What is a Rohtang Pass Permit ?
A Rohtang Pass Permit is an official travel authorization required for vehicles and travelers planning to visit or cross the Rohtang Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass near Manali in Himachal Pradesh.
Issued by the Himachal Pradesh government, the permit is mandatory to regulate traffic and reduce environmental impact in this ecologically sensitive zone.
There are different types of permits, including one for tourism (to visit Rohtang Pass and return) and another for transit (to travel beyond Rohtang to destinations like Lahaul, Spiti, or Leh). The permit is typically issued online and involves a nominal fee, vehicle pollution check and adherence to daily traffic quotas to preserve the fragile mountain environment.
Why Is a Rohtang Pass Permit Required ?
Obtaining a Rohtang Pass Entry Permit isn’t just a routine step—it plays a vital role in preserving the delicate Himalayan environment and controlling traffic flow.
With over 25 lakh tourists visiting annually, Rohtang faces significant environmental challenges, including glacier melting and pollution from vehicles.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the District Administration of Kullu have implemented strict Restrictions to limit the number of vehicles, ensuring sustainable tourism and preserving the pristine beauty of this iconic destination.
There are two main types of permits:
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Tourist Permit: For visitors sightseeing at Rohtang Pass and returning to Manali the same day. This permit restricts entry to 800 petrol-powered and 400 diesel-powered vehicles each day.
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Beyond Rohtang Permit: For travelers continuing past Rohtang Pass to destinations like Lahaul, Spiti, or Leh. This permit is less restricted by quotas, making it easier to obtain for those on the Manali to Leh route.
Whether you’re driving a private car, riding a bike or hiring a taxi, understanding the Permit Application process is key to a hassle-free trip.
How to Get a Rohtang Pass Permit: Step-by-Step Guide
Securing an Online Permit is straightforward, thanks to the user-friendly portal managed by the Kullu District Administration. Here’s a step-by-step process to get Rohtang Pass Permit for tourists:
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Visit the Official Website: Head to the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Council’s official portal at rohtangpermits.nic.in. This is the primary platform for obtaining the permit.
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Select Permit Type: Choose between the Tourist Permit or Beyond Rohtang Permit based on your travel plans.
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Enter Vehicle and Driver Details: Provide details such as the vehicle registration number, driver’s license, and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. For bike permit, ensure the bike’s registration is not older than 15 years.
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Choose Travel Date: You can reserve permits up to six days before your travel date. Check the Permit availability to secure your slot, as only 1,200 vehicles (800 petrol, 400 diesel) are allowed daily.
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Pay the Fees: Complete the payment online. You’ll receive an OTP on your registered mobile number to verify the transaction.
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Download and Print the Permit: Once approved, download the Rohtang Travel Permit and carry a printed copy, as it’s mandatory at the Gulaba checkpost.
For offline bookings in Manali, visit either the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Office or the local Tourist Information Center.
The offline process involves submitting documents between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM and collecting the permit between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM the same day. However, on-the-spot permits are rare due to high demand, so planning ahead is crucial.
Documents Required
To apply for a Rohtang Pass Vehicle Permit, you’ll need the following documents:
- Valid driver’s license
- Vehicle registration certificate (not older than 15 years)
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Identification proof (Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID)
- Travel itinerary (optional but helpful for Beyond Rohtang Permits)
For self-drive cars or rental cars, ensure the vehicle papers are in order, as authorities strictly verify documents at the checkpost. If you’re a foreigner, the same rules apply, with no additional requirements beyond the standard documents.
Rohtang Permit Cost and Fees
The Permit Cost varies based on the vehicle type and permit category. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:
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Permit Fee: ₹500 per vehicle (applicable for all vehicles visiting Rohtang Pass for tourism purposes).
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Congestion Charges: ₹50 for cars, ₹100 for SUVs, and no additional congestion fee for bikes.
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Eco-tax for Rohtang Pass: Included in the permit fee to support environmental conservation.
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Green Tax Manali: Paid separately at the entry to Manali, applicable to all vehicles except those registered in Himachal Pradesh.
