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Non – HP Vehicles Need Permit on Manali – Rohtang Pass Road
The traffic jams at Manali – Rohtang Pass road has infused the HP Govt. to take a confusing bullish step and ban non – HP vehicles to ply on Manali – Rohtang Pass road 
… I am not sure why this decision has been made because even the HP vehicles (taxis and locales) are equally responsible for creating the traffic jams on Manali – Rohtang Pass road as compared to non-HP vehicles. IMHO, taxi drivers who ply on Manali – Rohtang Pass road are much careless when it comes to breaking queues and block the traffic coming from other sides to create jams. I know there are many people who go from plains and do the same things but again in my personal opinion this is the lapse of people being uncivilized rather than HP or non-HP vehicles.
I guess this will definitely impact the travelers influx rather tourists, who prefer to go for an adventure drive to Rohtang Pass rather than seeing the dirt and slush over there in tourist season. If at all they wanted to solve the issue of traffic chaos at Manali – Rohtang Pass road, they must regulate the traffic going beyond Rohtang that is towards Leh – Ladakh and Keylong and start the bus services rather allowing private taxis to Rohtang Pass, or even limit the number of private taxis to the amount of parking space which the administration boasts off. This would have been much better choice rather restricting entry of non-HP vehicles on the Manali – Rohtang Pass road. But, again this will affect the local livelihood, which would not help GOVT. in their own interests.
Here are the contact details on Manali, SDM office:
Balbir Thakur (Sub-Divisional Magistrate)- 09418460974, 01902254100, 01902254200
Timings for the SDM Office, Manali are 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM and do keep in mind that SDM Office Manali will be closed on National / Local Holidays, Sundays, Second Saturdays. So, you need to plan your journey accordingly so that these holidays or closure of SDM office may not hamper your plan. If that is the case and you are reaching Manali on any of the day when SDM Office, Manali will remain close then try to get the permits in advance through a hotel or travel agent in Manali.
Documents Required for the permits of Manali – Rohtang Pass Road
You need to present them of your driving license and vehicle registration papers/certificate or tell them the vehicle registration number only. To get the permits in advance through some travel agent or hotel staff, you can send fax or scanned copy of the driving license and tell them the vehicle registration number.
Fees/Charges for the permits of Manali – Rohtang Pass Road
I guess there is no fees or charges for the permits. Of course in case you get them issued through some hotel/travel agent then they may charge you for their own services.
Summary
Finally, following is the summary of the steps enforced which may help you plan your journey accordingly, especially for the people going to Leh – Ladakh.
- Restricted the entries of non-HP registered LMVs on Manali – Rohtang Pass road which includes cars not bikes.
- If you are going to Keylong or Leh – Ladakh from Manali in non-HP registered vehicle (be it private or taxi) then you need to get a permit issued from SDM office in Manali to travel on Manali – Rohtang Pass road.
- Bikes do not have any restrictions or do not need any permits. So, if you are doing Manali – Leh journey on bike you do not need any permits from plying on Manali – Rohtang Pass road.
- If you are coming from Keylong side or Kaza side, then you do not need any permit to ply on Manali – Rohtang Pass road even if you have a non-HP registered vehicle. Permit is required only if you are going from Manali side towards Rohtang Pass.Strange but true
… - Restricted the entries of trucks on Manali – Rohtang Pass road from 6.00 AM – 6.00 PM
Read More Below:
Manali, June 26
Waking up to the plight of tourists trapped in traffic jams on the Manali-Marhi-Rohtang stretch highlighted in these columns, the district administration has decided to close down Rohtang Pass for out-of-state vehicles from tomorrow and restricting the entry of trucks from 6 pm to 6 am.Though hoteliers, taxi operators and travel agents have hailed the decision, Leh, Spiti and Keylong-bound tourists state that the decision is discriminatory.
According to the tourists, they pay green tax, but are not allowed to visit the place of their choice. “It is the duty of the hoteliers and the Tourism Department to provide parking and make the stay hassle free,” commented Harish Shah, a tourist from Delhi.
Kullu DC BM Nanta, after convening a meeting of the BRO, police and hoteliers, decided that only non-HP vehicles to the Rohtang Pass would be allowed to ply beyond Kothi to ease up traffic problem on the Gulaba-Marhi-Rohtang stretch.
Nanta said the Leh or Keylong-bound private vehicles would have to take permits from SDM, Manali. “This will ease up traffic congestion and make tourists stay comfortable,” he added. A high-level police team under IG (Central Range) JR Thakur and SP Kullu Abhishek Dular today inspected the traffic regulation between Manali and Rohtang. The team found the condition of Marhi-Rohtang stretch in poor condition. Dular said about 60 policemen had been deployed to regulate traffic. “We have enough parking lots at the Rohtang Pass, Beas Nala and Marhi,” he claimed.
Source: From today, non-HP vehicles can’t enter Rohtang Pass
To completely plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway, check the travel guide for Manali – Leh Highway on the below link: Travel Guide for Manali – Leh Highway
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Dheeraj Sharma:-Hi Zazen, For Vento taking on Manali - Leh Highway, I will suggest you rea
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69 Comments
Hi Dheeraj,
Myself Monish Could u kindly help me on this,
We are planning to hire an Innova(All India permit) from Delhi and Want to Continue the entire trip with same vehicle to Leh and Manali.
