Online permit, about 500 rupees, daily quota. Vehicle under ten years.
To drive up to Rohtang Pass from Manali you need a permit, because the number of vehicles allowed each day is limited to protect the mountain. Book it online on the official site, rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in, run by the Tourism Development Council in Manali. The permit costs a small fee, the daily quota fills fast, and your vehicle must meet the rules. If you are only crossing to Lahaul and Spiti, the Atal Tunnel lets you go without a Rohtang permit.
Who needs it
- Every tourist vehicle going up to Rohtang Pass itself needs a permit.
- The daily number of permits is limited by the National Green Tribunal and the district administration, so book early.
- If you are heading to Lahaul through the Atal Tunnel, and not up to Rohtang, you do not need this permit.
How to book, step by step
- Go to the official site rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in and start a permit application.
- Choose your date. The quota is split into time slots through the day, so pick an open slot.
- Add your vehicle and driver details, upload the documents, and pay the fee online.
- Download and print the permit. A printed permit is required, so do not rely on a phone copy alone.
What it costs
The permit fee is small and set by the authority. It is about 500 rupees for a car, jeep, or similar vehicle. [Fee last checked 13 September 2026 on the official informatory screen. Confirm the live fee on the official site.] There can be a small green tax or congestion charge on top, shown at booking.
The daily quota and the rules
- The daily quota is limited, split across time slots. A common pattern is a set number of petrol and a smaller number of diesel vehicles per slot, so the total fills quickly on busy days.
- Your vehicle must not be more than about ten years old.
- You need a valid Pollution Under Control certificate for the vehicle.
- One vehicle can get only a limited number of Rohtang permits in a week, so you cannot go up every day.
- The permit is valid only for the date and slot you booked, usually the next day or two, not open ended.
- Rohtang is sometimes closed one day a week for maintenance, and can shut at short notice for weather. Check the official site before you go. [Maintenance day and weather closures change. Confirm on the official site. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
Documents you need
- A valid government photo identity for the driver, matching the booking.
- The vehicle registration details, with the vehicle not more than about ten years old.
- A valid Pollution Under Control certificate.
- The printed permit, carried in the vehicle.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving it to the day itself. The daily quota often fills in advance.
- Taking a vehicle older than the allowed age, then being turned back.
- Driving without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate.
- Carrying only a phone copy. Carry a printout.
- Booking on a look alike site. Only rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in is official.
Questions people ask
Do I need a permit for Rohtang Pass?
Yes, if you are driving up to Rohtang itself. Book it online on the official site.
How much is the Rohtang permit?
About 500 rupees for a car, plus any small green tax at booking. Confirm the live figure on the official site.
Where do I book?
Only on the official site, rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in.
Is there a daily limit?
Yes, the number of permits per day is limited and split into time slots, so book early.
Do I need a permit for the Atal Tunnel to Lahaul?
No. The Atal Tunnel route to Lahaul does not need a Rohtang permit. The permit is only for going up to Rohtang Pass.