The cost of a Rohtang Pass permit in 2025 is a total of ₹550 per vehicle. This fee includes a ₹500 permit fee applicable to all vehicles traveling to Rohtang Pass for tourism purposes and an additional congestion charge of ₹50 for cars and jeeps. Vehicles such as MUVs also incur the same charges, while buses and heavy motor vehicles have a ₹500 permit fee plus a ₹100 congestion charge. The permit is valid for one day only, covering a round trip (to and from Rohtang Pass). This system helps regulate the number of vehicles on the pass to reduce pollution and traffic congestion.
Details of the Rohtang Pass Permit Cost and Rules
- Permit Fee: ₹500 per vehicle for tourism.
- Congestion Charge: ₹50 for cars, jeeps, and MUVs; ₹100 for buses and heavy vehicles.
- Validity: The permit is valid for 24 hours and covers a round trip to Rohtang Pass.
- Vehicle Limits: The daily vehicle quota is restricted to 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles to control environmental impact.
- Permit Issuance: Permits are issued online based on daily quotas and can only be applied for up to six days in advance.
- No Vehicles Allowed on Tuesdays: The pass is closed every Tuesday for maintenance.
- Vehicle Age Restriction: Only vehicles less than 10 years old qualify for permits.
Application Process and Additional Costs
The permit can be obtained online on the official website rohtangpermits.nic.in, where permits are released twice daily—at 10 AM and 4 PM. It is essential to book well in advance during peak seasons as permits sell out quickly. Applicants must provide valid photo ID, vehicle registration details, and a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate at the time of application. A printed copy of the permit is mandatory to present at checkpoints.
Additional costs travelers should consider include transportation to and from Rohtang Pass, which may range from ₹3,500 to ₹4,500 for private taxis, or lower if shared taxis or buses are used. Equipment rentals like snow gear and food expenses are extra. Parking and optional recreational activities near the pass may also come with nominal fees.
Purpose of Charges and Impact
The permit fee and congestion charge serve multiple purposes: managing the volume of vehicles on the fragile mountain pass, reducing pollution, maintaining road safety, and funding maintenance activities. By limiting the number of vehicles, authorities aim to preserve the pristine Himalayan environment and ensure a safer experience for tourists. The congestion charges specifically apply to the section crossing Gulaba Bridge, designed to discourage traffic bottlenecks.
Summary Table of Rohtang Pass Permit Costs
| Vehicle Type | Permit Fee (₹) | Congestion Charges (₹) | Total Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car & Jeep | 500 | 50 | 550 |
| Multi-Utility Vehicle (MUV) | 500 | 50 | 550 |
| Bus & Heavy Vehicle (HMV) | 500 | 100 | 600 |
Final Notes
Travelers planning to visit Rohtang Pass must ensure they book permits early due to strict daily vehicle caps and peak season demand. Adhering to the permit rules—including vehicle age restrictions and no permits on Tuesdays—is crucial to avoid being turned back at checkpoints. The issuance of permits online and the fee structure help maintain the ecological balance and infrastructure of this much-loved Himalayan destination, ensuring its sustainability for future visitors.
