If you are planning a trip from Manali to Rohtang Pass, Lahaul Valley, Spiti Valley, or further to Leh – Ladakh, the Rohtang Pass permit question is one of the first things you need to sort out. Over the years, I have seen this permit system cause a lot of last-minute panic among travelers, mainly because the rules have changed multiple times since 2011, and the online portal itself went through a major migration in 2026. In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know for 2026: whether you actually need a permit (many travelers do not), the exact fees, daily quotas, step-by-step booking process, and the strategies that actually work during peak season when permits run out within minutes of release.
Last Updated: May 2026
Quick Answer: The Rohtang Pass permit 2026 costs Rs 550 (Tourism or Special permit) or Rs 50 (Beyond Rohtang congestion fee). Daily quota is 1,200 vehicles for the Tourism permit. Book online at rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in (note: the old rohtangpermits.nic.in domain has been migrated to this new .hp.gov.in portal). Permits are released twice daily at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM IST. No permits on Tuesdays. Vehicles older than 10 years are not permitted. If you are traveling to Lahaul or Leh via the Atal Tunnel, you do not need this permit at all.
| Detail | 2026 Info |
|---|---|
| Tourism Permit Fee | Rs 550 (Rs 500 + Rs 50 congestion) |
| Beyond Rohtang Fee | Rs 50 (congestion only) |
| Daily Quota (Tourism) | 1,200 vehicles (800 petrol + 400 diesel) |
| Special Permit Quota | 100 vehicles/day (60 petrol + 40 diesel) |
| Closed Day | Every Tuesday |
| Max Vehicle Age | 10 years |
| Booking Portal | rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in |
| Atal Tunnel | No Rohtang permit needed |
| Pass Altitude | 3,978 meters (13,050 feet) |
| Season | Typically mid-May to late October |

Do You Actually Need a Rohtang Pass Permit in 2026?
Quick Answer: It depends entirely on your route. If you are traveling to Lahaul, Spiti, or Leh via the Atal Tunnel, no Rohtang permit is required. You only need the permit if your vehicle physically crosses the Rohtang Pass road from the Manali (south) side. Most travelers heading to Ladakh via the Manali – Leh Highway now use the Atal Tunnel and skip the permit entirely.
This is genuinely the most important question before you start the permit booking process, and I want to address it upfront because a lot of travelers end up booking permits they do not even need. Let me break it down clearly.
The Rohtang Pass permit was introduced by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2011 to control vehicular traffic on the fragile Rohtang Pass ecosystem. At the time, Rohtang was the only road from Manali to Lahaul and further to Ladakh. That changed in October 2020 when the Atal Tunnel opened, providing a year-round alternative route through the mountain rather than over it.
Atal Tunnel Route (No Permit Needed)
The Atal Tunnel is a 9.02 km road tunnel that connects Manali (at 2,050 meters) to Sissu in the Lahaul Valley (at 3,060 meters). If you are heading towards Keylong, Jispa, Kaza, Chandratal, or further to Leh – Ladakh, the Atal Tunnel is now the standard route. No Rohtang Pass permit is required to use the Atal Tunnel. The tunnel saves about 4 to 5 hours of driving compared to the old Rohtang Pass road, avoids the altitude gain to 3,978 meters, and is open throughout the year.
However, note that vehicles entering Lahaul Valley (even via the Atal Tunnel) are required to register on the e-Aagman portal (eaagman.hp.gov.in). This is a separate, free registration process and is not the same as the Rohtang permit. Keep this in mind if you are going to Lahaul or Spiti through the tunnel.
Rohtang Pass Road (Permit Required)
If you specifically want to drive over the Rohtang Pass road, either for the experience of crossing a high-altitude pass, for snow activities near the top, or because you want the classic Manali – Leh mountain road drive, then yes, you need the permit. The pass sits at 3,978 meters, and the road from the Gulaba checkpost (on the Manali side) to Gramphu (on the Lahaul side) is the section that requires either a Tourism Permit, a Special Permit, or a Beyond Rohtang congestion fee slip depending on your destination.