We are hitting the Road from Srinagar end.. We would get the permits as well. Wanted to check whether the same vehicle can be used in Leh and Manali… I mean non HP vehicle.. Kindly help me out on this.Or specfically can we hire the vehicle which is regeistered under J&K and HP… For Leh and manali Thank you
Hi Monish,
The only problem I see is that Delhi taxi will not be allowed for sight seeing purposes within Ladakh. Rest you do not need any permits for Manali or Himachal because you will be coming down from Rohtang Pass towards Manali and permit is required only while going up. So, for Ladakh sightseeing you will have to hire another vehicle and keep this one at your hotel or taxi stand
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Deerej ji I am planning to travel from Leh to Manali I have an important issue and i.e. I want to travel by my own Skoda yeti 4 X 4 diesel. As per your information there is no filling station from Leh to Tadi. My query is can I get Diesel at Tadi filling station as someone told me Tadi is only petrol filling station. Kindly clarify ? and in that case what shell I do ?
Deepak Kaul
Bhopal
Hi Deepak,
I doubt the source of information you had because most of the taxis running over Manali – Leh Highway use Tandi petrol pump for diesel. It might be possible that it would not have been available some day or other but it should happen rarely. Best option is to tank full at Manali and carry about 10 Ltrs in spare to avoid any such risk and if unused, it can be used anyday throughout the rest of the long trip in heaven
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
this rule is still in effect?
what if every state bans vehicles of other states to ease traffic?
Hi Shrinidhi,
Welcome to the blog, nice to see you here
Coming back, yes it is still in effect
, and this year there might be more confusion because no taxi or car will be allowed to park on Manali – Rohtang Pass road including the local taxis. Nothing is clear about this rule but it has been announced because state govt. with HPTDC would be running 5-6 deluxe buses to de-congest the Manali – Rohtang Pass route.
If every state bans the vehicles from other states the perhaps driving enthusiasts like you and me and many others would be cursing all those GOVTs like we do for HP one for banning other states vehicles
. Hard to know the real logic behind this rule 
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
[...] permits for vehicles outside Himachal to ply on Manali – Rohtang Pass road. For more details, click here). But, if you are a Foreign National visiting the regions of Lahaul – Spiti Valley and [...]
Hi Dheeraj,
This is Vrigu From Hyderabad.
I Saw that you mentioned that it is possible to rent bikes in Manali and drop them at Leh. Can I please know that what will be the extra cost incurred in this process?
Actually I am searching frantically for this piece of info since the last 3 days. So, If such a process exists, I can directly fly back from Leh to Delhi without having to return to Manali to return the bike. This would save me a couple of days time which I can spend in Ladakh.
Can you please help me out on this info? I will be really grateful!
Thanks and Regards,
Vrigu Mohanty.
Hi Dheeraj,
You mentioned that it is possible to rent bikes in Manali and drop them at Leh. Can I please know what will be the extra cost incurred in this process?
I’m frantically searching for this information for the past couple of days because if such a service is available, then I can Fly back to Delhi from Leh, rather than riding all the way back to Manali. It will save me a couple of days time and I can use them in Leh instead
Can you please help me out on this piece of info ? I will be really grateful. Thanks!
Regards,
Vrigu Mohanty
Hello Vrigu,
Yes, there are couple of bike rentals in Manali (sorry I do not know them) provide services where you can rent their bikes and drop them in Manali. I do not have in contact but I am pretty much sure that there are vendors that rent the bikes which can be dropped in Leh. You can check with some travel agents in Manali and they will surely be able to help you out else you can drop in at Manali and search yourself. There are high chances that you will get one. I am not too sure that if they charge high amounts, if at all that will be minimal because the other way round (Leh to Manali) is true as well.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks alot Rahul, I am glad that the information was useful for you. Let me know incase you have some queries or doubts regarding trip to Ladakh.
Regards,
Dheeraj sharma
this article along with the comments became a valuable source of information for planning the trip to ladakh.
Thanks alot Rahul, I am glad that the information was useful for you. Let me know incase you have some queries or doubts regarding trip to Ladakh.
Regards,
Dheeraj sharma
Which part of himachal pradesh will be the best to be in the month of dec. (25th – 31st) Dharamsala circuit or Chamba circuit or kinnaur(kalpa).
Hello Munmun,
I just replied to your earlier query on Itinerary for Dalhousie – Dharamshala – Manali at the below link: http://devilonwheels.com/index.php/first-snowfall-at-manali-rohtang-pass-winters-2010/#comment-5754
In Himachal if you are looking forward for snow in December then best place is to head towards Manali as the snowline or snow points are very approachable and you have all the amneties at your disposal in Manali town. So, you enjoy every bit of your vacation if you are planning to relax in the lap of mother nature. Dharamshala, Mcleod Ganj are good but if it has not snowed inthe season in December then it will be hard to find snow there where as in Manali both Rohtang Pass Snow Points viz. Gulaba and Marhi as well as Solang Valley snow points are very much approachable. Kinnaur Valley will be big no for December as it snow heavily in that region, its too cold and sometime in the places like Chitkul even becomes inaccessible for days. Even in Sangla the water pipes freezes and thereby shortage of water can also be caused. So, untill you are ready to experience the tough cold conditions, do not plan Kinnaour Valley in December.
