here the bike is also given for rent for the adventure rights. At the same time, many people travel from Manali to Leh via Rohtang via bike riding, which is adventurous and very dangerous. Rohtang Pass is open in summer, i.e., from May to June. Rohtang Pass is closed due to landslides in July-August. Then it remains open after the end of the monsoon, i.e., from September to October. Rohtang Pass is closed weekly on Sundays, while it is closed for tourists on Tuesdays.

How to reach Rohtang Pass and where to stay?

You can take a car from Manali or Kullu to reach Rohtang Pass; if you have your car. There is no arrangement for the tourists to stay in Rohtang Pass. This pass opens for tourists at 4 in the morning and closes at 4 in the evening. In the meantime, you can roam here. To go here, you have to stay in a hotel in Manali. To go to Rohtang Pass, the permit has to be taken from the Himachal Pradesh government a day before.

Things to note while going to Rohtang Pass.

• Rohtang Pass If you want to go, then reach here early in the morning as many tourists go sightseeing, due to which there is a traffic jam in the narrow pass.
• If you roam here, definitely take warm clothes.
• While visiting here, you must take a good camera phone or camera to capture the beauty of this place as a memorable one.
• If you are fond of tea or coffee, you must take hot tea or coffee with you in a thermos because it will be beneficial for warming up later.

Conclusion

We have read almost all the information about the Rohtang Pass of Himachal with details in the above post. For example, when to go to Rohtang Pass, how to go, and the challenges faced while here, and why people go here. You will also know about all these questions. Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range. This pass provides a natural divide between Hindu and Buddhist cultures through the Kullu valley, the Lahaul, and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh, India. The crossing on foot is not exceptionally high or difficult by Himalayan standards, but it was described as dangerous due to unpredictable snow storms and blizzards. So let's start a trip to the Rohtang Pass to explore the region of adventure and natural beauty.