Rohtang Pass Comes Alive Again as Tourists Return to Snowy Heights

The scenic Rohtang Pass near Manali is once again buzzing with life, as tourists flock to the region following the administration’s decision to extend vehicle access further along the route. After the quiet winter months, the early summer season has brought renewed energy to one of Himachal Pradesh’s most loved destinations.

In fresh orders, Kullu District Magistrate Anurag Chander Sharma has allowed tourist vehicles to travel beyond earlier limits—up to three curves ahead of Rahni Nala on the Manali–Rohtang road. This decision came after a careful joint inspection by officials from the Manali sub-division, police department, and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), who confirmed that the stretch is safe for travel.

With this move, the temporary police barrier has been shifted from Gulaba to the newly approved point, allowing visitors to experience more of the snow-covered landscape. Earlier this month, on May 4, the road had been opened only up to Marhi. Last year too, access beyond Rahni Nala was allowed around mid-May before the full reopening of Rohtang Pass on May 24.

The extended access has already had a visible impact. Tourists from across the country are pouring into Manali, drawn by the breathtaking views of towering snow walls, cool weather, and the promise of a true mountain experience. The once-quiet roads are now lined with vehicles, viewpoints are crowded, and the town is buzzing with activity again.

Behind the scenes, the BRO has been working tirelessly to clear snow from both the Manali and Koksar sides of the pass. In some areas, workers have battled through massive snow walls ranging from 5 to 20 feet high. Officials say that only a small stretch remains to be cleared before the entire 13,058-feet-high Rohtang Pass is fully open to traffic.

The revival of tourism has brought much-needed relief to the local economy. Hotel owners, taxi drivers, restaurant operators, and shopkeepers are all seeing a surge in business after the lean winter season. For many, this sudden influx of tourists is a welcome boost.

However, the excitement has also brought its share of challenges. The narrow mountain roads are struggling to handle the growing traffic, with long vehicle queues and frequent traffic jams reported between Manali and Rahni Nala. Both tourists and locals have had to deal with delays as the region adjusts to the surge in visitors.

Despite these challenges, the reopening of the Rohtang route signals the return of one of Himachal’s most iconic travel experiences—where snow, adventure, and stunning mountain views come together to create unforgettable memories.