Hence, try going with the first plan I suggested, I hope you will really enjoy the vacation along with snow in such a case. I hope this helps.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
[...] IMPORTANT NOTE: Himachal Pradesh Govt. has banned the movement of non-HP registered vehicles on Manali – Rohtang Pass road with effect from 27th June 2011 onwards. If you are going towards Leh – Ladakh or Keylong in non-HP registered vehicles then you need to get permits from SDM Office in Manali. Bikes do not need any permit and are free to move on Manali – Rohtang Pass road, be it HP registered or not. So, basically the ban is for LMVs having number plate outside Himachal Pradesh. If interested, read more at the following link: Non – HP Vehicles Need Permit on Manali – Rohtang Pass Road [...]
Hello Nishi,
Thanks buddy for warm appreciation. Nishi, well the best thing to do in such a case is to go from Manali to Delhi in HPTDC overnight Volvo. The biggest advantage is that you can hire the HP taxi and they are the ones who drive best at such a place. If you get stuck they are the ones who can arrange help easily not the ones from plains. They have local support and no matter what they rule that terrain no matter how tough the conditions are. IMHO, drivers from plains shall never be trusted to drive in such a terrain as you never know what the experience is. When I went last year, we met a guy driving Innova taxi Delhi number with a family had stars all over his face. When we asked why, he replied that it is the first time he is driving in hills and owner has sent him straight to Ladakh as all other experienced ones were busy
… Adding to it, the taxi which you will take from Delhi will not be allowed to roam in Ladakh so you need to again hire a taxi there plus you need to give taxi from Delhi waiting charges unnecessarily. So, think before you hire taxi from Delhi.
Still, regarding getting the permits in advance kindly check the number below and try contacting them, they may help you out for the same to get the permits in advance.
Ashok Thakur – 09816086135 (Rana Tours and Travels. I do not know him personally)
Kamlesh Thakur – 09418428957 (Hotel River View. I stayed in his hotel but he may/may not remember me. He may help you too, I feel)
They may charge about 100-200 Rs for the permits and required document details are given in the article above.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have any queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
I appreciate all your help for the tourists, thanks buddy.We are planning to go Manali from Delhi on 12th August and from Manali to Leh-Ladakh planning either 14th August or 13th August morning. Problem is we are planning to hire taxi from delhi and we need to register this cab to drive in Manali- Leh highway. Date 14th,15th August will be holiday….and I think we can not register it.
Do you have any contact or online form to get per mission for Non HP vehicle permission in advance from Delhi or online. If you have any friends they know the contact people they can do in behalf of us.
Thanks in advance …..:)
Thanks a lot Dheeraj . Will keep in you in the loop
Hello Neeraj,
You can surely take a flight from Delhi to Leh and then spend two days for resting there to acclimatize your body, get permits for your travel in Ladakh and then return via Manali. It will also help you enjoy Manali – Leh Highway in a better way. You can follow the below plan if you like –
14th Aug – Fly Leh to Delhi
– Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
– Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough.
– Do not over exert your body at any cost.
– Ask Hotel staff to arrange Inner Line Permits for you. They will charge more but I guess it will save some time for you. You will need permits for Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso
– Any one of you can also get the permits done if he/she feels fit after 2-3 Hrs of rest. Key is not to over-exert.
– Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
– Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
– Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own on first day.
– After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
– If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
– Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
– Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
15th Aug – Leh Local Sightseeing
– Utilize this day to relax in Leh and around which may include Leh Palace, Main Market, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa
– Shopping in Main market
– Evening stroll on Changspa road. If possible try to live near by Changpsa as it is lively place of Leh.
or
15th Aug – Leh Local Sightseeing around of Sham Valley.
– Leave a bit early from Leh in the morning after your breakfast at the Hotel or any near by place if you explored on previous days.
– Visit Indus and Zanskar Confluence at Nimmu, Basgo Palace, Likir Monastery, Alchi Monasteries, Magnetic Hills and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
– You can skip few of these places if you like to devote more much time at less number of places
– Overnight stay in Leh
16th Aug – Leh to Khardung La to Diskit (Nubra Valley) to Hunder/Diskit
– Diskit monasteries can be covered in the afternoon along with Lord Buddha statue.
– In the evening you can go to Hunder to have double humped camel safari on sand dunes
– Stay either at Hunder or come back to Diskit which has more stay options.
17th Aug – Hunder/Diskit to Sumur to Panamik to Sumur to Khardung La – Leh
– Sumur has a famous monastery and Panamik is known for hot water springs.
