Rohtang La - 10 Things to Know Before Visiting
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About Rohtang La
Rohtang La is a mountain pass in the Himalayas that connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, and is known for its stunning views and challenging trekking routes. The pass is situated at an elevation of 4,112 meters (13,497 feet) and is accessible only by a narrow road. Due to its high altitude and difficult location, Rohtang La is often closed during the winter months.
Hotels near Rohtang La
Hotels to stay near Rohtang La
Things to Do at Rohtang La
Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, go hiking or horse riding, try their hand at mountaineering. There are also a number of glaciers in the area, which make for great photo opportunities.
The road to Rohtang La, a high mountain pass in the Himalayas, is one of the most scenic in the world. But it's also one of the most dangerous, with treacherous switchbacks and cliffs that drop sharply into ravines. The pass is only open for a few months each year, and even then, conditions can be treacherous.
History of Rohtang La
The word "Rohtang" means "field of corpses" in local dialects, and the name is believed to be derived from the large number of people who died while trying to cross the pass.
The pass has been used as a trade route between India and Tibet for centuries. In recent years, Rohtang La has become a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty. However, the high altitude and cold temperatures make it a challenging place to visit. In addition, the pass is frequently closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and blizzards.
Best Time to Visit Rohtang La
The pass is only open from May to November, and the best time to visit is between June and September. The weather is relatively mild at this time of year, making it ideal for trekking and mountaineering. However, visitors should be aware that Rohtang La can be prone to sudden weather changes.
From June to September, the average temperature at Rohtang La is around 15 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time to hike and explore the area, as well as take in the incredible views.
Tips for Visiting Rohtang La
- Rohtang La is only open from May to November - during the rest of the year it's covered in snow and inaccessible.
- The altitude can be a bit of a shock for those not used to it - be sure to take it easy and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
- The roads leading up to Rohtang La are notoriously bad - potholes are common, so it's important to drive slowly and carefully and be prepared for some sickness.
- Due to its high altitude, Rohtang La can be treacherous in bad weather. It is important to check the forecast before setting out, and to pack appropriate clothing and supplies in case of an emergency.
- The easiest way to reach Rohtang La is by road, but it is also possible to hike or ride a motorcycle to the pass. There are plenty of places to stay in the area, so it is not necessary to camp overnight.
- Make sure you're properly acclimatised to the high altitude before attempting to drive or hike to Rohtang La. Most people need at least a day or two at lower altitudes to get used to the thin air.
- Be prepared for cold weather, even in summer. Temperatures at Rohtang La can drop below freezing, so make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes.
- Bring your own food and water. There are very few places to buy supplies at Rohtang La, and what is available is likely to be expensive.
- Be aware of the risks of altitude sickness and listen to your body if you start to feel unwell. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any severe symptoms such as headache, nausea or vomiting.
Interesting Facts and Trivias About Rohtang La
- Rohtang La is sometimes referred to as the 'gateway to Ladakh'.
- Due to its high elevation, the pass experiences very cold weather and heavy snowfall.
- Rohtang La was originally known as 'Rahatang'. The name was later changed to Rohtang, which means 'pile of corpses', due to the large number of people who have died while attempting to cross the pass.
- Rohtang La is one of the highest mountain passes in India.
How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Rohtang La
The average time to spend in the area around Rohtang La is 2-3 days. This allows sufficient time to acclimatize to the high altitude and explore the surrounding area. There are numerous trekking routes in the vicinity, as well as opportunities for mountain biking and paragliding.
Rohtang La typically sees about 500 vehicles a day. Due to its high altitude, the average time to visit Rohtang La is about 3-4 hours. However, depending on weather conditions, it is possible to spend up to 6 hours at the pass. Snow and strong winds are common at Rohtang La, so it is important to be prepared for cold weather. Travelers should also be aware of the risk of altitude sickness and take precautions accordingly.
How to Reach Rohtang La
The best way to reach the Rohtang La is by road. The journey takes about 1-2 hours by car from Manali. The route passes through scenic valleys and mountain passes, offering stunning views of the mountains. However, it can be dangerous in winter due to snow and ice. For this reason, it is advisable to only attempt the journey in good weather conditions.
Entrance Fee of Rohtang La
The journey to the Rohtang La is an adventure in itself and the spectacular views from the top make it all worth it. On a clear day, one can see as far as the Tibetan Plateau.
In order to help offset the cost of maintaining the road and paying for rescue operations, the Indian government has instituted an entrance fee for all vehicles crossing the pass. The fee is currently 1,600 rupees for cars and motorcycles, and 800 rupees for pedestrians.
Opening Hours of Rohtang La
The pass is open throughout the day from May to November.
Attractions Near Rohtang La
Bhrigu Lake
8.71km from Rohtang La
Brighu Lake is a paradise on earth. Commonly known as the "pool of god", the lake attracts large number of visitors every year. Flanked by snow-capped mountains from all the sides, the lake is situated at an elevation of 4,235 m above sea level. Legends have it that Rishi Bhrigu, a renowned sage of the Hindus, meditated at this site for a long period of time. It is also believed that many gods of the Kullu valley took a holy dip in the hallowed water, and that's why the lake is considered sacred
Solang Valley
10.12km from Rohtang La
Known for its summer and winter sport conditions, It is a side valley at the top of the Kullu Valley.
Nehru Kund
11.41km from Rohtang La
This stunning kund or water resource is located at the Manali keylogn road. it is named after the primeminsiter of India. Jawaharlal Nehru who is said to have had water from the natural spring when he used to stay in Manali. The water in it is so tasty and is so clear . It is a photographic spot and a famous tourist spot.
Jogini Falls
12.01km from Rohtang La
Jogini Falls is situated on the Northern edge of Vashisht Village & mark the village boundary. The waterfall cascades down from a height of around 150 feet through multiple levels. There is a small pool at the base formed by the fall and visitors can take a plunge in the water and spend some time. The flow of the water is heaving in monsoons and suggested not to adventure into the water during this time. Jogini mata temple is at the base of the waterfall.
Vashishtha Temple
13.01km from Rohtang La
Vashisht is a small village located around 3 km from Manali across the River Beas. This beautiful village is famous for its sulphurous hot water springs and Vashisht temple, built just next to the springs. The water from this spring is believed to have great healing powers, which can cure many skin diseases and other infections. There are Turkish-style bath houses available here that contain the hot water from the springs, which are used to take bath and enjoy the warmth of the place in privacy.
Manu Temple
14.39km from Rohtang La
This magnificent temple is dedicated to the sage Manu, who is said to be the creator of the world and the writer of Manusmriti. The Manu Temple is located in old Manali, at a distance of three kilometers from the main market. Though this area is quite congested, the presence of the River Beas adds to its attraction. The temple is one of the prime attractions in Manali and is believed to be the same place where sage Manu meditated after stepping on earth.
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Subash Ckd
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Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.979 m (13,054 ft) above the sea level, located on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. The pass is traversed by the Leh-Manali Highway. Every new season, the road crew has to struggle with their GPS to dig out the road buried under the layers of snow. However, massive and deadly landslides continue, giving the pass its name, which translates to ground of corpses.
Situated about 53 km from Manali, the pass connects Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti which in turn provide access to Leh. It’s only open from May to November for motor vehicles and it’s so dangerous the Government of India is building an 8.8km tunnel as an alternative. Known for its scenic beauty, Rohtang Pass holds strategic importance for India. It’s the gateway to Keylong in the landlocked Lahaul Valley from Manali in the state's Kullu district.