Is Rohtang Pass open all year round, and what’s the difference between Rohtang Pass and the Atal Tunnel for travelers in 2025? Hi travelers, I’m planning a Himachal trip in 2025 and I’m a bit confused about **Rohtang Pass vs. Atal Tunnel**. * Is **Rohtang Pass open all year round**, or does it still close during the winter months due to heavy snowfall? * What is the **difference for tourists between crossing Rohtang Pass and using the Atal Tunnel**? * Which one is better in 2025 in terms of **scenic beauty, travel time, safety, and convenience**? * Do travelers still need **permits for Rohtang Pass**, and are there any such rules for the Atal Tunnel? * If I want both the **adventure of Rohtang** and the **ease of the Tunnel**, how should I plan my itinerary? Would love to hear recent traveler experiences and tips so I can make the most of my trip in 2025. Thanks!

This is one of the most common questions from people planning a trip to Manali. Both **Rohtang Pass** and the **Atal Tunnel** are major attractions, but their accessibility depends heavily on the season. --- ### 🏔️ **Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft)** * **Open Season:** Mid-May/June to October (exact dates depend on snowfall). * **Closed Season:** November to May due to heavy snow accumulation. * **Experience:** Known as the “snow gateway,” Rohtang offers panoramic views, glaciers, and adventure activities like skiing, snow scooter rides, and snowball fights. * **Permits:** A permit is required to visit Rohtang (book online through Himachal Tourism). There is a daily vehicle limit to reduce traffic and pollution. * **Key Point:** Even if you visit in winter, you **cannot cross Rohtang Pass** because it remains snowbound and dangerous. --- ### 🚇 **Atal Tunnel (9,022 ft)** * **Open Season:** All year round. * **Purpose:** Connects Manali with Lahaul Valley by bypassing Rohtang Pass. * **Experience:** You can drive through the world’s longest highway tunnel at this altitude and reach Sissu (Lahaul Valley) in just 30 minutes from Manali. * **Snow Access:** Even in peak winter (December–February), you can drive through the tunnel and find snow on the Sissu side. This is why Atal Tunnel has become the **go-to place for snow lovers year-round.** * **No Permit Required:** Unlike Rohtang, there is no special permit needed to drive through Atal Tunnel. --- ### ✅ **Which Should You Choose in 2025?** * **For Snow in Summer (June–September):** Go to **Rohtang Pass** – nothing beats the high-altitude snow experience. * **For Snow in Winter (Dec–Feb):** Visit **Atal Tunnel + Sissu**, since Rohtang is closed. * **For Adventure Lovers:** Ideally, do both if you’re visiting in summer → Rohtang for the high pass experience, Atal Tunnel for the engineering marvel and quick access to Lahaul. --- ### 🔑 **Conclusion** * **Rohtang Pass** = Seasonal, requires a permit, open mid-May to October, best for classic snow and adventure. * **Atal Tunnel** = Open year-round, no permit, best for quick access to snow in winter. Together, they make Manali a **year-round snow destination** in 2025.

Is Rohtang Pass open all year round?

Yashwantkk

Is Rohtang Pass open all year round, and what’s the difference between Rohtang Pass and the Atal Tunnel for travelers in 2025?

Hi travelers,

I’m planning a Himachal trip in 2025 and I’m a bit confused about Rohtang Pass vs. Atal Tunnel.

Is Rohtang Pass open all year round, or does it still close during the winter months due to heavy snowfall?
What is the difference for tourists between crossing Rohtang Pass and using the Atal Tunnel?
Which one is better in 2025 in terms of scenic beauty, travel time, safety, and convenience?
Do travelers still need permits for Rohtang Pass, and are there any such rules for the Atal Tunnel?
If I want both the adventure of Rohtang and the ease of the Tunnel, how should I plan my itinerary?

Would love to hear recent traveler experiences and tips so I can make the most of my trip in 2025. Thanks!

maha

This is one of the most common questions from people planning a trip to Manali. Both Rohtang Pass and the Atal Tunnel are major attractions, but their accessibility depends heavily on the season.

—

🏔️ Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft)

Open Season: Mid-May/June to October (exact dates depend on snowfall).
Closed Season: November to May due to heavy snow accumulation.
Experience: Known as the “snow gateway,” Rohtang offers panoramic views, glaciers, and adventure activities like skiing, snow scooter rides, and snowball fights.
Permits: A permit is required to visit Rohtang (book online through Himachal Tourism). There is a daily vehicle limit to reduce traffic and pollution.
Key Point: Even if you visit in winter, you cannot cross Rohtang Pass because it remains snowbound and dangerous.

—

🚇 Atal Tunnel (9,022 ft)

Open Season: All year round.
Purpose: Connects Manali with Lahaul Valley by bypassing Rohtang Pass.
Experience: You can drive through the world’s longest highway tunnel at this altitude and reach Sissu (Lahaul Valley) in just 30 minutes from Manali.
Snow Access: Even in peak winter (December–February), you can drive through the tunnel and find snow on the Sissu side. This is why Atal Tunnel has become the go-to place for snow lovers year-round.
No Permit Required: Unlike Rohtang, there is no special permit needed to drive through Atal Tunnel.

—

✅ Which Should You Choose in 2025?

For Snow in Summer (June–September): Go to Rohtang Pass – nothing beats the high-altitude snow experience.
For Snow in Winter (Dec–Feb): Visit Atal Tunnel + Sissu, since Rohtang is closed.
For Adventure Lovers: Ideally, do both if you’re visiting in summer → Rohtang for the high pass experience, Atal Tunnel for the engineering marvel and quick access to Lahaul.

—

🔑 Conclusion

Rohtang Pass = Seasonal, requires a permit, open mid-May to October, best for classic snow and adventure.
Atal Tunnel = Open year-round, no permit, best for quick access to snow in winter.

Together, they make Manali a year-round snow destination in 2025.