Now Opt for the Eco-Friendly Option: The Manali-Rohtang Electric Bus

When you discover that Himachal officials are concerned about escalating pollution levels on the Rohtang Pass, the eastern front of the Himalayas, it almost sends you into disbelief. How could a place, that seemingly touches the clouds be facing pollution woes? As tourist’s flock to Manali in droves, the better part of them make it their life’s mission to visit Rohtang Pass; a scanty 50 km stretch from there. 

Nonetheless, in good news, the authorities decided to act on the matter by placing a quota in the form of entry permits to tourists, 1,300 of which are doled out on any given day, on a first come first serve basis. To put a further check on matters, The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) flagged of an electric bus service between Rohtang and Manali. What’s more is that travellers aboard the bus do not require the entry permit. They may simply book their seat, at a cost of Rs 600, in the 25-seater electric bus.

Those of you who may look to reserve a seat, disclaimer, the bus is active 6 days a week, excluding Tuesday’s, when the pass is shut for maintenance and cleaning work. Due to the surge in demand, the initial 3 bus armada has now risen to a 9 bus fleet. 

The schedule stands as such: the first bus starts at 5:30 am, followed by four more busses at an interval of 15 minutes till 6:30 am after which four more busses commence plying at 7 am, 8 am, 8:30 am and lastly the 9 am bus. You must board all of the aforementioned charters from the Manali main bust stand near Mall Road, the electric transporters will make their way to the top of Rohtang La. The bus will then halt for two hours before making its way back down to Manali. 

For bookings: here

Bon voyage and safe travels, make sure to not pollute the immaculate mountains and neither let anyone else do!