Rohtang Pass
Rotang is a mountain pass in the Pir Panjal range in the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh state in northern India, at an altitude of about 3,978 meters. It connects the flourishing Kulu Valley with the harsher Lahaul and Spiti, that is, it actually separates two worlds: to the south live mainly Hindus, to the north - Buddhists.
The road here goes along the Lang-Manali highway, and the nearest city, Manali, is about 51 km away. Since the opening of the Atal tunnel under the pass in 2020, the northern valleys have become much closer: half an hour through the mountain instead of several hours by serpentine.
Open Rotang is usually from May to November, the rest of the year it is tightly covered with snow. The name is roughly translated as "heap of corpses" - because of the travelers who died here in bad weather. Winters are really fierce: the recorded record reached minus 44 degrees.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Rotang Pass and at what height is it?
This is a mountain pass in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India, on the Pir Panjal range in the Himalayas, at an altitude of about 3978 meters. It connects the Kulu valley with the Lahaul and Spiti valleys.
How to get there?
The Lang-Manali highway runs through the pass, and the nearest town is Manali, about 51 km away. Since the Atal tunnel was opened under the pass in 2020, the road has become much faster: 30 minutes through the tunnel instead of 4-6 hours in a serpentine through the pass itself.
When is the best time to go?
The pass is open approximately from May to November. The rest of the year it is covered with snow and closed, so in winter the northern valleys are cut off from the world - check in advance whether the road is passable at all.
What is interesting to see there?
Panoramas of the Himalayan peaks in all directions, and also a peculiar border of two worlds: to the south live mainly Hindus, to the north - Buddhists. In the summer, crowds of tourists come here, so it's better not to count on being alone.
Where does such a creepy name come from?
Rotang in translation means something like a pile of corpses - the pass got its name because of travelers who died here in bad weather. Winters are really fierce: a recorded record of -44 degrees.