Any trip to Manali is incomplete without visiting the Rohtang Pass. By far, it is on top of the list for places to visit from Manali.
Rohtang La |
On the way to Rohtang |
Landscape |
Zoom at the summit |
Frozen waterfall on the way to Rohtang |
Another frozen waterfall |
You should also inquire about the permit requirements, if you are traveling in your own vehicle. The route is full of scenic beauty and some mindblowing landscapes.
At the cliff |
Same cliff, different season |
Irrespective of the season, you will find snow in Rohtang. If you want to have fun in snow, you will be required to rent a snow dress and snow boots from the local shops that come on the way. The driver can guide you for this. The dress and shoes will keep you and your clothes dry. You do not want your clothes to be wet with snow all around you.
You can try your hand at skiing and other snow sports here.
During the peak winter season, the pass is closed for tourists and the attraction shifts a bit downhill to "Snow Point."
Sunshine near snow point |
The first time I and my wife visited Rohtang was in June 2010. We were fortunate to witness snow fall in Rohtang during that trip. Some of the views from here were breath taking. We were amazed at the grandeur of the place. Simply incredible! Soon we realised that the beauty of this place can't be captured in camera. We still tried to do the best. :)
Reflections in Rohtang |
As it was snowing, we could stay at the pass only for about three hours and then we headed back to Manali.
One the way, there is a place called Marhi. This has some restaurants, restroom and a few shops which sell woolens. I recommend to try parathas here. With the chills in the wind, the hot parathas are like a blessing!
Frozen water body near Marhi |
Another view at the frozen water body near Marhi |
During our last trip in November 2014, while we were on our way to Manali from Rohtang, we saw some parachutes in the sky. It is one of the most sought after activity for the enthusiasts. The Parachutes can take you down all the way to Manali.
Here you may be confronted by various folks trying to sell kesar (saffron) and Shilajit (mineral pitch or mineral wax). Don't fall for it. If you are keen to buy it then do some research and seek advice from the locals for best shop to buy it from.
You will definitely be stuck in traffic after you leave Marhi. In all our three trips to Rohtang, we were stuck in traffic for hours. The journey that took us a little over two hours became four plus hour ride on the way back when done on a weekend. During the other two trips, we chose a weekday when the traffic was comparatively less.
Traffic jam |
Suggestions:
- Ensure that you negotiate to get the best deal for snow dress and skiing, slides, horse rides, etc;
- In case you have a history of motion sickness, I suggest to have a very light breakfast and take some medication for vomit.
Best time to visit: Avoid the peak winter season (December/January), as the pass may not be open for tourists
How to reach: Take a volvo from New Delhi for Manali and from Manali hire a local taxi to Rohtang
This time a lot of fun to hang out at this place is really nice place to come
ReplyDeleteYes, Vikash. Let me know if you need any help in planning your trip.
DeleteWhoaa! beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteThanks Himanshu! Coming from a fellow blogger it means alot!
DeleteThanks again, Abhay
Thanks John. I am glad you like it.
ReplyDeleteStay tuned for more!
Regards,
Abhay