Is Rohtang Pass Open Right Now? Latest 2026 Update

Is Rohtang Pass open right now? That’s the first question most travelers ask before planning a trip from Manali toward Rohtang, Lahaul, or Spiti Valley.

The answer depends on snowfall, road clearance by the BRO, weather conditions, and daily permit availability.

In this guide, you’ll find the latest information about Rohtang Pass opening dates, road status, permits, weather, and practical travel tips for 2026.

Table of Contents

Understanding Rohtang Pass: A Quick Overview

Rohtang Pass sits at 3,978 metres (13,051 feet) on the Pir Panjal range, connecting the Kullu Valley with Lahaul and Spiti.

It’s roughly 51 kilometres from Manali and has historically been the only road lifeline for the people of Lahaul-Spiti during the non-winter months.

For tourists, it offers something rare: serious Himalayan snow and altitude, accessible without a mountaineering background or a specialized expedition vehicle.

You can drive up from Manali in the morning and be standing in knee-deep snow by noon — in June.

When Does Rohtang Pass Typically Open?

The BRO (Border Roads Organisation) spends weeks clearing the route after winter, and the opening date shifts every year based on how much snow fell and how fast it clears.

Typical opening window: Late May to mid-June

In heavy snowfall years, the pass has stayed shut until mid-June. In lighter years, it has opened as early as the second week of May. There is no fixed calendar date — the mountain decides, and the BRO follows.

For the confirmed opening date for your travel year, check directly with the BRO Manali unit or the Himachal Pradesh Tourism website. Don’t rely on travel blogs, including this one, for the specific date of the current season.

When Does Rohtang Pass Close?

Snow returns to Rohtang by October, and the pass typically closes for regular traffic sometime between mid-October and mid-November.

Typical closing window: Mid-October to mid-November

After closure, the Atal Tunnel (inaugurated October 2020) keeps Manali connected to Lahaul-Spiti year-round. But the tunnel is infrastructure, not an experience — more on that below.

The Atal Tunnel: Does It Replace Rohtang Pass?

Not for tourists, no.

The Atal Tunnel runs 9.02 kilometres from Manali’s Solang Valley side to Sissu in the Lahaul Valley, at an elevation of 3,000 metres.

It was a genuine transformation for local residents and cargo transport — communities that were snow-locked for five months a year suddenly had year-round connectivity.

For a tourist, the tunnel gets you to Spiti efficiently. What it doesn’t give you is the pass itself: the hairpin bends rising above the treeline, the sudden appearance of a snowfield in the middle of summer, the wind that hits you when you step out at the summit and reminds you that you are, in fact, quite high up.

If you’re visiting specifically for the snow experience, the pass is still the destination.

Rohtang Pass Permit: What You Must Know

Here’s where many trips unravel. You cannot drive to Rohtang Pass without a permit. The National Green Tribunal mandated a permit system to control traffic and reduce pollution in what is a genuinely fragile ecosystem.

Who needs one: Every tourist vehicle — private car, taxi, or two-wheeler — requires a permit to cross the Marhi checkpoint.

Daily vehicle caps: The NGT has set limits on how many vehicles are allowed per day. These numbers are periodically revised by the authorities, so treat any figure you read online (including here) as approximate rather than current. Check the official portal for the limits in force during your visit.

How to get your permit:

Apply online at rohtangpermit.nic.in
Permits open at 10 PM the night before your travel date
You’ll need your vehicle registration number, a government-issued ID, and your travel date
Permits are date-specific and non-transferable

Fees: Nominal — but mandatory. The exact fee varies by vehicle type and is confirmed at the time of booking on the official portal. Driving without a permit means being turned back at Marhi. The checkpost is staffed and there are no tourist exceptions.

One important note on Tuesdays: The road is often closed to tourist vehicles on Tuesdays for maintenance. This is subject to change, so confirm locally before you plan around it — but don’t assume Tuesday is a travel day until you’ve verified.

Road Conditions on the Way to Rohtang Pass

Manali to Marhi (32 km): Mostly tarmac, manageable in any car. Expect traffic on peak summer weekends.