Three Types of Rohtang Pass Permits in 2026
Quick Answer: Three permit types exist: (1) Tourism Permit for sightseeing at Rohtang (Rs 550, 1,200 vehicles/day, booked up to 6 days ahead), (2) Special Permit for private white-plate vehicles (Rs 550, only 100 vehicles/day, once per vehicle per season), and (3) Beyond Rohtang Permit for those traveling to Lahaul/Spiti/Leh via the pass (Rs 50, no daily cap, book 1 day ahead). Self-drive travelers should use the Special Permit category.
The permit system has three distinct categories, and which one you need depends on your destination and vehicle type. Let us look at each one carefully.
1. Tourism Permit (Rohtang Sightseeing)
This is the permit for visitors who want to go to Rohtang Pass for sightseeing, snow activities, or a general day trip without traveling beyond the pass. Mostly, this category is used by commercial taxis operating from Manali for day tours.
- Fee: Rs 500 permit fee + Rs 50 congestion = Rs 550 total
- Daily quota: 1,200 vehicles (800 petrol + 400 diesel), released in two batches
- Batch 1: 10:00 AM (400 petrol + 200 diesel)
- Batch 2: 4:00 PM (400 petrol + 200 diesel)
- Advance booking: Up to 6 days from today
- Weekly limit: Maximum 3 permits per vehicle per week
- Closed day: Every Tuesday, no exceptions
- Vehicle age: Maximum 10 years old
- Printout: Mandatory at Gulaba checkpost
2. Special Permit (Private Vehicles)
This is the permit category designed for private vehicles with white number plates. If you are on a self-drive trip, this is the category I suggest you apply under. The quota is much smaller (100 per day), which means local commercial taxis are not competing with you for the same slots. The one restriction to keep in mind is that each vehicle can only get one Special Permit for the entire season, so plan your Rohtang day accordingly.
- Fee: Rs 500 + Rs 50 congestion = Rs 550 total
- Daily quota: 100 vehicles (60 petrol + 40 diesel)
- Season limit: Only 1 permit per vehicle for the entire season
- Advance booking: Up to 6 days from today
- Closed day: Every Tuesday
- Additional document: Tourist address details required
3. Beyond Rohtang Permit (Congestion Fee Slip)
This is the permit for vehicles traveling beyond Rohtang Pass towards Lahaul Valley, Chandratal Lake, or Leh – Ladakh via the Manali – Leh Highway. It is essentially just a congestion fee, not a traditional permit with a capped quota. Everyone who applies gets it.
- Fee: Rs 50 congestion only (no permit fee). Rs 100 for buses and HMVs.
- Daily quota: No restriction, all applicants get it
- Advance booking: Only 1 day ahead (not 6 days like the others)
- Weekly limit: Maximum 2 permits per vehicle per week
- Direction: Required only for Manali to Rohtang direction. Vehicles coming from Lahaul or Leh side do NOT need it.
- Warning: If you apply for Beyond Rohtang but turn back at the pass without actually going beyond, a penalty is imposed.
Step-by-Step: How to Book Rohtang Permit Online in 2026
Quick Answer: Go to rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in (new portal for 2026), select your permit type, pick your travel date, fill in vehicle details (RC number, fuel type, passenger count), upload RC, PUC certificate, and driver’s photo ID, pay online (Rs 550 or Rs 50), verify OTP, download the PDF permit, and print it out before reaching Gulaba checkpost. The portal also has an official Android and iOS app.
The booking process is straightforward once you have your documents ready. Here is the exact sequence to follow.
Step 1: Visit the official portal. Open rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in on your browser. Note that the old rohtangpermits.nic.in domain has been migrated to the new hp.gov.in address in 2026. Both may work, but use the new one to be safe. You can also download the official Rohtang Permits mobile app from Google Play or the App Store.
Step 2: Select permit type. Choose from Tourism Purpose (for sightseeing at Rohtang), Special Permit (for private vehicles going to Rohtang), or Beyond Rohtang (for those traveling to Lahaul, Spiti, Leh). Do not mix these up as the quota systems are entirely different.
Step 3: Select travel date. For Tourism and Special permits, you can book up to 6 days in advance. For Beyond Rohtang, only 1 day in advance is allowed. Pick the exact date of your planned crossing.