18th Aug – Leh – Hemis/Thicksey Monastery – Pangong Tso – Leh
– Visit either of Hemis or Thicksey monastery while going to Pangong Tso
19th Aug – Leh – Sarchu
– Start your return journey towards Manali on Manali – Leh Highway
– Call Ravi from Leh if he can arrange the HP number taxi for you on your return and fix the deal and pickup spot with him. They will take only 4-5 K while the taxi from Leh to Manali (Leh number) will cost about 13-14 K. This is because HP number taxis are not allowed to carry passengers back to Manali from Leh. Same is true for Leh number taxis in HP that is why the charges of one way are so high. If you can fix the deal with any of the driver from opposite side, it makes your travel very economic. However, while traveling in Leh you should not disclose your deal with Manali driver to any of your taxi driver in Leh – Ladakh. Ravi if present there will take you back withing 4-5 K or arrange his colleague who is coming back when you plan to come.
– Stay in any tented accommodations present in Sarchu. Do not forget to bargain hard.
20th Aug – Sarchu – Manali
– Reach Manali in the evening.
21st Aug – Manali – Delhi
– Enjoy the first half of the day in Manali and then start your journey back to Delhi by evening Volvo bus to reach Delhi on 22nd morning as intended.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have queries.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj , didn’t read your reply earlier.
a lot ddepends on our budget , it seems the air fare from delhi to leh is manageble and if only one way is charged we could easily get a cab from leh to manali on our return journey. We will have to do away with the srinagar tour which makes sense as we don’t have much time and would help us spend more time in Leh.
thanks
Hi Dheeraj
Can we plan this way…take a flight to Leh ..spend about 4-5 days and return back via road to enjoy the Leh Manali route? Will we get a one way cab from Leh to Manali? Or should we try for Leh Sringar route for our return journey?
Hello Neeraj,
First of all if you go from Srinagar side and come back via Manali side then it will help you better acclimatize and reduce any chances of mountain sickness.
Now, regarding your queries, its best to hire the taxi from Manali and go to Manali by overnight Volvo bus on 13th evening. First the drivers are more known to the route so less trouble which is a big advantage right now. Second no need to go through the permit process.
Taxis from Manali are bound to charge only one way as they are not allowed to roam in Ladakh. They charge about 13-15 K for a drop to Leh from Manali. Do not contact any travel agent but talk directly to the taxi drivers on Manali taxi stand. You can talk to Ravi – 9816508774, he runs a Tata Sumo on that route and is really good driver. First reach Manali and then talk to many drivers yourself on Manali taxi stand and once you have bargained with them then call Ravi and ask him if he is ready to take you guys on anything less what you finalized with others. I think he may remember me so you may give my reference, Dheeraj from Delhi – 4 guys last year, leh flash floods time, I guess he will remember. He may discount further 1K or so.
Please let me know from which side (Srinagar or Manali) are you interested to start the trip, I will suggest the required itinerary then.
Let me know for any queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
We are planning a road trip to ladakh from delhi via manali and returning via srinagar.the trip is planned between the night of 13th Aug and morning of 22nd Aug.Our concern is regarding the vehicle. Do you suggest us to hire a taxi from delhi itself or should we hire it from manali If we hire our taxi from Delhi the problem would be getting a permit. We would reach Manali on 14th morning which happens to be a Sunday and the SDM office would remain closed. Is there a possibility that we could reach Manali via volvo service and then hire a taxi from Manali which could charge us just one way? Can you help us with some travel agent contacts in Manali? Can you help us with an itenary that woudl suit ou plans or are we over doing it?
Hi Jayesh,
Well the Manali – Leh Highway has not been affected by the cloud burst yet and vehicles are plying on it. Once you reach there then there are no alternate route except that you go to Srinagar from Manali and then onto Leh. But, so far there has not been any news that traffic is affected on Manali – Leh Highway. That site where the cloudburst struck is away from Manali town and is near Dhundi.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj,
i just read ur article about cloudburst in manali. we r going to start for manali tonight. can u pls tell me about the road status of the manali-leh highway. if status is not good then what r the alternate routes r there?
Hi Ravi,
October is not an ideal time to go to Ladakh but still please find my replies below -
I suppose you are tend to leave Manali on 4th October and start your return journey from Leh on 8th October. Firstly, October generally is the call of winter season in Leh – Ladakh and high passes start receiving snowfall, so there are likely chances of them closing down. The Manali – Leh Highway is officially closed in November generally when the snow clearance is not further possible so in October it can be done as BRO will clear any blockages (if happens so) but these may be the limitations in October -
1. On Manali – Leh Highway you will not get many accommodation as it is the season close time and generally the tented accommodation at Pang and Sarchu tends to pack up.
2. Be ready for the halts or breaks in the journey due to road closures owing to snowfall. Hence, go prepared with lots of spare food (dry fruits is must), heavy woolens and plenty of drinking water which may last a day or two.
3. Raid – de – Himalayas expedition is also planned somewhere in October only, so the may also create some blockages if their dates clash with yours. But, this is not a big concern overall.
Having said all that, it is weather which can be unpredictable and if lucky you may complete the trip without any blockages or bad weather. But, my point of quoting them is just to make sure that you go prepared.
