Now, Rohtang Pass to remain open for tourists on Tuesdays
The authorities concerned have allowed vehicular movement to the Rohtang Pass even on Tuesdays, closed earlier for maintenance works.
Thus, tourists can travel through snow-clad Rohtang Pass at 13,058 ft and descend towards Koksar and cross the Atal Tunnel to reach Solang Nala and Manali.
Further, demand for Rohtang Pass permits has soared, with 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles getting reserved in advance on the Tourism Department’s website.
According to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directive, only 1,200 vehicles can be allowed daily. Commuters secure permits after paying a fee of Rs 550, which also includes Rs 50 congestion charge. Manali SDM Raman Kumar Sharma said tourists were being allowed to visit Rohtang only after obtaining valid permits.
Roshan Thakur, outgoing vice- president of the Manali Hoteliers’ Association, said there had been considerable rise in online bookings. However, overall footfall has decreased compared to the previous seasons. Local hoteliers and tour operators report 30 to 40 per cent drop in bookings this season. They said most tourists arrived on the weekends in Manali.
They observed a growing preference among tourists for tranquil destinations — Banjar, Tirthan, Jibhi and Kasol — places that offer serene landscapes away from Manali’s hustle and bustle.
For residents, the influx of tourists presents both opportunities and challenges. While tourism drives economic growth, the stringent vehicle cap has created intense competition among taxi operators and private vehicle owners for permits, which often sell out within minutes.
This scarcity has inflated fares, with tourists reporting prices as high as Rs 15,000 for a Tata Sumo and Rs 25,000 for a Tempo Traveller — well above official fare.
Additionally, the opening of the Atal Tunnel has reshaped travelling pattern. Many tourists now opt for direct access to Lahaul-Spiti, bypassing Manali, which has impacted businesses reliant on Rohtang-bound traffic.
Locals said a slight increase in the vehicle cap could boost the economy while maintaining environmental sustainability.
A balanced approach, incorporating community engagement and continuous ecological monitoring may be key to harmonising tourism development with conservation efforts.