Step 4: Enter vehicle details. Fill in your vehicle registration number exactly as it appears on your RC. Select vehicle type (car, bike, SUV, bus), fuel type (petrol or diesel), and number of passengers. Any mismatch between your permit and RC will result in being turned back at the Gulaba checkpost. Hence, double-check every character.
Step 5: Upload documents. You need three documents: (1) Vehicle RC (Registration Certificate), (2) PUC certificate (Pollution Under Control), and (3) Driver’s photo ID (Aadhaar, driving license, or passport). Make sure all three are valid and not expired. The PUC certificate, in particular, is often overlooked. Get it renewed before leaving home if it is close to expiry.
Step 6: Pay the fee online. Rs 550 for Tourism or Special permit, Rs 50 for Beyond Rohtang. Payment is through standard net banking or UPI.
Step 7: OTP verification. An OTP is sent to your registered mobile number. Enter it to confirm the application.
Step 8: Download and print. Once approved, download the permit as a PDF. A printout is mandatory at the Gulaba checkpost. Do not rely only on a digital copy on your phone. Keep a physical printout in your vehicle at all times on the day of travel.

Peak Season Strategies: How to Actually Get a Permit in June, July, August
Quick Answer: During June, July, and August, Tourism permits sell out within minutes of release at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM IST. To improve your chances: book 4 to 6 days in advance rather than last minute, be online exactly at 9:58 AM or 3:58 AM with your vehicle details already filled in, use the mobile app (sometimes faster than the website), avoid weekends and holidays, and consider switching to the Special Permit category if you have a private vehicle (smaller quota, less competition from commercial taxis).
This is the section most guides skip, and it is the one that matters most if you are visiting during peak season. The 1,200-vehicle daily quota for Tourism permits sounds like a lot, but Manali sees thousands of tourist vehicles daily in June and July. In my observation, the 10:00 AM batch typically gets exhausted within 5 to 10 minutes during peak weeks. The 4:00 PM batch lasts slightly longer but still goes fast. Here is what actually works.
Book 4 to 6 days in advance, not the day before. The system opens bookings up to 6 days ahead for Tourism and Special permits. Most travelers try to book 1 or 2 days before their trip and find nothing available. The slots for weekend dates (Saturday, Sunday) during July get taken as early as 5 to 6 days in advance. Book as soon as you have confirmed your Manali dates.
Have everything ready before 10:00 AM. Your vehicle RC number, PUC details, driver ID information, and payment method should all be open and filled in before the clock strikes 10:00 AM. The system does not hold your slot while you search for documents. Being even 2 minutes slow can mean the batch is gone. I suggest filling in all fields except the final submit, and then clicking submit at exactly 10:00 AM.
Try both the website and the mobile app simultaneously. The official Rohtang Permits app on Android and iOS sometimes processes faster than the web portal during high-traffic periods. If you have two devices, have one on the website and one on the app at the same time.
Avoid Saturdays and Sundays. Weekend demand is the highest. If you have flexibility in your itinerary, plan your Rohtang day for a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. Mondays can also be busy because travelers who missed Sunday permits sometimes attempt a Monday booking.
If you have a private (white-plate) vehicle, use the Special Permit category. Only 100 special permits are issued per day versus 1,200 for Tourism permits. But the competition is entirely different. Commercial taxis, which dominate the Tourism permit quota, cannot apply under Special. Hence, 100 slots with mostly private tourists competing is easier to crack than 1,200 slots with thousands of commercial taxis also competing. The trade-off is the season limit: one Special Permit per vehicle per season. So use it wisely.
Check permit availability before finalizing dates. The portal shows availability for upcoming dates. Before you set your Rohtang day in stone, check what slots look like. If this Saturday shows low availability, swap to Monday.

What If You Cannot Get a Rohtang Permit?
Quick Answer: If the quota is exhausted, try the next available date (check availability on the portal), try again at the 4:00 PM batch, or visit Solang Valley instead (no permit needed, similar snow experience, 14 km from Manali). If your goal is Lahaul or Ladakh, just use the Atal Tunnel instead and skip Rohtang altogether. The Atal Tunnel needs no permit and gets you to Keylong faster.
Permit denial is frustrating but not the end of your trip. Here is how to handle different scenarios.
