Rohtang Pass is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, India. Situated at an altitude of 13,050 feet (3,978 meters), it offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and valleys. Located on the Manali-Leh Highway, the pass is a gateway to the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and Spiti Valley. However, access to Rohtang Pass is only allowed with a special permit since it’s strategically located and poses some environmental issues. A Rohtang Pass permit is an important document for any visitor to this breathtaking destination. In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the permit, the process involved, and why you need it for your adventure.
What is Rohtang Pass Permit?
A Rohtang Pass permit is a government-issued pass allowing access to the tourist Rohtang Pass region. Its location at high altitudes, as well as the vulnerable nature of the surroundings, calls for a strict regulated entry into the region; this controlled number of entries per day through the pass shall limit vehicle flow and preserve the environmental integrity without overpopulation.
The permit is required for both domestic tourists and foreign tourists who want to view the Rohtang Pass. It is issued from HPTDC or local administration by Manali. Since one permit is valid for just a day, it brings fewer vehicles to the area thus eliminating overcrowding by people going to view the pass.
Is Rohtang Pass Permit Important?
The Rohtang Pass permit system was initiated to conserve the fragile environment of the region. Rohtang Pass is at a high altitude and is rich in diverse flora and fauna, many of which are rare and endangered. Increased tourism may lead to pollution, degradation of natural resources, and damage to the ecosystem. The limited number of permits ensures that tourism remains sustainable and minimizes the environmental impact.
The pass also falls on the road to Leh and other high-altitude regions; thus, regulating the flow of vehicles ensures safety for the tourists as well as the local population. The terrain can be dangerous, and the uncertain weather conditions can be more fatal; thus, limiting the number of vehicles helps the authorities regulate the situation better, especially during the peak seasons.
How to Obtain Rohtang Pass Permit?
It’s fairly easy to get the permit from Rohtang Pass, and you can get it through online or offline channels based on your choice.
Online Application:
The applicants may refer to the official website of HPTDC for availing the Rohtang Pass permits. The website offers user-friendly interface where you need to input the details such as number, names of passengers and traveling dates. Once a submitted application, it is usually approved within a few hours. Once approved, you will receive the permit digitally. You can carry it on your phone or print it out.
Application Offline
If you want to apply in the office, you can. The offices are at HPTDC Manali or wherever other authorities are available to whom you have to go; the procedure is more or less the same as for submitting an online application. First, you will have to sit in the office, fill out that form, and then submit the prescribed documents. It will, therefore, take some more hours, so you need to apply early in the day.
Documents Required for Rohtang Pass Permit
While applying for the Rohtang Pass permit, you need to provide some basic documents. These are generally:
Valid ID Proof: Government issued ID like an Aadhar card, passport, voter ID, or driver’s license.
Vehicle Details: If you are driving your vehicle, then you have to provide the vehicle number and type whether it is private or rented.
Passenger Details: Names of all passengers traveling in the vehicle.
Contact Information: Your contact details such as phone number and email address.
For foreign nationals, things are a bit different, additional documents such as a valid passport and visa might be necessary.
When to Apply for Rohtang Pass Permit?
The ideal time to submit for a Rohtang Pass permit is during the peak tourist season. This generally happens from May to November as snow would clear off from the road and it becomes possible for vehicular movement on that road. However, given the restricted availability of permits, it would be prudent to submit at the earliest in view of peak summer and autumn seasons when demand is highest.
For those visiting during winter months, that is December to February, the road to Rohtang Pass is usually closed due to heavy snowfall and very harsh weather conditions. Hence, the permit is issued only in other months.
Fee for Rohtang Pass Permit
Rohtang Pass permit requires a nominal fee as well, the amount varying according to the vehicle type. The permit for private vehicles costs approximately between INR 500 to INR 700. The charge for commercial vehicles is relatively higher. This fee is used to maintain the infrastructure, preserve the environment, and ensure the smooth running of the tourism process. The permit is non-refundable. So, it is important to check the weather conditions and confirm your travel plans before applying for the permit.
Timing and Validity of Rohtang Pass Permit
The Rohtang Pass permit is valid for a single day, and the entry to the pass is allowed between 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM. The pass is strictly enforced, meaning you must enter the pass within the allotted time. After 3:00 PM, vehicles are not permitted to enter the pass due to safety concerns and the onset of evening weather conditions.
If you miss the time window, you will not be allowed to access the pass and might need to apply for the permit again for another day. It’s important to plan your trip carefully to make sure you arrive at the pass on time.
What to Do If You Don’t Get the Permit?
Since permits are scarce, you may find that you cannot get a permit for your preferred date of travel. In such a case, it is advisable to try again the following day or seek alternative routes. You can also talk to local tour operators since they may have access to permits for commercial vehicles, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Or you can visit other similar destinations such as Solang Valley or lower regions of the Rohtang Pass; it might not be too hard to get into those as well.