Rohtang Pass is one of the most popular high-altitude destinations located 51 km from Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. The pass sits directly on the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, so you can see 360-degree views of mountains and glaciers from the height. The pass is also famous for snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snow scooter rides.
However, Rohtang Pass can’t be a spontaneous trip. The government strictly controls traffic using a mandatory, limited-quota permit system and environmental rules to protect the fragile mountain ecosystem. If you are planning a road trip to Rohtang Pass, understanding the permit system in advance can help you prepare for your trip. This guide explains the daily vehicle limits, online booking process, permit slots, and fees you should know before your trip.
Daily Vehicle Limits at Rohtang Pass
There is a fixed limit on the number of tourist vehicles that can receive a Rohtang Pass permit each day. The quota is divided between petrol and diesel vehicles:
- Petrol vehicles: 800 permits per day
- Diesel vehicles: 400 permits per day
This means a maximum of 1,200 tourist vehicle permits are available each day under the stated quota. The permits are issued according to a daily quota defined by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the district administration. The tourism permit is valid for one day only and covers the journey to and from Rohtang Pass.
Because the number of permits is limited, booking early is important, particularly during busy travel periods.
Why Do You Need a Permit for Rohtang Pass?
A large number of people visit Rohtang Pass, particularly during the summer (May and June) and early Autumn (September and October). Heavy traffic can put pressure on the mountain environment and also create long traffic jams on the narrow roads.
To manage this, authorities regulate the number of vehicles travelling towards Rohtang Pass. Vehicles generally need a valid permit before travelling beyond the designated checkpoint towards the pass. If you are travelling only to Manali or Solang Valley and are not going towards Rohtang Pass, you do not need a Rohtang Pass permit. Vehicles traveling through Rohtang Pass toward Lahaul, Spiti, or Leh are exempt from this daily tourist vehicle cap, though a permit is still required.
Rohtang Pass Permit Fees and Congestion Charges
The tourism permit fee is charged on a daily basis and is valid for one day. In addition to the permit fee, vehicles crossing Gulaba Bridge are required to pay a congestion charge. The applicable charges are:
| Vehicle Class | Permit Fee | Congestion Charge |
| Car & Jeep | ₹500 | ₹50 |
| MUV | ₹500 | ₹50 |
| Bus & HMV | ₹500 | ₹100 |
Therefore, a car or jeep travelling to Rohtang Pass would pay ₹550 in total in permit and congestion charges, based on these listed rates. Travellers should check the official permit portal before booking, as government rules, fees, quotas, and operating conditions can change.
Rohtang Pass Online Booking Slots
Permits can be booked online through the official permit portal. The daily quota is released in two booking slots:
- 10:00 AM: 400 petrol and 200 diesel permits
- 4:00 PM: 400 petrol and 200 diesel permits
Permits can only be booked up to two days before the travel date. Each vehicle can obtain a maximum of 3 permits in one week. A week means from Tuesday to Monday.
Documents Required for a Rohtang Pass Permit
Before applying, make sure you have the required vehicle and identification documents. These include:
- Valid ID proof
- Valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Vehicle registration details
The vehicle must also be no more than 10 years old.
Important Things to Remember
Getting a permit does not guarantee that Rohtang Pass will be accessible throughout the year. Weather, snowfall, road conditions, and administrative restrictions can affect access. Before your journey, check the latest information and remember these key rules:
- Book your permit online within the available booking slots.
- Apply no more than two days before your travel date.
- A vehicle can obtain a maximum of three permits in the Tuesday-to-Monday permit week.
- Carry a printed copy of your permit.
- Make sure all vehicle information matches your valid documents.
- Check that your vehicle meets the age and PUC requirements.
- Check current road and weather conditions before travelling.
- Check if the pass is open to visitors and not in the maintenance period.
Plan Your Himalayan Journey with Trekkers Nepal
Rohtang Pass can be a memorable part of your Himalayan trip, but planning transport, permits, accommodation, and other travel arrangements in advance makes the journey easier. If you are travelling from Nepal, Trekkers Nepal can help you organise your trip with carefully planned itineraries and practical travel support.
Plan your next Himalayan adventure with Trekkers Nepal and make your journey through the mountains smooth, comfortable, and memorable.
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