Rohtang Pass is the first mountain pass on the Manali Leh highway situated at a distance of 51 km from Manali. Rohtang pass is situated at an altitude of 13.051 ft or 3,978 m on the eastern Pir Panjal ranges. Rohtang connects the Kullu valley with Lahaul valley of Himachal which further connects with Leh.
Also read- How to get permit for visiting Rohtang Pass
Road to Rohtang Pass is clearly marked with a signboard. After crossing the Beas river one turns left facing the mighty Pir Panjal ranges.
The road towards Rohtang Pass winds up from the Manali town and crosses through smaller hamlets like Palchan, Kothi etc. The single road is well maintained for most part of the 51 km journey.
The road opens through the small valleys and gorges. As one climb ups to the Rohtang Pass, trees and vegetaion starts disapperaing. Picture below is near Gulaba on way to Rohtang Pass.
One can clearly mark out the point as tree line vanishes beyond Gulaba and upon approaching Marhi. Picture below is a view of the Solang Valley and Manali as seen from near Marhi.
As one starts nearing the Rohtang Pass rocks start appearing in place of trees. Narrow circular route starts from this place onwards reaching to the top in loops.
In picture below is the Marhi and Beas Kund, the origin of river Beas. The Kund is fed with the water supply from the glaciers near Rohtang Pass. Marhi has lost it charm now as all Dhabas and eaterys have been removed from this place owing to environmental concerns. Please carry enough eatables when traveling to Rohtang Pass else you may go hungry the whole day till you reach back Manali.
The stretch across Rani Nallah below Rohtang Pass remains the same as previous year. Consider yourself lucky if you cross this patch in 2-3 hours. One main reason why one has to leave so early to visit Rohtang Pass is the traffic jam caused at this spot.
After traveling through 51 km for almost 3 hours one reaches Rohtang Pass. This place is normally full of snow till mid August. The picture below was clicked in September 2013 when there was no snow around the Rohtang Pass. As you can see in the picture there is no vegetation around and on the other side of the pass the cold desert of Lahul, Spiti and towards Leh starts. The monsoon does not cross beyond this point.
Another view of the mountains from Rohtang Pass below. The sky and the clouds seems so near.
Probably the best view of Rohtang Pass below. This pic has been taken from 1000 ft above the Rohtang Pass. (See picture no. 8 from the top for the hill just next to the pass.)
Below is a picture of the Dashaur lake which lies further 2 hours trek from the Rohtang Pass. The route to the lake passes through deep gorges and nullahs. There is no trail and one has to walk on sharp edged cliffs. Attempt to reach the lake only if one happens to be an experienced trekker. None walks on this route nor any mobile signal is available in case of any emergency.
The lake is a fresh water lake with ice cold water which is fed from nearby glaciers. A very sacred place where many local deities and gods throng the lake, as seen in the picture.
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