Marhi to Rohtang Pass (19 km): This is where the road earns its reputation. Loose gravel, patches of ice even in July, tight bends with limited passing room, and a gradient that keeps climbing. In fog or rain, this stretch is genuinely demanding.

Beyond the pass toward Gramphu and Lahaul: Steep descent into the Chandra River valley. Varies year to year — sometimes fine in a standard car, sometimes demanding higher clearance.

A hatchback or sedan can reach the pass in good weather on the Manali side. If you’re continuing into Spiti, a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.

Weather at Rohtang Pass: What to Expect

Even in July, the summit can be below 0°C. This surprises people who left Manali in 25°C sunshine wearing a t-shirt.

May–June: The pass has just reopened. Significant snow on the ground, cold winds, spectacular light. Best time if snow is your goal.

July–August: Monsoon season. The pass stays open in principle, but cloud cover, rain, and landslides make conditions unpredictable. Visibility can drop to near zero. Some days the road closes for a few hours or an entire day without much warning.

September: Post-monsoon clarity. Drier roads, cleaner skies, excellent for photography. One of the best months to visit if you can manage it.

October: Early snowfall returns. Beautiful golden light, far fewer tourists. But the pass closure window is approaching, and fresh snow can come overnight.

Tips for Visiting Rohtang Pass

Leave Manali by 6 AM. Traffic builds fast after 8 AM. An early start gives you clearer roads, better morning light, and time at the summit before afternoon clouds settle in.

Dress for 4°C, not 25°C. Thermal layers, a fleece, and a windproof jacket. The pass is cold regardless of what the valley feels like when you leave.

Rent gear in Manali town, not on the roadside. Vendors near the pass charge inflated prices for poor quality equipment. If you need snow boots or a jacket, sort it the evening before in Manali.

Ascend slowly and stay hydrated. At nearly 4,000 metres, mild altitude symptoms — headache, mild breathlessness, slight nausea — are common. They’re manageable if you take your time. If symptoms worsen, descend.

Carry cash. ATMs stop at Manali. There are none beyond that toward the pass or into Lahaul-Spiti.

Download offline maps before you leave. Signal drops significantly past Marhi. Google Maps or Maps.me with offline regions saved in advance is worth doing the night before.

Take your rubbish with you. Rohtang has suffered serious plastic pollution. The NGT restrictions exist partly because of the environmental damage tourism caused. The place is extraordinary — treat it accordingly.

How to Check If Rohtang Pass Is Open Today

Rohtang Permit Portal (rohtangpermit.nic.in): If permits are being issued for your date, the pass is likely open. If the date is blocked, there’s a closure in place.

BRO Manali: The Border Roads Organisation team managing this route posts updates and can be reached directly by phone.

Himachal Pradesh Tourism: Updates the official website and social media channels during the season.

Your hotel in Manali: Underrated source. Hotel staff deal with this question daily and usually have the most current ground-level information.

Local taxi drivers: The most reliably accurate real-time source. They drive this road for a living. If they say don’t go today, don’t go today.

FAQ

Can we go to Rohtang Pass right now?

Yes, Rohtang Pass is usually open for tourists during summer months, but access depends on weather and road conditions. Heavy snowfall can temporarily close the road.

In which month does Rohtang Pass open?

Rohtang Pass generally opens between May and June after snow clearance and stays open until around October or November.

Is there any snow in Rohtang Pass right now?

Snow availability depends on the season. Winter and early summer usually have fresh snow, while snowfall reduces during peak monsoon months.

Is oxygen less in Rohtang Pass?

Yes, oxygen levels are lower because Rohtang Pass is located at high altitude. Some travelers may feel breathlessness, headache, or mild altitude sickness.

Final Verdict

Rohtang Pass is one of the most accessible high-altitude experiences in the entire Himalayan range. No expedition required. No specialized training. Just a permit sorted the night before, an early alarm, and warm clothes.

What it does ask for is a little respect — for the altitude, the weather, the permit system, and the landscape itself. The mountain doesn’t care about your itinerary. Plan with some flexibility, check conditions before you leave Manali, and you’ll have one of the more memorable drives of your life.

Last updated: May 2026. Opening dates, permit caps, fees, and road conditions change each year. Always verify current status through the official BRO Manali unit or the Himachal Pradesh Tourism website before travel.