There was a time when every trip to Manali meant one thing. Wake up at 4 am. Stand in line for permits. Rent snow suits. Drive for hours in traffic. Reach Rohtang Pass. Click photos. Leave.

I did it three times.

The first time, it felt magical. Snow walls towering above the road. Cold wind slicing across my face. Himalayan peaks stretching endlessly.

The third time, it felt exhausting.

And that is when I stopped going to Rohtang Pass.

This is not a hate story. It is an honest one. And if you are planning a trip to Manali, searching for “Is Rohtang Pass worth visiting?”, “Best alternatives to Rohtang Pass,” or “hidden places near Manali without crowd,” this might help you make a better decision.

Is Rohtang Pass Worth Visiting in 2026?

Short answer: It depends on what kind of traveler you are.

If you want:

• First time snow experience
• High altitude mountain drive
• A popular Himachal bucket list spot

Then yes, Rohtang Pass can be worth it.

But if you are looking for:

• Peaceful Himalayan landscapes
• Authentic mountain culture
• Less crowded viewpoints near Manali
• Offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh

Then you might feel disappointed.

Here is why I stopped going.

What Changed at Rohtang Pass?

Rohtang Pass sits at 13,050 feet and connects Kullu Valley to Lahaul and Spiti. It used to feel remote.

But now:

• Hundreds of vehicles line up daily
• Permit restrictions limit entry
• Long traffic jams are common in peak season
• Snow activities feel commercialized
• Litter occasionally spoils the landscape

The last time I went, I spent more time inside the vehicle than outside enjoying the mountains.

And I realized something important.

I was chasing a famous destination, not a meaningful experience.

The Permit Hassle and Environmental Impact

To visit Rohtang Pass, you need an online permit issued by the Himachal Pradesh government. Slots fill quickly during peak summer months. Here is the direct website link for applying online for the permit – Rohtang Permit

Practical challenges include:

• Waking up early to secure permits
• Paying green tax and vehicle fees
• Risk of sudden weather closures
• Oxygen drop at high altitude

Many travelers underestimate altitude sickness. At over 13,000 feet, some people feel breathless, dizzy, or nauseous.

Overtourism has also impacted the fragile ecosystem. The mountains deserve better than traffic congestion.

That thought stayed with me.

Where I Go Instead: 4 Peaceful Alternatives to Rohtang Pass

These places gave me what I was originally searching for at Rohtang. Snow, silence, raw Himalayan beauty.

Without the chaos.

1. Gulaba Viewpoint, The Quiet Snow Alternative

Located before Rohtang Pass on the same highway, Gulaba is often used as an alternative when Rohtang is closed.

But here is the secret.

Even when Rohtang is open, Gulaba feels calmer.

You still get:

• Snow during winter months
• Wide mountain views
• Dramatic landscapes
• Shorter travel time

No separate Rohtang permit is required in many cases, which makes planning easier.

The first time I stopped at Gulaba instead of continuing upward, I felt relief. The silence was back.

2. Sethan Village, The Hidden Himalayan Escape

Just 12 km from Manali lies Sethan, a tiny Buddhist village few tourists know about.

It offers:

• Snow-covered landscapes in winter
• Igloo stays
• 360-degree Himalayan views
• Peaceful village life

Unlike Rohtang, Sethan feels personal. Children wave. Locals smile and say “Julley,” a greeting common in the Lahaul region.

I once stayed overnight in a small homestay here. No traffic horns. Just snowfall tapping against the window.

That night changed how I saw Manali.

Also read –15 Best Places to Stargaze in India in 2026 & 5 My Favourite

3. Hampta Valley Instead of Hampta Pass Rush

Many travelers search for Hampta Pass trek, which is beautiful but popular.

Instead, explore the lower Hampta Valley.

You get:

• Lush meadows in summer
• Snow patches in early season
• River streams
• Fewer vehicles

It feels untouched.

The air smells cleaner. The experience feels slower.

4. Atal Tunnel to Sissu, My Favorite Alternative

The construction of Atal Tunnel changed everything.

Instead of stopping at Rohtang, I now drive through the tunnel and emerge in Lahaul Valley.

Sissu village feels cinematic.

You will see:

• Dramatic waterfalls
• Wide open valleys
• Snow peaks without chaos
• Clear roads

It gives you the same high altitude magic, minus the overcrowded snow activity zones.

Why These Alternatives Feel Better Than Rohtang Pass

Because travel is not about ticking a famous spot.

It is about how you feel while standing there.

At Rohtang recently, I felt rushed.

At Sethan and Sissu, I felt present.

And that difference matters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rohtang Pass and Its Alternatives

Final Reflection

I did not stop going to Rohtang because it lost beauty.

I stopped because I found something quieter.

Mountains teach you this. Sometimes the most famous peak is not the one that touches you the most.