Rohtang Pass Current Status and Weather Report: What Tourists Should Know
As of, , Rohtang Pass is firmly closed for all vehicles, including private cars, bikes and HRTC buses.
The Rohtang closure extends to related routes like those leading to Chandratal and Baralacha Pass, with traffic updates from the traffic police emphasizing no exceptions for tourists.
While the skies over Manali have partially cleared after three days of relentless snow, the pass itself is inaccessible beyond the 35-km mark from Manali.
For real-time insights, the snowfall update shows accumulations of 15-30 cm snow in surrounding areas like Sissu and Koksar, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland—but one that’s off-limits for now.
How to Check Rohtang Status Online
Staying informed is key to Himachal travel, especially during the volatile winter season. Here’s a quick guide:
-
Official Permit Portal: Visit rohtangpermits.nic.in for daily availability and closure alerts. It lists permits issued and fuel-type quotas, which drop to zero during closures.
-
BRO Updates: Follow the Border Roads Organisation’s social media or website for snow clearance progress.
-
HP Tourism App/Site: The Himachal Tourism portal offers weather advisories and road status for Manali and beyond.
-
Local Sources: Tune into traffic police advisories via the Manali’s SDM office helpline (1902-254100) or apps like Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) for bus route changes.
Pro tip: Set up notifications for “Rohtang Pass traffic update” searches to catch reopenings early—the pass often bounces back within 2-3 days post-clearance.
When Will Rohtang Pass Reopen After Snowfall ?
Predicting exact timelines is tricky with mountain weather, but based on patterns, the Pass could reopen after snowfall by October 12-15, 2025, once BRO completes snow clearance.
Last year’s post-snow reopenings took about 48 hours, but heavier accumulations like this might extend it.
Monitor for alerts, as the pass typically stays operational until mid-November before the official winter shutdown.
In the meantime, the closure’s impact on Manali Leh travel is significant, delaying adventure tours and stranding bikers on the iconic highway.
Alternatives to Rohtang Pass During Snow
A closed Rohtang Pass doesn’t spell doom for your trip—Himachal road closures are par for the course in winter, and smart travelers have backups.
The star alternative ? The Atal Tunnel route. This 9.02-km engineering marvel, bored through the Rohtang range, shaves 46 km off the Manali-Leh journey and remains open year-round, unaffected by surface snowfall.
Rohtang Pass vs Atal Tunnel: A Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Rohtang Pass | Atal Tunnel Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Scenic Appeal | Dramatic hairpins, glacial views | Tunnel views + Lahaul Valley access |
| Accessibility | Seasonal (May–Nov), prone to closure | All-weather, open 24/7 |
| Travel Time | 2–3 hours from Manali (when open) | 15–20 mins through tunnel |
| Adventure Factor | High (twisty roads, snow thrills) | Moderate (focus on speed & safety) |
| Best For | Photographers, off-road enthusiasts | Families, Leh-bound travelers |
Opt for the Atal Tunnel route if you’re heading to Lahaul Spiti or Leh—it’s a seamless bypass that still delivers stunning vistas of the Chandra River and snow-dusted peaks. Other options include:
-
Solang Valley and Gulaba: Just 14 km from Manali, perfect for cable car rides and light snow play without the pass’s risks.
-
Manali Snowfall Spots: Indulge in snow activities closer to town, like sledding at Kothi or picnics amid fresh Manali snowfall.
-
Chandratal Lake Detour: Via the Atal Tunnel, access this high-altitude gem for serene camping (weather permitting).
The Atal Tunnel alternative not only saves time but also reduces avalanche risk, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
Best Time to Visit Rohtang Pass Before Closure and Travel Guidelines
To avoid future headaches, the best time to visit Rohtang Pass is May to early October, when the pass opens post-winter thaw and weather is balmy (10-20°C).
Early mornings beat the crowds and afternoon clouds, offering prime photography spots. But with climate shifts, even September can tease early flurries—plan flexibly.
Travel Guidelines and Tips
Before any trip, secure your vehicle permit (Rohtang Pass permit, online apply via the portal—Rs 500-550 for cars). Here’s what tourists need:
-
Essentials: Warm layers, sunglasses for glare, motion sickness meds for the drive and hydration to combat altitude sickness.
-
Safety First: Drive daylight hours only; no 4x4 mandate, but chains help on slippery roads. Follow tourist safety protocols from traffic police.
-
Winter Travel Himachal Advisory: Carry ID, emergency contacts, and avoid solo treks. Check weather forecast daily.
-
Eco-Friendly Note: Stick to marked paths to preserve this fragile ecosystem—Lahaul Valley’s biodiversity thrives on responsible tourism.
For Manali adventure tours, bundle in snow activities or cultural stops in Old Manali to round out your days.
Why Is Rohtang Pass Closed ?
October is typically a shoulder season for Rohtang, with milder weather allowing for day trips from Manali and thrilling activities like paragliding at Solang Valley or photography spots near Gulaba.
But this year, an active Western Disturbance has ushered in the winter season ahead of schedule. Fresh snowfall blanketed the pass starting , with heavy flurries reported across higher reaches, including Marhi and the Lahaul Valley.
By , snowfall had intensified at Rohtang Pass, leading to immediate road blockage and the suspension of all vehicular traffic beyond Marhi.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), responsible for maintaining this vital stretch of the Manali-Leh highway, issued swift directives for closure to ensure tourist safety amid slippery roads, black ice, and avalanche risks.
This isn’t just a minor hiccup—the Leh Manali highway closed entirely, stranding vehicles at points like Darcha and halting progress toward Keylong and beyond.
Local reports from the SDM office Manali and traffic police confirm that the pass remains shut as of , with snow clearance operations underway by BRO but challenged by ongoing flurries.
For farmers in Lahaul-Spiti, this means delayed access to markets, while for tourists, it’s a stark reminder of how snowfall affects road conditions leading to the pass.
The weather forecast for the coming days predicts continued chill, with temperatures dipping to near-freezing at the pass (around 0°C) and light snow possible until mid-week. This early snowfall in 2025 marks a deviation from recent years; last season’s first flakes didn’t arrive until late November, allowing extended access.
If you’re asking, “Why is Rohtang Pass closed for traffic ?”, it’s purely precautionary—protecting against altitude sickness, sudden avalanches and hazardous driving on the Manali Rohtang Pass route.
Latest Updates
As Himachal winter travel advisory evolves, keep an eye on tourism restrictions Himachal-wide. The current closure due to heavy snowfall in October 2025 has boosted interest in indoor escapes like Manali’s cafes or spa retreats, but the real magic awaits the thaw.
This closure underscores the raw beauty of mountain pass closures India—unpredictable, yet profoundly rewarding.