Secondly, Manali – Leh is too much a journey to be covered in a day and will take about 16-18 Hrs. Also, you run high risk of being hit by acute mountain sickness. So, please do not attempt it. Do it with one night halt at Jispa or Keylong to avoid any AMS issues. Jispa/Keylong – Leh will also take about 12 hours so leave as early as 6 AM from Jispa or Keylong. Cold conditions will make it tough, I know.
Looking at the number of days, you have just 2 days 6th and 7th Oct because 4th and 5th Oct will be utilized in covering Manali – Leh and on 8th you plan to return. If there is any delay due to bad weather or blockage due to snowfall at the passes then those two days are also looking to be utilized. So, overall you will be covering so much distance just to touch one day in Leh. Even if you get two days then first day will be spent in local sightseeing of Leh and to take rest and permits to visit Khardung La or Pangong Tso day trip on the next day. I guess you should add more days to your plan. Currently, plan seems like below –
4th Oct – Manali to Keylong/Jispa
5th Oct – Keylong/Jispa to Leh
6th Oct – Leh Local Sightseeing including Leh Palace, Main Market, Shanti Stupa, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa. Take inner line permits either for Pangong Tso or Khardung La. If you plan not to visit any of them then no permit is required.
7th Oct – Leh – Khardung La – Leh (Permits required)
or
7th Oct – Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh (Permits required)
or
7th Oct – Leh local sightseeing including Sham Valley (No Permits required)
– Visit Sham Valley circuit which includes Indus and Zanskar Confluence at Nimmu, Basgo Palace, Likir Monastery, Alchi Monasteries, Magnetic Hills and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
– You can skip few of these places if you like to devote more much time at less number of places
or
7th Oct – Leh Monastery Tour which includes Hemis, Thicksey, Shey Palace. (No Permits required)
Regarding taking the drivers from Manali I will mail you the contact of a driver who run his own taxi but he is very good in that terrain. You can contact him if he is ready to go along with you and then may be take one of his colleague as well to drive the other one.
I hope this help. Please let me know if you have any queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
hello sir;
i have gone through alll of ur comments and replies stated i am happy to see such a dedication in ur all mails. my few queries has been automatically sorted out by reading the mails but some of them still left .
can u help me out in this !!!!!!
i with my family and few friends (13 in all) will be leaving from delhi to visit leh laddakh via manali. my trip will start on 4th of october from manali and will return on 8th of october i just want to know that will the route be in favourable conditions ie as it will be closing time so any major problem is not their. and secondly can i do day and night countinuous journey from manali till i reach leh or is it necesaarrry to halt at any place.
last but not least is that i have three gud friends those have gud driving skills as we have far away to mussorie manali shimla but still as talking ofg leh i still want precaution to be taken i want to know can i find a driver from manali to drive my cars as thier will be two suv’s and how much do they charge for a return trip from manali to leh and roll back down.
thanks for the above reply’s again
ravi kumar
Yes, Sundeep!! They always do that that is why its always good to drive in a passive, pessimistic and defensive way. You should always be alert on every corner while driving in hills especially because the guys running the Mahindra Pickups, Taxis, Bus Drivers, Local Bikers never understand the way to drive. Its extremely pathetic that in our country of billions we can’t even find thousands who drive sensibly. They just don’t care what may be waiting next door and these hideous minds put the lives of passengers and other traveling on road on ultimate risk. We always have to drive with a mindset that other will hit you on the road and you have to dodge them and this holds true almost every where in India be it hills or be it plains. Aggression or racing with them may lead to some harsh consequences in which we are the only one who may suffer without any reason but just aggression. So, drive sensibly always is the key.
The above step of banning the vehicles is opening the new source of income among the locals as many of us driving across Rohtang Pass will be reaching late in evening and those who are short on time will have to take these permits in advance. So, an opportunity for travel agents and hotels to make extra income. Also, this will help local taxi walas to have more passengers each season.
I guess the idle scenario must have been something like running many many buses for the tourists interested in Rohtang Pass and very limited taxis. But, this way administration would have to answer the taxi union of course. Outsiders can’t go there and just strike up but locals can as that is the source of their income.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Manish,
Well to answer both of your queries, its certain that you will find worse roads of your life on Marhi – Rohtang Pass road as there the conditions are horrible due to slush. Do expect 3-4 hours of jam atleast to cross that 17-18 KMs of stretch between Marhi – Rohtang Pass. On rest of the route the conditions are fine barring few bad sections here and there. Once you reach Leh roads will further improve. Pulsar can do it and I have seen many of my friends do it but do drive with care. In the slush of Rohtang Pass road and water crossing near Zingzing Bar, you guys need to work in team to get each other put by pushing the vehicles from behind.
As for the schedule I guess you are planning for about 9 days i.e. 31st July not August which leaves just three days in Ladakh. Well, yes you are doing it in hectic way so the best you can do is below -
Day 1 – Delhi to Manali
Day 2 – Manali to Jispa/Keylong
Day 3 – Jispa/Keylong to Leh
Day 4 – Leh local sight seeing, arrange inner line permits.
