5 interesting facts you probably didn’t know about Rohtang Pass in Manali

Rohtang Pass is probably one of the most famous places to visit in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Set at an altitude of 13,050 ft in the Pir Panjal, Rohtang is among the most scenic destinations in India that has also been a part of several Bollywood movies, including the superhit cinema Jab We Met.
This high-altitude mountain pass is about 51 km drive from Manali and attracts tourists, photographers, adventurers, and nature lovers from all over the country and abroad. Despite being so famous and beautiful, there are a few lesser-known facts about Rohtang Pass that might surprise you. Read on:

Did you know a place as beautiful as "Rohtang" would have such a grim history? Rohtang in local language translates to ‘pile of dead bodies’ or ‘ground of carcasses’ in the local language. You’ll be shocked to know the number of people who lost their lives while crossing this pass due to harsh and unpredictable weather conditions. Many travellers, especially traders and pilgrims, perished while attempting to go through the pass in centuries gone by.

Not many must be aware of the fact that Rohtang Pass is a getaway to Leh-Ladakh. It is a major path that links Manali to the stunning landscapes of Leh-Ladakh. It serves as a prime road for those planning to explore the far northern parts of India. Historically, this path was used by the army for transporting supplies in the barren regions. Today too, the route plays an essential role in allowing the movement of goods and personnel between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

The most interesting thing about Rohtang Pass is its unpredictable weather. Surprising changes can just happen in a matter of hours! One minute it’s raining, the next second it gets uncontrollably breezy. The pass experiences extreme conditions and it’s like a weather roller coaster here all the time! Temperatures often plunge below freezing point, even in peak summers.

Rohtang Pass is set within an ecologically sensitive zone. It has unique biodiversity which makes it home to a range of unique flower, animal and bird species, Including the Himalayan Monal, which is also the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. To preserve its delicate ecosystem, the government has imposed rules and regulations to limit the number of tourists visiting the pass on a daily basis.

Rohtang is a paradise for photographers. The pass offers a beautiful range of scenery, from snow-covered peaks to green valleys, alpine meadows, and winding mountain roads. You’ll be shocked to see the contrast between the white snow and the blue sky! Whether you're an amateur or a professional photographer, Rohtang provides a variety of opportunities to click memorable captures.