Rohtang opens for tourists

Our Correspondent

KULLU, OCTOBER 8

The 13,050 foot high Rohtang Pass has been thrown open for tourists after the BRO cleared the road blocked due to recent snowfall. The Pass had been clocked for the past two weeks.

Manali SDM Raman Garsanghi said that tourist vehicles were allowed to go up to the Rohtang Pass. Hundreds of tourists thronged Rohtang after online booking for permits was allowed on Monday. The SDM said that around 20 manual permits were also provided as procuring these through website were possible only at 10 am.

The SDM said that in the wake of recent snowfall in the Lahaul valley the tourists were not being permitted to go towards Lahaul. Only the vehicles carrying essential supplies and those which had been left stranded in Lahaul in the wake of the recent snowfall were being allowed to pass. The SDM advised the commuters to cross the Pass after analyzing the weather.

The SDM said that permits could be availed online by making payment of Rs 550 and 1,200 vehicles (800 petrol and 400 diesel) would be permitted to go daily up to the Rohtang Pass. The vehicles would be allowed to cross the Gulaba barrier depending upon the weather situation.

Manali Hoteliers Association president Anup Ram Thakur said hoteliers expect a heavy rush during Dasehra and Diwali.