Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, near the town of Manali. Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, serves as a major gateway for travelers heading to this popular Himalayan destination. This route is frequently traveled by tourists seeking adventure, scenic views, and a chance to experience the mountains.

This guide will help you understand the main ways to travel from Chandigarh to Rohtang Pass, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will also find practical travel tips, step-by-step plans, and advice on what to expect upon arrival.

Getting from Chandigarh to Rohtang Pass – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Chandigarh to Manali is a popular option for those who prefer a comfortable and scenic journey before continuing by road to Rohtang Pass. However, there is no direct train to Rohtang Pass, so you must combine train and road travel.

• Chandigarh Railway Station is well connected to major cities and offers regular trains to Joginder Nagar or Pathankot, which are the nearest railheads to Manali, with travel times ranging from 4 to 7 hours depending on the train.

• From Joginder Nagar or Pathankot, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Manali, which is approximately 90 to 110 kilometers away, taking 3 to 4 hours on hilly roads.

• Train fares from Chandigarh to Joginder Nagar or Pathankot typically range from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on the class, with options like sleeper, second class, and AC coaches available.

• Trains can be crowded during peak tourist seasons such as summer holidays and festivals, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is advisable to secure seats.

• Monsoon season may cause delays due to landslides or track maintenance, so check train status before traveling during July to September.

Bus

Buses are a common and economical way to travel from Chandigarh to Manali, the base town for Rohtang Pass. From Manali, you can take local transport to reach Rohtang Pass.

• Regular Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private buses operate from Chandigarh ISBT to Manali, covering about 310 kilometers in 8 to 10 hours depending on road conditions.

• Bus fares range from ₹400 to ₹900, with options including ordinary, deluxe, and Volvo buses offering varying comfort levels and amenities.

• Buses depart frequently in the morning and evening, but seats fill quickly during summer and weekends, so booking tickets online or at the bus station in advance is recommended.

• The route passes through NH205 and NH3, with several toll plazas and scenic stops where you can find food and restrooms, such as Bilaspur and Mandi.

• During winter months, heavy snowfall may block roads to Rohtang Pass, so check weather and road status before planning your bus journey.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Chandigarh to Rohtang Pass is a flexible and popular choice for travelers who want to explore at their own pace and enjoy the scenic mountain highways.

• The distance from Chandigarh to Rohtang Pass is approximately 310 kilometers via NH205 and NH3, with a typical driving time of 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Private cars, taxis, and self-drive rentals are available in Chandigarh; self-drive cars can be booked through platforms like Zoomcar or local agencies with valid Indian driving licenses.

• The route includes toll plazas such as the Kiratpur toll and several mountain checkpoints; toll fees and permits for Rohtang Pass must be arranged in advance during the tourist season.

• Road conditions are generally good but can be challenging in monsoon and winter due to landslides, fog, and snow; carry chains and emergency supplies if driving in these seasons.

• Popular rest stops include Mandi and Kullu, where you can find fuel stations, restaurants, and local markets for refreshments and breaks.

Flight

While there is no airport at Rohtang Pass or Manali, flying to the nearest airport and continuing by road is a fast option for travelers coming from Chandigarh or other cities.

• The nearest airport to Rohtang Pass is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), located about 50 kilometers from Manali and 360 kilometers from Chandigarh.

• Flights from Chandigarh to Bhuntar are limited and may require a connection via Delhi or Chandigarh to Delhi and then to Bhuntar; flight time varies from 1 to 3 hours including layovers.

• From Bhuntar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Manali, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on hilly roads.

• Flight fares fluctuate seasonally but typically range from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 one way; booking early is essential during peak tourist seasons.

• Weather conditions such as fog and snow can cause flight delays or cancellations, especially in winter, so check flight status before traveling.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Chandigarh to Rohtang Pass. It will help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets in advance through IRCTC or HRTC websites to secure your preferred travel date and class, especially during summer and holidays.

• If traveling by train, disembark at Joginder Nagar or Pathankot and arrange a taxi or bus to Manali; confirm vehicle availability beforehand to avoid waiting times.

• From Manali, obtain the Rohtang Pass permit online or at the local permit office, as it is mandatory for vehicles to enter the pass area during the tourist season.

• Hire a local taxi or join a shared cab from Manali to Rohtang Pass; private vehicles require permits and are allowed only during certain hours to control traffic.

• Carry warm clothing, water, and snacks for the journey to Rohtang Pass, as weather can be cold and food options limited at higher altitudes.

• Plan your return trip considering daylight hours and weather forecasts, as the mountain roads can be challenging after dark or during adverse weather.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a valid photo ID and printout of your Rohtang Pass permit, as police and forest officials check documents strictly at checkpoints.

• Drink only bottled water and eat at clean, popular eateries along the route to avoid stomach issues common in hilly areas.

• Book your bus or train tickets at least a week in advance during peak season, as last-minute availability is limited and prices may surge.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Chandigarh and Manali for safe and transparent fares; avoid unmetered taxis.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and basic medicines, as weather changes quickly at high altitudes.

• Check weather and road conditions daily during monsoon and winter months, as landslides and snow can cause sudden closures and delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Chandigarh to Rohtang Pass is from May to October, when the roads are mostly clear and the weather is pleasant. Winter months bring heavy snowfall, making the pass inaccessible for several months.

Summer months attract many tourists, so expect crowded roads and limited accommodation in Manali. Early morning departures help avoid traffic jams and allow more time to enjoy the pass.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi, as roads and transport services become overcrowded and expensive.

• Monsoon season (July to September) can cause landslides and slippery roads, leading to delays and safety risks on the route.

• Winter months (December to February) often close Rohtang Pass due to snow; check local government updates before planning your trip.

• Depart early in the morning from Chandigarh to avoid city traffic and reach Manali with enough daylight for onward travel to Rohtang Pass.

Arrival at Rohtang Pass & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Rohtang Pass, you will experience breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and valleys. The pass is a popular spot for tourists, so expect crowds, especially during peak season.

Local transport options from Manali include shared cabs and taxis that operate on a permit system. There are no direct public buses to the pass itself. Accommodation is not available at Rohtang Pass, so staying in Manali or nearby villages is necessary.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are recommended for the Manali to Rohtang Pass journey to avoid overcharging. The pass area has limited food stalls and basic facilities, so carry essentials with you.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Rohtang Pass from Chandigarh depends on your preferences. For comfort and speed, flying to Bhuntar and then taking a taxi is best. For budget travelers, buses and trains combined with local transport offer good options. Driving yourself provides flexibility but requires careful planning and permits.

Plan your journey by booking tickets and permits early, checking weather and road conditions, and preparing for mountain travel challenges. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip from Chandigarh to Rohtang Pass, experiencing some of the most beautiful landscapes in India.