Day 5 – Leh – Khardung La – Leh
Day 6 – Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
Day 7 – Leh – Sarchu
Day 8 – Leh – Manali
Day 9 – Manali – Delhi
Alternately, if you can arrange the permits in advance through some hotel or travel agent then you will be able to leave for Nubra Vally on Day 4 itself and cover it like
Day 4 – Leh – Khardung La – Diskit (Nubra Valley) – Hunder/Diskit
– Cover Diskit monasteries in the afternoon and double humped camel safari in the evening at Hunder.Either stay at Hunder or come back to stay at Diskit
Day 5 – Hunder/Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
– Sumur has a famous monastery and Panamik is know for hot water springs. If you plan to skip them then you will reach Leh and do local sightseeing of Leh which includes Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Local market.
Rest you can follow as suggested above.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have further queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
Once again one more query as we are bunch of guys who are working in offices so we have plan to start on 24th July from Delhi to Ladakh and back to Delhi by 31st August, please confirm the itinerary based on that and also confirm will it be hectic and if it will be hectic then what will be ideal itinerary for one week schedule
Dear Dheeraj,
I must say that u r really helping people, we are planning to start our trip from Delhi on 24th Early morning on bikes please confirm that the condition and weather is OK and do Pulsar 150 CC will be suffix the requirement or Bullet is necessary.
Reply tomorrow itself will be much appreciated as no time is left.
Hello Sundeep,
I agree with you to great extent but not to forget that there are people from plains as well who take the driving in the hills very lightly and ignore. Yes, the Manali local drivers are worse for their drivings and being local they take raw and unfair advantage to abuse outsiders, break lines/queues, overtake rashly, honk madly and cause traffic jams. Its majority of the time you will find some local guy overtaking and breaking the queue which causes jam. Having said that there are people from hills even who do the same rather in plains like NCR you will find roads full of IDIOTS who does the same and cause jams.
Since the Idiots of the plains don’t dare to challenge the locals and adding to the fact that their less driving skills in that unknown terrain, they take a step back from them and try to maintain the queues. BUT, this is only because they are afraid either of the terrain or of the locals abusing them NOT that they are literate. If given a choice they will surely break the queues as they do right here in plains and cause the jams. I guess its overall the same everywhere you go in India. Driving sense and patience is too poor and low in people here.
I know this decision to ban outside vehicle is supported with pathetic reasoning of outsiders being unskilled drivers. So, the intent may be right but little less researched biased behavior and unreasonable explanation is some what the main issue here.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Sundeep Said via Email:
I went to Manali, Rohtang last year on 28th June in my own car.
I feel that the real cause of accidents in Manali are the illiterate, un-knowledgeable, rash, and idiot drivers of Himachal itself.
I really mean ILLITERATE here because the drivers of cab just see the road, and the steering. They don’t know how to use horn, indicators etc.
Those idiots don’t know the traffic rules. Driving in hill doesn’t mean you can break lanes, overtake, drive at 80+ on hills.
I was amazed at the way the Himachal cabs were driving on the Rohtang road… All of them rash and all overtaking.
Hello Luc,
That’s great that now yo have the contacts. I suggest you to hire the bike within time, test the bike for about a day or so and get the fixes done before you finally go for Manali – Leh highway.
Loop through Padum is not possible as there isn’t any motorable road. That is a long trek which exist from Padum upto Darcha. So, as you have already figured it out that is not feasible. The best way to come to Manali via Srinagar is through Dharamshala/Palampur route with Dharamshala / McLeod Ganj being one day halt to spice up the trip.
You will be covering Manali – Leh (sightseeing) – Kargil – Srinagar – Jammu – Pathankot – Dharamshala / Mcleod Ganj – Mandi – Manali
Once, you reach Srinagar it will take about 3 days to reach Manali like
Srinagar – Jammu/Pathankot
Jammu/Pathankot – Dharamshala/Mcleod Ganj
Dharamshala/Mcleod Ganj – Manali
Manali – Delhi
So, in all to return bike to Manali you will need to travel atleast two more days because Jammu/Pathankot – Delhi is manageable in a day. Now you also have the option to hire bike from Manali such that after you complete the tour in Leh – Ladakh you drop the bike in Ladakh and cover either Leh – Srinagar in shared taxi and then same to Delhi or take flight to Delhi or reach Jammu and take train to Delhi etc. This way you will save these two extra days required just to return the bike as you do the entire loop.
If you are not doing the loop then you can always comeback via same Manali route again to return the bike. The route via Udaipur is more treacherous and will require a lot more time I should say with Sach Pass in the way.
I hope this helps and I haven’t confused you. Feel free to let me know in case you have some confusion or doubts or any queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Preet Pal,
You have got pretty little time left for you. I will mail you my contact details. Regarding getting the permits in advance kindly check the number below and try contacting them, they may help you out for the same to get the permits in advance.
