Rohtang - The Valley Of Lost Souls!
The Terrainspotter team had the most impromptu plan ever made to go to Rohtang! While we will not Preach what we Practice, it was a hell lot of fun though…when one plans for a calm and quiet two days at Manali and ends up at the super chilly Snow Point at 13500 ft in the skies after being driven amongst one of the most treacherous roads that we have seen in a long time! But then, it’s not just about Rohtang...It’s the overall experience that summates one by one – The cool drive among the hills and besides Beas River from Sundernagar to Manali, The Vibrancy of Old Manali, The Serenity of Kothi…these are the many experiences that you take along with you as you reach the icy Rohtang Pass!
With the road from Delhi to Chandigarh marred with diversions every 10 minutes(Due to the Panipat – Patiala Express highway construction) and then an equally bad road towards Ropar, it really aint a bad idea to fly down to Bhunter. You need to have slightly deeper pockets though, as a Return trip from Delhi – Bhunter will cost you anything between 12-14K.
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On the Winding Roads To Manali
Greetings along the way from the Beas River
The preferred and most popular way is normally via a drive from Delhi to Manali. In case Traavelling in a group like we did, hire a driver and then just enjoy the Stopovers at Murthal Dhaba(For the Paranthas), Chandigarh(This neat and clean town has probably the cheapest liquor rates in India…so you can stock up), and the savour the views of the hills and the flowing Beas river on the way to Manali!The final 120 Km’s to Manali is worth all the pain of driving down from Delhi!
The climate in Manali region is predominantly cold during winters(0 – 4 Degree Celcius) , and moderately cool (14 – 20 Degree Celcius) during summers.On the other hand, Rohtang Pass remains cut-off from the outside world till mid June due to heavy snowfall and closing of the roads beyond Kothi. So anytime between July to November is a good time to visit Rohtang pass. As for Manali, it’s an the all the year round destination!
Both Manali and Rohtang have unique history associated with them.
The word Manali is regarded as the changed name of "Manu-Allaya" which actually means "The Abode Of Manu". Legend has it that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world.
Rohtang Pass on the other hand has for long connected the Kullu valley with the Lahaul Spiti Valley. Due to hundreds of lives lost due to Bad Weather while crossing this pass, the name Rohtang actually means – Pile Of Dead Bodies!It is famous worldwide for it’s unexpected bad weather Tantrums.
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View from our Hotel in the evening – Bliss!
There are no staying options at Rohtang, so it is recommended to set your base in Manali….especially Old Manali(Due to the laidback feel it has to it). There are more than 13000 Room Nights available in a single night in Manali, so getting a room won’t be difficult. The Himalayan Village and the Manuallaya(Formerly the Ambassador) are the high end hotels(5K – 6K for a Double Room). There are many other Mid Range hotels like Manali Hieghts, Sterling Resorts , De Bellagio(Where we stayed) which are available within 2.5 – 3 K for a Double Room/Night. Negotiate hard as competition between hotels is huge and prices will be brought down. Make sure that you include Breakfast as part of the Package when negotiating! Make sure that your room has an open view of the hills as that’s utmost important!For more details on the best Hotel rates, please visit here : http://goo.gl/fNofm
The distant view of the snow capped mountains from Manali Town
The Hills come cl0ser and closer!
On the way at about 12 Km’s, we pass through this small village called Kothi.The views from Kothi are breathtaking and at 7900 the conditions are also not that harsh! There is a map of the entire Himachal Trekking Region with all the Passes and lakes and Glaciers inscribed on it!
Passing Through Kothi
All you ever needed to know about Trekking in the Himalayas
After the town of Kothi, the road starts getting seriously narrow and at many places, one vehicle has to either back up to find space or precariously wait by the side of a 2000 Ft drop(Scary Feeling but nice when you think about it later!). About 12 Km’s from Kothi, is a place called Morhi , which is a hub for Paragliding activities. Although we did not Parasail, as we were on a tight schedule to see Rohtang and go back and shop and stuff…one can imagine the feeling flying like bird amongst the Himalayas!
Stopping at Morhi
One can stop at Morhi to have some tea or Maggi. Don’t expect anything more than the forementioned and maybe Biscuits in these makeshift shops and there are certainly no Restaurants and Hotels. Post that, hold on to your seats as the next 15-20 Km’s are on muddy and stoney roads with breathtaking views all around!
The last lap to Rohtang Starts
Tourists stopping by to admire the beauty!
At the pass finally!
Once at Rohtang, hire a mule or trek another 3-4 Km’s up to the snow point. A slight caution with people with Ashthma problems as air is really thin here!
At The Snow Point
Normally the best thing is to start descending by 2 PM – 3 PM as bad weather can come anytime and in darkness, driving is even more difficult!
Well after the trip to Rohtang and back…there’s lot more to do actually. Be sure to check out the Tibetan Market at Manali for quality woolenwear that’s very affordable.Another must buy is the ‘Yak Skin Blankets’ which are really soft!
A Yak Skin Blanket
Want to take a break between shopping? Gorge on the Trouts either fried or grilled…but whichever way you try them…they are Delicious!
Yummy Trouts ready to be fried
Closure
Well, The journey to Manali and then to Rohtang is an experience that lingers on. There’s so much beauty all around that one cannot cover it all in a single post. The colonial feel of Old manali, the dreaded roads to Rohtang, the breaktaking views all around, the wonderful people…they all make you go back…with a strong yearning…to come back to ‘Manu’s Abode’ and ‘The Valley Of The Dead’
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Thank You Sir/Madam!
Thanks for that awesome posting. Useful, and it saved MUCH time! :-)