Rohtang Pass in Himachal opens to tourists

Our Correspondent

Kullu, June 14

Tourists will be allowed to visit the Rohtang Pass only through local taxis from today.

Manali SDM Raman Gharsangi said permits to cross the Gulaba barrier would be provided manually by the administration. The online permit system would be resumed once tourist traffic increased. He said the road condition of the pass would be reviewed after some time and tourist vehicles also be allowed after the conditions become suitable.

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The SDM said tourists would be allowed to cross the Gulaba barrier after 9 am and they would have to reach back by 6 pm. The permitted time for visitors would depend on weather conditions. Since there were a few visitors at present, the vehicles would be allowed to return from Rohtang-Manali road.

When the number of vehicles increased, they would be sent ahead on the Rohtang-Koksar road to return from the north portal of Atal Tunnel from Lahaul side to avoid traffic jams.

Gharsangi said the commercial activities as per the guidelines of the NGT would be allowed. The eco-friendly market in Marhi would also be opened for the convenience of tourists. They would have to follow the corona guidelines.

Rohtang is a world-famous tourist destination. The tourists enjoy various adventure activities in the snow, besides the scenic view. The livelihood of a large number of people is depend on the tourist influx.

As per sources of the tourism department, around 400 tourist vehicles were daily crossing the green tax barriers set up before Manali. The tourist arrival started gaining pace from June 2 and is expected to increase as the government has relaxed the requirement of the RTPCR report for tourists to enter Himachal.

Some hoteliers said online permits to visit Rohtang Pass should be provided to avoid crowding.

Conditions

• Tourists will be allowed to cross the Gulaba barrier after 9 am
• They will have to reach back by 6 pm
• The permitted time for visitors will depend on weather conditions
• The vehicles will be allowed to return from Rohtang-Manali road