Quota exhausted for your date: Check the portal for the next 6 days and pick the first date with available slots. Midweek dates almost always have availability even during peak season. If your itinerary is locked, try the 4:00 PM batch on the same day.
Your goal was just to see snow at Rohtang: Consider Solang Valley instead. Solang is about 14 km from Manali on the way to Rohtang, and snow is typically available there from November through May. In summer, it runs adventure sports (paragliding, zorbing, cable car). No permit is required to visit Solang Valley. You can read more about it in my Kothi and Solang Valley guide.
Your goal was to cross to Lahaul or Ladakh: Use the Atal Tunnel. Seriously, in 2026, the Atal Tunnel is the better option for this purpose anyway. It is faster (saves 4 to 5 hours), lower altitude (no risk of altitude-related vehicle issues at 3,978 meters), and open year-round. Register on e-Aagman for the Lahaul Valley entry and head through the tunnel. You will be at Keylong in about 2 hours from Manali instead of the 5 to 6 hours the Rohtang road takes in peak season traffic.
Your application was rejected (not quota-exhausted): Common rejection reasons include vehicle older than 10 years, mismatched RC details, expired PUC certificate, or reaching your weekly or seasonal permit limit. For RC or PUC issues, get them corrected and reapply. For the weekly limit, wait until the next week’s quota opens. For the seasonal limit on Special Permits, switch to the Tourism Permit category.

Documents Required for Rohtang Pass Permit
Quick Answer: You need three documents: (1) Vehicle RC (Registration Certificate) matching the exact vehicle you are driving, (2) PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate that is currently valid, and (3) Driver’s photo ID such as Aadhaar card, driving license, or passport. Keep digital copies on your phone and a printed copy in the vehicle on the day of travel.
The documents required are the same as for most vehicle permits in Himachal Pradesh. Let me go through each one so you know exactly what to prepare before you start the booking process.
Vehicle RC (Registration Certificate): This is the most important document. The vehicle registration number, owner’s name, and vehicle type on your permit application must match the RC exactly. Even a small difference in the vehicle number format (like HP vs H.P.) can cause issues at the checkpost. If you are driving a rented vehicle from Manali, your rental agency should provide the RC. Make sure it is the original or a certified copy. You can read my detailed guide on renting a bike in Manali if you are on a rented vehicle for this trip.
PUC Certificate (Pollution Under Control): This is the document that most travelers neglect. Your vehicle’s PUC certificate must be valid on the date of travel. If it expires while you are on the road, your permit application will fail. Check the PUC validity before leaving home, and if it expires within the next month, get it renewed. PUC tests are done at any authorized fuel station and cost Rs 80 to Rs 120 for a two-wheeler and Rs 100 to Rs 150 for a four-wheeler.
Driver’s Photo ID: Aadhaar card, driving license, or passport are all accepted. Your driving license serves double duty here since it also proves you are legally allowed to drive the vehicle. Keep a clear photo of it on your phone for easy access during the online application.
Atal Tunnel vs Rohtang Pass: Which Route Should You Take?
Quick Answer: For travelers going to Lahaul, Spiti, or Leh, take the Atal Tunnel. It is faster, permit-free, open year-round, and avoids the traffic chaos of the Rohtang Pass road. Only take the Rohtang Pass road if you specifically want the high-altitude pass experience, are visiting during early season snow, or want to include Rohtang sightseeing in your itinerary.
This is a comparison I get asked about a lot, so let me lay it out directly.
| Factor | Atal Tunnel Route | Rohtang Pass Road |
|---|---|---|
| Permit needed | No (just e-Aagman registration) | Yes (Rs 50 to Rs 550) |
| Distance Manali to Keylong | ~115 km | ~130 km |
| Driving time (peak season) | 2.5 to 3 hours | 5 to 7 hours (traffic) |
| Max altitude | 3,060 meters | 3,978 meters |
| Open year-round | Yes | May to late October only |
| Traffic | Manageable | Very heavy in peak season |
| Road condition | Smooth, well-maintained | Variable, rough patches |
| Scenic value | Tunnel, limited views | Open mountain vistas |
| Best for | Reaching Lahaul/Leh fast | Rohtang sightseeing/experience |
My recommendation: if your goal is to reach Lahaul Valley, Spiti Valley, or Leh – Ladakh, use the Atal Tunnel. The time saved is genuinely significant, especially in July and August when the Rohtang road becomes a slow crawl of tourist vehicles. Use the Rohtang Pass road only if Rohtang itself is part of your experience, not just a pass you need to cross.

