Manali: The majestic Rohtang Pass, which is still wrapped in a thick blanket of snow near this picturesque tourist resort of Himachal Pradesh, will be opened for the tourists from Sunday (May 26) disclosed SDM Manali Vinay Dhiman at a press conference here today.
Presently tourists are not allowed to travel beyond Marhi 35 km from here, as road maintenance after snow-clearing operation was going on.
Rohtang Pass, the gateway to adventure tourism destinations of Lahaul Valley, was cleared of winter snows April 25 but only the locals and government functionaries were allowed to cross the pass disclosed BRO sources
However, the ban on travelling in a vehicle that does not bear Himachal Pradesh registration number will remain in force.
Dhiman said the tourists would have to hire a local taxi from Kothi, 15 km from Manali, if they want to travel upto Rohtang.
“The local drivers are familiar with the local topography and weather conditions. This helps checking roads blockades and accidents,” he added.
He said three police check posts would be set up at Kothi, Marhi and Rohtang to regulate the tourist traffic.He added that one traffic system would introduced. He added that from Manali the vehicles would be allowed for rohtang pass between 6 AM to 11 am and from Rohtang to manali between 1pm to 5pm only and on Tuesday the tourist would be allowed only puto Marhi.
Located 52 km from here, the Rohtang Pass connects Manali with Leh in Jammu and Kashmir. It also plays an important role in the movement of the armed forces to the forward areas in Ladakh.
Photo by Sanjay Dutta
Sanjay Dutta, an engineer by qualification but is a journalist by choice.
He has worked for the premier new agency Press Trust of India and leading English daily Indian Express.
With more than a decade of experience, he has been highlighting issues related to environment, tourism and other aspects affecting mountain ecology.
Sanjay Dutta lives in a village close to Manali in Kullu valley of Himachal.