For example, the cost of Rohtang Pass Permit for bike includes the ₹500 permit fee but excludes congestion charges. The Rohtang Entry Fee is non-refundable, so confirm your travel plans before applying.
Payments are made securely online, and refunds can be requested after two days (T+1) if needed, via the official portal.
Permit for Bikes and Taxis
The Rohtang Permit for bikes follows the same online application process, with no additional congestion charges. Bikers must carry a valid PUC certificate and ensure their bike meets the age criteria.
For those hiring a taxi, the Permit is usually arranged by the driver or the Himachal Taxi Operators Union in Manali. However, confirm with your hotel or taxi provider as local cabs often secure permits in advance.
Permit Validity and Restrictions
The permit is issued for a day and includes a two-way trip. Key Rules to note include:
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Daily Quota: Only 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles are allowed daily, split into two time slots (10:00 AM and 4:00 PM).
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Permit Frequency: A vehicle can obtain up to three permits per week (Tuesday to Monday), with a maximum of two permits per device/IP address.
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Closed Days: Rohtang Pass is closed every Tuesday for maintenance, and no tourist permits are issued. Beyond Rohtang Permits are available on Tuesdays for travel purposes.
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Vehicle Age: Vehicles older than 10 years may face restrictions, and those over 15 years are ineligible.
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Checkpost Timing: Vehicles must cross the Gulaba checkpost before 7:30 AM for Beyond Rohtang Permits to avoid delays.
For those asking, “Is Rohtang Permit required for rental cars ?” the answer is yes. The process for the Permit for self-drive cars from Manali or rental vehicles is identical to private vehicles, provided all documents are valid.
Best Time to Apply for the Permit
The best time to apply for the Permit is six days in advance, especially during the peak tourist season from May to September. Tourism (at Rohtang Pass) peaks in June and July when snow is still abundant, and the pass is fully accessible.
Applying early ensures you secure a slot, as permits sell out quickly during these months. The weather conditions are favorable from late May to early November, making it ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities like snow scootering and mountain biking.
For those planning a visit, note the Rohtang Pass Closing Dates typically span from mid-November to mid-April due to heavy snowfall. Always check the Rohtang Pass Road Conditions on the HP Tourism Website before applying, as weather can impact accessibility.
Alternatives and Travel Tips
If securing a Rohtang Permit feels daunting, consider these alternatives:
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HRTC Buses: The Himachal Road Transport Corporation operates buses from Manali to Rohtang Pass, requiring no permit. Book tickets at the Manali bus stand or online for a budget-friendly option (fare around ₹360).
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Atal Tunnel: The Atal Tunnel, opened in 2020, provides an alternative route to Lahaul and Spiti, bypassing Rohtang for those not sightseeing.
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Solang Valley: If permits are unavailable, visit Solang Valley, just 14 km from Manali, for similar snow experiences without a permit.
Here are some Safety Tips for a smooth journey to Rohtang:
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Start early (around 3:30 AM) to avoid long queues at the Gulaba checkpost, which opens at 6:00 AM.
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Carry warm clothing, as Rohtang Altitude can lead to chilly conditions, even in summer.
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Pack snacks, as only basic food like Maggi is available at the pass.
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Avoid driving your own vehicle unless you’re an experienced driver, as the steep, narrow roads can be challenging.
Environmental Regulations
The Environmental Regulations aim to minimize the ecological impact of tourism on Rohtang Pass. The eco-tax for Rohtang supports conservation efforts, and activities like horse-riding, snow-biking and paragliding are banned to protect the ecosystem.
Travelers are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly travel practices, such as carpooling, using public transport and avoiding littering.
Planning Your Rohtang Adventure
A trip to Rohtang is incomplete without exploring its stunning surroundings. From the snow point to the Rahala Waterfall and Beas Kund, the pass offers endless opportunities for Sightseeing.
Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover, the adventure here promises unforgettable memories.
Conclusion
Securing a Rohtang Permit is your gateway to one of the Himalayas’ most iconic destinations. By following the step-by-step guide, preparing the necessary documents and adhering to Travel Guidelines, you can ensure a seamless and memorable trip.
Embrace the magic of Rohtang, and let Himachal captivate your senses with its unparalleled beauty.
