Now tourists can enjoy snowy landscape of Rohtang Pass

Tourists who are holidaying in the hills to escape the scorching heat of the plains can now enjoy the snowy landscape of the Rohtang Pass, located at an altitude of 13,050 feet in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.

The administration on Tuesday allowed the tourists to visit the pass after five months of its closure. Earlier, the tourist vehicles were allowed to reach up to Marhi, which is 34 km from here, to enjoy the snow.

"From today onwards, all the tourist vehicles bound for Rohtang Pass are allowed to proceed after procuring a travel permit from Manali," Deputy Commissioner Yunus Khan told IANS.

He said the permits, which are mandatory for each private motorist as per the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), could be procured online too.

The picturesque Rohtang Pass, located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas and 52 km from here, is a major attraction for both domestic and foreign tourists. Till mid June, it is covered in snow.

Official sources said earlier vehicles carrying locals and government officials, who are bound for Lahaul-Spiti district, were allowed to ply across the Rohtang Pass.

The Rohtang Pass, which connects Manali with Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, remains closed for traffic for over four months every year due to heavy snowfall. This year it was reopened for the traffic, except tourist vehicles, in April-end.

It also plays an important role in the movement of the armed forces to the forward areas in Ladakh.

The weather at the Rohtang Pass is harsh. A sudden drop in the temperature, even in summer, can trigger winter-like conditions.

--IANS

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