Rohtang road opens further, tourists treated to towering snow walls near Rahni Nala

In a major relief to tourists, vehicle movement on the Manali-Rohtang Pass road has now been permitted up to three curves beyond Rahni Nala, offering visitors a stunning view of towering snow formations and the impressive snow galleries carved by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) during road restoration efforts.

Earlier, access for tourist vehicles was allowed only up to Marhi, which opened on April 21. According to sources, the BRO is now just 3 km away from reaching the Rohtang summit, and the full reopening of the pass is expected within days. Notably, Rohtang Pass was reopened for traffic on May 24 last year.

Manali Sub-Divisional Magistrate Raman Kumar Sharma confirmed that a joint inspection of the road was conducted on May 8 with police and BRO officials. “It was found that the stretch up to three curves beyond Rahni Nala is safe for tourist vehicles. Consequently, the police checkpoint has been shifted from Marhi to the new spot, with adequate parking and sanitation arrangements in place,” he said. Sharma added that the road will remain closed on Tuesdays for regular maintenance by the BRO.

In line with National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines, only 1,200 vehicles — 800 petrol and 400 diesel — will be allowed to cross the Gulaba barrier each day, subject to obtaining an online permit. Visitors are required to pay a permit fee of Rs 550, which includes a Rs 50 congestion charge.

Rohtang Pass, globally renowned for its snow-covered vistas that last until September, remains a major attraction for tourists visiting Manali. The early reopening this season has brought cheer to tourism stakeholders, who view it as a much-needed boost for the region’s economy.

The BRO began restoration work on Rohtang in late February and completed major clearance by May. However, since the opening of the Atal Tunnel, the organisation has shifted its primary focus to reopening the Manali-Leh highway and clearing snow at Baralacha and Shinkula passes.

Tourism industry representatives have urged the administration to expedite the full reopening of Rohtang Pass, citing its vital role in sustaining Manali’s tourism sector. They have also demanded a revision of the vehicle cap, noting that around 5,000 vehicles arrive in Manali daily during peak season. Many visitors are left disappointed as they are unable to visit Rohtang due to the restrictions. There is also growing concern over taxi operators charging exorbitant fares for permit-based travel, which is discouraging tourists from making the trip.

Himachal Tribune