Rohtang La - 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, go hiking or horse riding, try their hand at mountaineering. There are also a number of glaciers in the area, which make for great photo opportunities. 

The road to Rohtang La, a high mountain pass in the Himalayas, is one of the most scenic in the world. But it's also one of the most dangerous, with treacherous switchbacks and cliffs that drop sharply into ravines. The pass is only open for a few months each year, and even then, conditions can be treacherous.

The word "Rohtang" means "field of corpses" in local dialects, and the name is believed to be derived from the large number of people who died while trying to cross the pass. 

The pass has been used as a trade route between India and Tibet for centuries. In recent years, Rohtang La has become a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty. However, the high altitude and cold temperatures make it a challenging place to visit. In addition, the pass is frequently closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and blizzards. 

The pass is only open from May to November, and the best time to visit is between June and September. The weather is relatively mild at this time of year, making it ideal for trekking and mountaineering. However, visitors should be aware that Rohtang La can be prone to sudden weather changes.

From June to September, the average temperature at Rohtang La is around 15 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time to hike and explore the area, as well as take in the incredible views.

1. Rohtang La is only open from May to November - during the rest of the year it's covered in snow and inaccessible. 
2. The altitude can be a bit of a shock for those not used to it - be sure to take it easy and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness. 
3. The roads leading up to Rohtang La are notoriously bad - potholes are common, so it's important to drive slowly and carefully and be prepared for some sickness.
4. Due to its high altitude, Rohtang La can be treacherous in bad weather. It is important to check the forecast before setting out, and to pack appropriate clothing and supplies in case of an emergency. 
5. The easiest way to reach Rohtang La is by road, but it is also possible to hike or ride a motorcycle to the pass. There are plenty of places to stay in the area, so it is not necessary to camp overnight. 
6. Make sure you're properly acclimatised to the high altitude before attempting to drive or hike to Rohtang La. Most people need at least a day or two at lower altitudes to get used to the thin air.
7. Be prepared for cold weather, even in summer. Temperatures at Rohtang La can drop below freezing, so make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes.
8. Bring your own food and water. There are very few places to buy supplies at Rohtang La, and what is available is likely to be expensive.
9. Be aware of the risks of altitude sickness and listen to your body if you start to feel unwell. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any severe symptoms such as headache, nausea or vomiting.

1. Rohtang La is sometimes referred to as the 'gateway to Ladakh'. 
2. Due to its high elevation, the pass experiences very cold weather and heavy snowfall. 
3. Rohtang La was originally known as 'Rahatang'. The name was later changed to Rohtang, which means 'pile of corpses', due to the large number of people who have died while attempting to cross the pass.
4. Rohtang La is one of the highest mountain passes in India.

The average time to spend in the area around Rohtang La is 2-3 days. This allows sufficient time to acclimatize to the high altitude and explore the surrounding area. There are numerous trekking routes in the vicinity, as well as opportunities for mountain biking and paragliding.

Rohtang La typically sees about 500 vehicles a day. Due to its high altitude, the average time to visit Rohtang La is about 3-4 hours. However, depending on weather conditions, it is possible to spend up to 6 hours at the pass. Snow and strong winds are common at Rohtang La, so it is important to be prepared for cold weather. Travelers should also be aware of the risk of altitude sickness and take precautions accordingly. 

The best way to reach the Rohtang La is by road. The journey takes about 1-2 hours by car from Manali. The route passes through scenic valleys and mountain passes, offering stunning views of the mountains. However, it can be dangerous in winter due to snow and ice. For this reason, it is advisable to only attempt the journey in good weather conditions.

The journey to the Rohtang La is an adventure in itself and the spectacular views from the top make it all worth it. On a clear day, one can see as far as the Tibetan Plateau.

In order to help offset the cost of maintaining the road and paying for rescue operations, the Indian government has instituted an entrance fee for all vehicles crossing the pass. The fee is currently 1,600 rupees for cars and motorcycles, and 800 rupees for pedestrians.

The pass is open throughout the day from May to November.