How to Get Permit for Rohtang Pass ?

After a lot of confusion, drama and speculations Rohtang Pass was finally declared open a few days ago. In all my years of blogging, I don’t believe I have ever seen instances where Rohtang was open and closed so many times like it happened this year. From the time it was first opened in April first week the pass was closed at least 5 to 6 times until it was finally opened now. Well at least this time it is final and the roads across towards Ladakh and Spiti too were declared open earlier this week. For people traveling towards either Ladakh and Spiti, or just to Rohtang below is where we stand in terms of how to get permit for Rohtang pass this year. I will include information on different kind of permits available, how to apply for those, and some other updates from this year.

Rohtang Pass Permits 2018

Rohtang Pass Permits is a permission issued by DM office Manali for any vehicle to be allowed to travel to Rohtang La. This permit is issued on per vehicle basis and includes both cars and two wheeler. It is however not needed if you are cycling to Rohtang or traveling by either HPTDC or HRTC Bus. It is not issued on per person basis. So if you were 4 people traveling in one car, then the permit will be needed for one car and not four people in it. If you are trekking or cycling to the pass, you are free to go without a permit.

Also read: How to Plan a Trip to Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass Tourist Permit

There are two types of permits available for Rohtang Pass. One is for people visiting Rohtang from Manali which is known as the tourist permit. With this permit, you will only be allowed to travel to Rohtang and then will have to return to Manali on same day. You cannot go all the way to Rohtang top or cross it over towards Keylong. For this permit, you will need to pay a sum of Rs. 500 as permit fee and Rs. 50 congestion charge, so a total of Rs. 550 per vehicle. Heavy motor vehicles like buses, trucks and tempo travelers will have to pay Rs. 100 for congestion charge so a total of Rs. 600 per permit. The farthest you can go with this permit is Snow point on Rohtang Road.

This is the permit which is limited in number; only 1200 per day; is issued on first come first serve basis; and is becoming hard to get these days.

Beyond Rohtang Pass Permit

Second permit is called Beyond Rohtang Permit. This permit is issued for people who want to cross Rohtang over and then travel towards Ladakh, Spiti or Lahaul Valley. Using this permit, you will have to cross over Rohtang and cannot come back to Manali the same day. If you try to come back, you will be stopped at the check post and fined for it. For this permit, you will only have to pay a congestion charge of Rs. 50. Permit of Rs. 500 is not applicable for this permit. This is the permit which is not limited in number and is comparatively easier to get.

In both the cases, There will no refund if you do not use or try to cancel your permit.

If you were feeling a little smart and thinking about getting beyond Rohtang Permit because it is easier; or because you want to go all the way to the top; then please do not attempt to do so. There are check posts at both side of the Pass. Your pass and vehicle will be registered at both the check points. So if you obtained a Beyond Rohtang permit, you must cross the pass over, and come back only the next day. If you went till the top and returned on the same date; you will be stopped and fined heavily at Gulaba check post.

Documents Required

For getting a permit for Rohtang Pass, you will be asked to submit your vehicle’s pollution under control certificate; registration certificate, and your permanent driving license. Your vehicle should also not be over 10 years old. This is applicable for both four and two wheeler.

How to Get Rohtang Pass Permit?

You can get the permit either in person from DM office Manali; or apply for it online. If getting in person, you will first go to SDM office to deposit your documents between 10 AM till 1 PM. In order to collector the permit however, you will have to visit the office again between 3 PM to 5 PM. There is no way that you can get the permit before 3 PM; at the time you submitted the documents. It is time consuming process and will eat your entire day.

Rohtang Pass Permit Online Booking

Getting the permits online is however a bit easier. I have explained the entire step by step procedure at this article, How to Apply for Rohtang Pass Permit Online.

Rohtang Pass Permit App

The only change implemented this year in terms of Rohtang permits was the introduction of a mobile app. You can download this app from Google Play store. The app however can only be used to check availability of permits, validate your already issued permit, check status of your permit, and to download a copy of it. You cannot apply for the permit using mobile app. To get the permit, you will still either have to visit the SDM office in person, or visit the website.

Rules & Regulations

There is no change in terms of the rules applicable for these permits this year. For tourism purpose permits, a daily limit of 800 petrol vehicles and 400 Diesel vehicles is in effect. There is however no restriction in terms of number of vehicles for beyond Rohtang Permits. You still need the permit only when you are traveling from Manali to Rohtang. No permit is needed if you are coming from the other side of the pass towards Manali.

For Tourist Permit,

• Daily Permit Limit applicable remains to be 800 Petrol Vehicles and 400 Diesel Vehicles
• The permits can be obtained online in two time frames:
  • 1000 hrs (200 Diesel and 400 Petrol)
  • 1600 hrs (200 Diesel and 400 Petrol)
• In a week (Tuesday to Monday) only 3 permits can be obtained for each vehicle.
• No Vehicles are allowed on Tuesday as the day is marked for maintenance of Rohtang Pass.
• Permits can only be applied for next 6 days from the current date.
• Printout is compulsory for all permissions.
• Vehicles with incorrect information on permit as compared to valid proofs will not be allowed to cross the barrier.
• Congestion Charges are applicable for all vehicles crossing Gulaba Bridge. This tax is paid on daily basis and is valid for one day only (To & Fro).

For Beyond Rohtang Permit

• You are only required to pay the congestion of Rs. 50 or Rs. 100 for good vehicle.
• This tax is paid on daily basis and is valid for one day only (To & Fro).
• No Vehicles are allowed on Tuesday as the day is marked for maintenance of Rohtang Pass.
• Congestion Fees can only be paid for next 6 days from the current date.
• Printout is compulsory for all permissions.
• Vehicles with incorrect information on congestion fee slip as compared to valid proofs will not be allowed to cross the barrier.
• In a week (Tuesday to Monday) only 2 permits can be obtained for each vehicle.

Permit for Rohtang Pass

I hope the information above on how to get permit for Rohtang Pass was of help. If you have any other questions; please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Forum; and I will be glad to answer.