2026 Portal Update: rohtangpermits.nic.in Has Moved
A specific update for 2026 that many travelers are not aware of: the Rohtang permit portal has migrated from the older rohtangpermits.nic.in domain to the new rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in address under the Himachal Pradesh government’s digital services infrastructure. The old .nic.in address may still redirect in some cases, but it is better to bookmark the new .hp.gov.in URL to avoid any issues during peak season when delays cost you your quota slot.
The interface and process remain largely the same. The official mobile app, available on both Android (Google Play Store) and iOS, has also been updated to point to the new backend. If you have an older version of the app from a previous Manali trip, update it before the 2026 season.
For any refund or query, the contact email as per official Kullu administration records is rohtangrefunds@gmail.com. Response times can be slow during peak season, so try to resolve any issues before your travel date rather than during it.
Important Rules and Things to Keep in Mind
A few rules that often catch travelers off guard, so I want to highlight them clearly before you head to the checkpost.
No permits on Tuesdays: The Rohtang Pass road is closed to tourist traffic every Tuesday for road maintenance. This applies to all permit categories. If Tuesday falls on a day you have planned to cross Rohtang, adjust your itinerary accordingly. Plan your Manali stay to avoid having Rohtang cross on a Tuesday.
Vehicles older than 10 years are not allowed: This rule was introduced to control emissions. If you are borrowing a vehicle or using a rental, check the registration date on the RC. A vehicle registered in May 2015 would cross the 10-year mark in May 2025 and would not be allowed from June 2025 onwards. Most Manali rental operators are aware of this and will not provide such vehicles, but verify on your own as well.
Printout is mandatory: A soft copy on your phone is not accepted at the Gulaba checkpost. Carry a printed copy. If you are staying in Manali, most hotels and guesthouses have printing facilities. Alternatively, there are several print shops in Mall Road area.
Weekly and seasonal limits apply: The Tourism Permit allows 3 permits per vehicle per week. The Special Permit allows only 1 per season. The Beyond Rohtang permit allows 2 per week. These limits are tracked through the vehicle registration number.
No permit for Atal Tunnel: Just to be very clear again, if you are using the Atal Tunnel route, no Rohtang Pass permit of any type is required. You will need the e-Aagman registration for Lahaul entry, but that is a free and separate process.
Atal Tunnel has a fee: The Atal Tunnel charges a toll. As of 2026, the fee for cars is approximately Rs 150 to Rs 200 one way (verify locally as toll rates are updated periodically). Motorcycles and lighter vehicles have lower rates.

Related Guides for Your Manali Trip
The Rohtang permit is just one piece of the Manali trip puzzle. Here are some other guides you will find useful for planning the larger journey.
- Rohtang Pass Permit Complete Guide (post 64527) – My detailed guide with full permit history, NGT background, and all permit types explained in depth
- Manali – Leh Highway Status 2026 – Current road conditions, BRO updates, and opening dates for the season
- Manali Trip Complete Guide from Delhi – Everything from Delhi to Manali including buses, taxis, and road details
- Manali – Leh Highway Travel Guide 2026 – Complete highway guide covering all passes, distances, and stopovers
- How to Rent a Bike in Manali 2026 – Tips for renting motorcycles for Ladakh and Spiti trips from Manali
- Lahaul Valley Complete Travel Guide – What to see, where to stay, and how to plan Lahaul from Manali
- Jispa vs Sarchu: Which Stopover to Choose – My recommendation for where to break your Manali to Leh journey
- Kothi and Solang Valley Guide – For those who want Rohtang-area snow experience without a permit
Frequently Asked Questions: Rohtang Pass Permit 2026
What is the current fee for Rohtang Pass permit in 2026?
