Rohtang Pass opens for tourists

Rohtang Pass was again opened on Monday for tourists. The route that was earlier blocked by heavy snowfall has now been cleared for vehicles to pass through. Tourists, however, will not be allowed to use the Manali-Leh highway owing to security reasons.

Recently, Kullu District Administration opened the web window to allow tourists to book online permits, which is required for vehicles to go to Rohtang Pass. This has opened up hopes for tourists, who are thrilled to visit the spot and see snow as early as in October.
As of now, permits for Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti have not been issued for tourism purpose as the road surface is not fully cleared of snow, which might result in accidents. Also, almost every year, the road to Manali and Leh remains closed from October 15, and there is very little hope that the administration will issue any permit for the said route this year too.
Raman Gharsangi, Manali sub-divisional magistrate, stated that permits are being issued to go to Rohtang Pass, and the daily limit is 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles. Referring to the other routes, he further informed that talks are being held with the Lahaul-Spiti administration to consider if it can allow tourists to go to Lahaul. And, if they get a green signal and the deputy commissioner also gives his nod, tourists might likely be able to go to Lahaul, i.e., beyond Rohtang Pass this year.
However, the administration has issued an advisory along with the opening of Rohtang Pass for tourists. It has asked the tourists to not take the risk of going to the pass during bad weather conditions.

The Manali-Rohtang-Keylong highway was, however, opened last week for the locals, and now the news of opening the snow-bound Rohtang Pass for tourists has opened up hopes for both travellers and hoteliers.
With the opening of Rohtang Pass, it is expected that this is likely to boost tourism in Manali as tourists are expected to make a beeline at the spot, where snow will hopefully remain for at least a month.