Rohtang Pass shuts beyond Gulaba as black ice makes roads treacherous
Vehicular movement has been halted beyond the Gulaba barrier towards Rohtang Pass following black ice formation and sub-zero temperatures. Additional District Magistrate Ashwani Kumar issued an order to close the road beyond Gulaba after a joint inspection by the administration, police and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on November 30. The inspection recommended the closure to prevent accidents and shift the Marhi police check post to Gulaba.
Although the region has not experienced significant rain or snow, falling temperatures have caused road icing, making travel hazardous. Previously, the district administration had restricted vehicle movement between 12 noon and 4 pm from November 5 due to BRO’s ongoing road construction work. Despite restrictions, approximately 500 vehicles accessed the Pass daily during permitted hours.
Rohtang Pass, a major tourist attraction, is officially closed for traffic beyond Gulaba annually on November 15. However, dry weather allowed vehicle movement until November 30 this year, extending beyond the usual timeline. Last year, vehicles were permitted to reach the Pass until November 26 under similar conditions. Traditionally, the road reopens for traffic in late May, depending on weather conditions.
Tourists can no longer visit Rohtang Pass until the winter season ends. Consequently, the website for online permits, in compliance with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directions, has been closed. Manali Subdivisional Magistrate Raman Kumar Sharma confirmed the road closure.
With Rohtang Pass now inaccessible, visitors are expected to turn toward alternative attractions such as Solang Nala and the Atal Tunnel. However, these areas, including Koksar and Sissu in Lahaul, have also not received snowfall, diminishing the region’s appeal for snow-seekers. Snow remains a significant draw for tourists visiting Kullu-Manali, and local tourism stakeholders remain optimistic for a snowy Christmas and New Year season to boost visitor numbers.