The Tourism Permit and Special Permit both cost Rs 550 (Rs 500 permit fee plus Rs 50 congestion charge). The Beyond Rohtang congestion fee slip costs Rs 50 only for cars, bikes, and jeeps, and Rs 100 for buses and heavy motor vehicles. These fees have remained unchanged through the 2024, 2025, and 2026 seasons.
Which website is the official Rohtang permit portal in 2026?
The official portal in 2026 is rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in. The older rohtangpermits.nic.in domain migrated to this new Himachal Pradesh government address in 2026. Use the hp.gov.in URL to be safe.
How many days in advance can I book the Rohtang permit?
For the Tourism Permit and Special Permit, bookings open up to 6 days in advance. For the Beyond Rohtang congestion fee slip, only 1 day in advance is allowed. During peak season (June, July, August), I suggest booking 4 to 6 days ahead to ensure you get your preferred date.
Do I need a Rohtang permit if I am using the Atal Tunnel?
No. The Atal Tunnel is a completely separate route that does not pass through Rohtang Pass. If you are going to Lahaul, Spiti, or Leh via the Atal Tunnel, no Rohtang Pass permit of any type is required. You will need to register on the e-Aagman portal for entry into Lahaul Valley, but that is a free process separate from the Rohtang permit system.
Is Rohtang Pass open in May 2026?
Rohtang Pass typically reopens for tourist traffic in mid-May after BRO completes snow clearance. The exact opening date is notified by the Kullu administration, and the permit portal begins accepting applications within a day or two of the formal opening order. As of May 2026, the pass is in the process of reopening. Check the portal and the official District Kullu website for the confirmed 2026 opening date.
What documents do I need for the Rohtang permit?
You need three documents: (1) Vehicle RC (Registration Certificate), (2) a valid PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate, and (3) driver’s photo ID such as Aadhaar card, driving license, or passport. A printout of the permit itself is mandatory at the Gulaba checkpost on the day of travel.
How many Rohtang permits are issued per day?
For the Tourism Permit, the daily quota is 1,200 vehicles: 800 petrol and 400 diesel. Released in two batches of 600 each at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM IST. For the Special Permit (private vehicles), only 100 permits are issued per day: 60 petrol and 40 diesel. The Beyond Rohtang congestion fee has no daily quota limit.
Can I visit Rohtang on Tuesday?
No. The Rohtang Pass road is closed to tourist traffic every Tuesday for road maintenance and cleaning. No permits of any type are issued on Tuesdays. If you are planning your Manali itinerary, make sure your Rohtang day does not fall on a Tuesday.
What if my permit application is rejected or quota is full?
If the quota is exhausted, try booking for a different date (midweek dates usually have availability) or wait for the next batch at 4:00 PM. If your application is rejected for document reasons (expired PUC, vehicle over 10 years, mismatched RC details), fix the issue and reapply. If your purpose was to see snow or high-altitude scenery, Solang Valley (14 km from Manali, no permit required) is a good alternative. If your purpose was to cross to Lahaul or Ladakh, use the Atal Tunnel instead.
Which permit should a self-drive private vehicle use?
If you are on a self-drive trip in your own private (white-plate) vehicle, use the Special Permit category. The quota is smaller (100 vehicles/day) but so is the competition, since commercial taxis cannot apply here. The catch is that you can only get one Special Permit per vehicle per season, so plan your Rohtang day carefully before using it.
If you need Rohtang access more than once in a season (unlikely for a tourist), use the Tourism Permit for subsequent visits since the weekly limit there is 3 permits per vehicle.
I hope this guide helps you sort out the Rohtang Pass permit process before your Manali trip. The key points to take away: check first whether you even need the permit (Atal Tunnel users do not), book early if you do need it, use the new portal at rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in, and always carry a printed copy on the day of travel.
If you are heading to Lahaul or Ladakh, I would genuinely recommend the Atal Tunnel route for the time savings alone. But if crossing Rohtang Pass is part of the experience you are after, the permit is easy enough to get if you plan a few days ahead and follow the strategies above ๐ …
For any other questions about the Rohtang Pass permit system, your Manali trip, or the Manali – Leh Highway, feel free to ask in the comments section below. I am happy to help you plan it out. And if you found this useful, do share it with friends who are planning a Manali trip this season.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below ๐