Himachal: Snow-covered Rohtang stretch draws tourist rush to Manali

The iconic Rohtang Pass near Manali has once again started witnessing heavy tourist footfall after the Kullu administration allowed tourist vehicles to move further ahead on the route, reviving the region’s early summer tourism activity.

Fresh orders issued by Kullu District Magistrate Anurag Chander Sharma permit tourist vehicles to travel up to three curves ahead of Rahni Nala at 46.35 kilometre on the 50-km-long Manali-Rohtang road.

The revised orders were issued following a joint inspection conducted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Manali, along with officials of the police department and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

Authorities found the stretch safe for vehicular movement and subsequently shifted the temporary police barrier from Gulaba to the newly designated point.

The road had earlier been opened for traffic up to Marhi on May 4. Last year too, the Rohtang road was opened beyond Rahni Nala in mid-May, while Rohtang Pass was officially reopened for tourist traffic on May 24.

The reopening of the route has led to a sharp rise in tourist arrivals in Manali. Snow-covered mountains, pleasant weather and towering walls of snow along the roadside have emerged as major attractions for visitors from across the country.

Long queues of vehicles, crowded viewpoints and bustling tourism activity have brought life back to the region after the winter lean season.

The BRO has been carrying out snow clearance operations from both the Manali and Koksar sides, cutting through snow walls ranging from five to 20 feet in height.

Officials said only a few kilometres of clearance work remain before the entire pass is restored for traffic movement. Situated at an altitude of 13,058 feet, Rohtang Pass remains one of Himachal’s most visited tourist destinations.

The revival in tourist movement has brought relief to hotel owners, taxi operators, restaurant businesses and local traders in Manali.

However, the sudden rush has also triggered massive traffic congestion on the narrow mountain road. Tourists and residents have reported long traffic snarls at several locations between Manali and Rahni Nala.