Rohtang Pass to remain open for vehicles until Dec 10

Manali’s famed Rohtang Pass will remain open to vehicular movement until December 10, following a thorough inspection of the Manali-Rohtang route by Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh and Manali SDM Raman Sharma. Officials said the decision was taken after evaluating current weather and road conditions at the high-altitude pass.

As per the latest order, vehicles will be allowed to travel up to the Pass between 9 am and 3 pm, strictly subject to weather clearance. Traffic uphill will be permitted only after 9 am and all vehicles must return before 3 pm the same day. Authorities have underscored that the window remains highly sensitive to sudden changes in visibility, snowfall or road icing, any of which can trigger an immediate shutdown to ensure safety.

The extension has been welcomed by tourists and local businesses alike. At 13,052 feet, Rohtang Pass remains one of Himachal Pradesh’s most visited destinations, renowned for its snowfields, sweeping mountain vistas, and gateway to adventure in the Pir Panjal range. Even a brief continuation of access into December is significant for the region’s economy, influencing travel plans and providing a boost to hotels, guides, taxi operators, and snow-sport providers.

Last year, vehicular access continued until November 26, buoyed by an unusually dry spell that prolonged the season beyond the customary mid-November closure. While authorities typically wind down operations around that time, flexibility is exercised depending on real-time weather.

The Pass generally reopens in late May or early June after the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) completes extensive snow-clearing operations. This year’s reopening saw a slight delay due to prolonged winter conditions, with tourist vehicles allowed from mid-to-late May under the National Green Tribunal’s strict permit regulations. The NGT caps daily traffic at 1,200 vehicles, 800 petrol and 400 diesel, with permits issued online.

Officials stressed that safety and ecological balance remain central to all decisions. Any possibility of extending access beyond December 10 will rely entirely on evolving weather patterns and on-ground assessments at the Pass.