Ashok Thakur – 09816086135 (Rana Tours and Travels. I do not know him personally)
Kamlesh Thakur – 09418428957 (Hotel River View. I stayed in his hotel but he may/may not remember me. He may help you too, I feel)
They may charge about 100-200 Rs for the permits and required document details are given in the article above.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have any queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Chandra,
Well in that case no permits are required. If the vehicle is going from Manali side then only you need to take the required permits. If some one is coming from other side of Rohtang Pass that is either from Keylong / Leh or Kaza side then no permits are required.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have any queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
hello dheeraj i m paling to leh laddakh trip via manali route can i get your contact details i want to know about permit to manali and leh route … my trip will be start on 20 july so i have very less time …just write me a mail
i will be very thankful for you…:) i want the permit in advance …
thanks you
regards
preet singh
Hi Dheeraj,
Many thanks for your opinion re renting a bike in Manali or Delhi. I found two guys in Manali who might be able to help. Considering time constrains and possible rain in the valley I would probably start from Manali. I was hoping to drive in a loop Manali, Leh and then back via Padum. But looking at the blogs and the google map from 2009 it doesn’t seems possible.
Would you say the best option then is Kargil, Srinagar then either via Udaipur or Dharamsala? What would you recommend and how much time would it take. Or is it too long and not much in it?
Thanks again it’s really great to be able to consult a local expert!
Luc
Hi!
We are planning to come to Rohtang pass from Leh side. Where should I get the permit for Non-HP Vehicles then?
Please clarify.
Thanks,
Chandra
Hello,
Can anyone recommend a reliable Enfield bike renter in Manali? I had various information as the local renters have bikes in poor conditions and I would be better off starting from Delhi. Is that true?
If you have any recommendation please provide an email or a web reference.
Many thanks for your help
Luc
Hi Luc,
O Yes, both places offer bikes not in good condition i.e. Manali and Delhi but Delhi ones are much better than Manali rented bikes of course comparatively. IMO, hiring bikes from Delhi will help you in two ways, one you will get the feel of the bike and can get the required fixes done on tthe route to Manali from Delhi or after reaching Manali itself. Secondly, this test ride will be helpful in knowing the limitations of the bike before you venture into real adventure roads of Manali – Leh Highway which lacks civilization and thus mechanic shops for almost more than 350 KMs.
So, hiring it from Delhi would be better choice than from Manali. In case you are good with the mechanics of the bikes then you may hire from Manali itself and then test ride it for a day or two around Manali and check the feel of the bike yourself. If you find any glitches that can be corrected in Manali itself in that case. Once, you are satisfied then you can ride it to Leh. Of course hiring from Manali gives you the choice to take it upto Leh and then drop at Leh only without requiring to return to Manali. So, incase you need to come via Srinagar or fly directly back to Delhi from Leh and do not want to come back to Manali then it will be best to rent the bike from Manali.
Since, I drive not ride so cannot provide the contacts immediately but I will try to find any contacts if I have from my archives and update you regarding the same.
Let me know incase you have any queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Gaurav,
You can get the permits if you reach by noon Gaurav as its just a 10-15 minutes process. But anyhow, Check the number below and try contacting them, they may help you out for the same to get the permits in advance.
Ashok Thakur – 09816086135 (Rana Tours and Travels. I do not know him personally)
Kamlesh Thakur – 09418428957 (Hotel River View. I stayed in his hotel but he may/may not remember me. He may help you too, I feel)
Let me know incase you need more info.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, I will be reaching Manali on 15th noon and would want to go ahead to ladhak on the morning next day that is 16th, friday. could you please provide me the information of someone who could get me the permit in advance, to avoid hassles. Please do the needful if possible.
Thanks & regards.
Hi Naresh,
I have just updated the article again to put the required information. You can go through it to get more details on the charges and documents required and how to get the permits for Manali – Rohtang Pass road in advance.
You can get the permit from SDM office, Manali by presenting them the copy of your driving license and vehicle registration number or vehicle registration certificate copy. These permits are issued free of cost and there are no charges for the same. If you want to get the permits in advance then you need to get them through some travel agent or hotel staff. Of course, they will charge from you for their services. I will mail you one or two names, you may contact them for the same.
Well, yes you can travel to Leh in August in your own car but of course do expect some worse road conditions upto Rohtang Pass for sure. The roads only improve when rains resides the Northern India and generally the road conditions remains same upto that point. If you want better roads then try early September.
Please let me know in case you have queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
HI SIR
this is naresh from delhi, iam planning a trip to leh by xylo which is UP registered on 13-8-2011 on 14th we will start from manali is there any possibility to get permit in advance and how we can get it is that agood time to travel leh with own wehicle
ok boss.
Hi Jayesh,
I am really sorry as I ain’t a biker so don’t have any such image or link to help you out with loading stuff on the bike in Saddle bag. I will try to search over net and other travel forums and see if I can find one for you.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj good morning,
do u have any picture or article on “loading the luggage on bike” as we r taking saddle bags with us…..but still i would like to hear from u.
thanks for ur last reply.
hi dheeraj
can u pls tell me approximate distance in between upashi and karu? and what r the accommodation facilities available at upashi or karu? PETROL PUMPS ARE AVAILABLE AT UPSHI RT?
Jayesh, the distance between Upshi and Karu is about 20 odd KMs only. The accommodation and food facilities at Upshi are pretty basic, kind of home stay types.
