Journey to the Princess of Himalayas - Rohtang Pass

Stepping onto the snow clad surface

My feet plunged in

On an rising path at Rohtang pass

Unnerving yet ecstatic

Rohtang pass is the most beautiful and exotic natural landscape of Himachal Pradesh. It connects the Kullu Valley with Lahaul and Spiti Valley with a deep gorge formed by Chenab and Beas rivers, latter being born here at the place named Khund. These rivers flow fiercely like a stream, encouraging water sports like Rafting, along the way.

As you start your voyage to this high mountain pass (13,050 ft above sea level) on the eastern Pir Panjal range of Himalayas, the meandering roads offer you an eye-popping view of snow-capped mountains. You can also witness the beautiful bunch of green and red apples hanging along the branches of the tree rooted on both sides of the road. The road neatly carved along the high mountains is artistically laid and strong enough to hold the piles of vehicle.

Keep aside your mobile phones and camera as its time to watch and experience the mystic charm of the Himalayan range instead of just clicking. Capture the true essence of the nature through your lens (eyes) and stock up in your memory card (brain) instead of some electronic devices for better shelf-life.

Mahri is the major stop on the way, which is 17 kms before Rohtang Pass. You can energize yourself with some food and snack, once you pass this stop your core companion shall only be nature during your en-route to Rohtang Pass as there won't be any shops or food available. Meanwhile, you need strength and stamina to climb and spend some time in the snow-clad surface of Rohtang. So it’s better to invigorate yourself with some refreshments in Mahri to stay erect on the elevated surface for quite some time. As you drive past Mahri look out for two other scenic spots, Nehru Kund and Kothi. While the former is the natural spring leading to the origination of river Beas and the latter (Kothi) is narrow gorge setting up a picturesque landscape.

Mahri

The distance from Manali to Rohtang is less (51 km) yet will take about three hours to reach. It is primarily due to the elevated stretch, which is carved and curled on the peak. Kudos to the personnel’s of Border Road Organisation (BRO) for constructing as well as maintaining such a complicated yet incredible roadway.

Whoever paved that road - I love you man!

If you are a biking enthusiast, hire a Royal Enfield that is readily available in Manali for your trip to Rohtang pass or else hire a taxi from a taxi union. As I hired a Tata Suma that cost me Rs. 2600 INR for the round trip excluding the entrance fee of Rs. 50 INR. If your vehicle is not HP registered then it won't be permitted beyond Mahri unless you have obtained permission from SDM office, HP. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) also operate buses from Manali to Rohtang but it stops far away from the snow point and you must hire a pony or look for other means to reach the actual spot. If you haven't equipped yourself with ideal winter wear then you can rent a snow suit at Manali that cost around Rs. 250 INR per person, which includes suit, glove and boots.

Rohtang

November to April is the ideal time to experience snow as well as enjoy the adventure activities. The adventure activities includes yak riding, amateur skiing, snow mobile and ice skating, but they depend upon the climatic conditions. Also remember, the oxygen level decreases with increase in elevation so it's advisable to carry a water bottle or emergency medicine along with you.

Prepare a budget and tour schedule in such a way that you experience Rohtang Pass thoroughly as the Himalayan memories can never be complete without passing through Rohtang.