Rohtang pass provides a natural divide between the
sub-humid/humid Kullu Valley with a primarily Hindu culture (in the south), and
the arid/semi-arid high-altitude Lahaul and Spiti valleys with a Buddhist
culture (in the north). rotang pass lies on the watershed between the Chenab
and Beas Basins. On the southern side of this pass, the Beas River emerges from
underground and flows southward and on its northern side, the Chandra River, a
source stream of the river Chenab, flows westward.
At an elevation of 13,054 ft, Rohtang Pass serves as the
gateway to Lahaul and Spiti valleys in Himachal Pradesh.
Rohtang pass has got the distinction of being one of the
highest mountain passes in the world. It connects the Kullu valley with the
Lahaul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh.Rohtang pass has got the distinction of being one of the
highest mountain passes in the world.
The Pass offers beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks, Lahaul
Valley and the Chandra River. The twin peaks of Geypan are also visible from
Rohtang.
Rohtang pass was ancient trade route between the people on
either side of Pir Panjal. The local name for Rohtang pass is a generic name of
pass.
This is suggestive of the fact that this must have been the
oldest and most frequented pass in the region, or the fact that it is the main
pass leading from one cultural region (Indian) to another, quite different one,
to the north.
The Rohtang Pass is a natural divide between the humid Kullu
Valley which has a predominant Hindu culture and the arid, high altitude Lahaul
and Spiti Valleys which are predominantly Buddhist.
The weather here is highly unpredictable and it does not
take much time for the bright sun shine to change over to moderate to heavy
snow fall. The shop owners have provided some temporary sheds for the benefit
of tourists/visitors to take shelter in case of sudden change of weather.
Rohtang pass is open from May to November. It is not high or
difficult to cross on foot by Himalayan standards, but it has a well-deserved
reputation for being dangerous because of unpredictable snowstorms and
blizzards. Some linguists say that the name "rohtang" is a Persian
word meaning pile of dead bodies.
All types of food stuff, coffee and drinks are available at
Rohtang pass and these are sold by local people.
How to reach
By Air
The nearest airport is in Bhuntar about 104 km from Rohtang
Pass. Manali falls on the same road, National Highway 21, about 51 km from
Bhuntar Airport in Himachal Pradesh.
By Train
Joginder Nagar is the nearest railway station which is about
103 km from Rohtang Pass and 50 km from Manali.
By Road
It is well connected by Himachal Road Transport Corporation
buses that start from Manali and go as far as Leh via Rohtang Pass and then
through Keylong. HRTC, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and
private operators runs both air conditioned and non air conditioned deluxe
coaches. During June to October, there are regular buses between Manali to
Keylong.
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