Rohtang La Drive: Exploring the Road through the Dead Bodies Pass in the Himalayas

Rohtang Pass, way up at 3,979m (13,054ft) in the Himalayas, is an experience! You'll find it in Himachal Pradesh, a northern Indian state.

About 53 km from Manali, this pass in the eastern Pir Panjal Range links Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti, opening the door to Leh.

The legendary Leh-Manali Highway, about 479 km (298 miles) long, is the road to the top. It runs from Leh (Ladakh) to Manali. Though improved lately, the Indian government is building an 8.8km tunnel as a safer alternative.

Rohtang Pass (also known as Rohtam Pass) isn't just stunning; it's strategically important, serving as an ancient trade route. It's a lifeline for Lahul and Spiti, as the area beyond the pass is only accessible for three months (July to September), when they transport crops like potatoes to Kullu. As you climb, the scenery will blow your mind!

But hold on! This road demands respect. It’s closed for over five months due to heavy snow and can be a challenge with winding bends, steep drops, rock falls, and landslides. Expect traffic snarls, sometimes lasting 12 hours. Military vehicles, trucks, and tourist vehicles all compete for space on the tight, rough terrain, made trickier by snow and ice. Despite the chaos, Rohtang Pass is a must-see for those visiting Manali, Kullu, and Leh. It's the gateway to Lahaul, Spiti, Pangi, and Leh, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, peaks, Lahaul Valley, and the Chandra River, plus the Geypan peaks.

The pass is usually open from May to November, but snow can close it anytime. Each season, the road crew digs it out from under the snow. Landslides are common, hence the name Rohtang – "ground of corpses." Rani Nallah, about 6 km before Rohtang Pass, is notoriously difficult, especially when the snow melts and turns the stretch into slush. Monsoon rains make it even worse. Visit between May/June to October/November for the best experience.

Rohtang sits on the divide between the Chenab River and the Beas River basins. Currently, no vehicles are allowed to cross this stretch between 8 am to 12 pm daily as the BRO makes this stretch motorable. Remember the name, "ground of corpses," and respect the road!