Yes, Petrol Pump is available at Upshi and Karu as well, AFAIK
Hi Ganesh,
Go or avoid it is barely your call but its unlikely that you will get snow up there in white color
… Chances of rain are are likely as monsoon will be all over the place. Last year when I crossed to Rohtang in last week of July, it was all free from snow and deserted with rain causing havoc on road towards it. Rohtang Pass will be open anyhow. I hope this helps. Let me know in case you have more queries.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello,
I am planning to Manali and Rotang Pass in this july last week of 2011. Is it better option to go or avoid it. And how many chances is rain & Rotang pass would be open or not in july last week 2011.
Thanks
Regards
GEN
Not really, Jayesh. Manali – Rohtang Pass road now a days is more remembered for horrible experience of pathetic road conditions, nothing much scenic. The real beauty starts once you reach Northern portal of Rohtang Pass or may be even top of Rohtang which may offer some really great views. Overall, you won’t miss much or may miss very tiny bit of it
…
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Jayesh,
Thanks a lot brother… I am glad that the information present on the blog is useful for you and you like it. Thanks again!!
Wishing you a very happy, pleasant and safe journey. Do share the pictures with us too on the FB page.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Mr. JB Singh,
Thanks for the update. I wish you a very pleasant, safe and happy journey. Try share the pictures on FB page with us too
…
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
hi, dheeraj
one more doubt…….! as if we start to leh from manali early morning 5.00am we may missed some photography scenes ……..?
thanks dheeraj,
ur experience, detailed knowledge really inspiring to me. extremely happy with the way u gives us all information. if i have any more doubt surely will get back to u.
Hi Dheeraj
just to update you my Manali-Rohtang permit is done on the basis of a scanned copy of my driving license and car registration. thanks for your advise.
Hi Jayesh,
Its really good that you plan to travel to Bilaspur on the same day when you reach Ambala. It will surely save some extertion for you guys because the traffic snarl at Bilaspur is most frustrating while going to Manali. With this decision you will fresh when you reach Manali the next day and will be able to enjoy the ride to Manali as well. At Bilaspur, you can try HPTDC properties which are right on the highway, if you are left with time in the day or face difficulty in finding accommodation then try and reach Sundernagar the same day which have ample of stay options and lovely surroundings as well.
Manali to Rohtang Pass is about 51 KMs and is in one hell of a condition. It will take about 2-3 Hrs for you to reach Rohtang Pass, if you do not face any traffic jam as the roads are full of slush and dirt. If you get the traffic jam then no limit my brother as the traffic jam can even last for days at Rohtang Pass. That is why its really important to leave as much earl as possible from Manali.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have questions or doubts.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
thanks Dhiraj. very helpful. i will get back once it is done. cheers jb
hi, dheeraj can u pls tell me how much time will take from manali to rohtang pass. also as we r reaching to amabala cantt. on 24 morning 9.30 am approx. our first plan was to travel from ambala to manali on 25 july which is 6 hrs. now we r planning to reach bilaspur on 24 july( same day we reach to ambala) which is 3 hrs.and next day that is on 25 july we will travel bilaspur to manali. is it ok? i think this can save our exertion and we will be more energetic for manali- leh route. how is accoommodation facility at bilaspur….?
hi, i am vishal from maharashtra and we 6 of us r going for manali – leh – srinagar on 23rd of this month. can u suggest me the itinerary for 12 days and we are plaaning to come in pajero from maharashtra. thanks.
Hi Vishal,
I have already replied to your comment on the other post of the itinerary. Feel free to discuss the same on the link below where the reply has been made.
Check link below for reply:
http://devilonwheels.com/index.php/leh-ladakh-sample-itinerary-2/
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj,
always thanks to ur replies.
we r planning to complete manli-leh journey in two days but with such a heavy traffic do u think this may take long time to complete journey on manali-leh highway for bikes. as we r traveling on 25 July so this situation may be changed na…..?
Jayesh, yes by then lot of tourist rush will be shredded and only people interested in Leh will be present. Make sure to start early morning from the manali by 5 AM or at max by 5.30 AM. you will only find heavy traffic upto Rohtang and beyond that you will be riding almost alone or with 3-4 oil tankers on majority of the route. Just leave Manali as soon as possible in the morning. The late you depart, the more traffic you need to face.
Hi,
am travelling on the Leh Manali road on the 11th of July and will arrive into Manali on saturday late evening which means i cannot get a permit issued on saturday (2nd Sat 0 or sunday. is there a way to get it done in advance. do we know what they charge and the documents required. many thanks for an update on this. … cheers jb
Hello JB Singh,
In that case if you are reaching on Saturday evening then its best that you book hotel in advance and ask the guy to arrange the permit for you. I feel they will charge about Rs 200 if you do it from travel agent or hotel staff. The documents will be photocopy or fax of your photo identity proof like Passport, Driving License, and the papers of the vehicles I guess. You need to fax them to a travel agent or hotel staff in Manali, to get the permit in advance.
Let me know incase you need more info.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
hi, we r traveling on manali – leh highway on 25 July
with two bikes from maharashtra so will it be any problem for us…….?
Hi Jayesh,
Nopes for bikes there are no permits required, so there will not be any problem for you. Even for the cars there isn’t such a big problem however from now on some amount of time will get wasted in Manali for getting the required permits from SDM office in Manali. I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma