Which Himalayan pass links the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti valleys?

Rohtang Pass links India’s Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti valleys.

Located in Himachal Pradesh, the pass reaches about 3,978 metres and crosses the eastern Pir Panjal Range. Its road traditionally connected Manali with the high-altitude regions beyond the pass, making it an important seasonal route for residents, traders and travelers.

The name Rohtang is often associated with a phrase meaning “pile of corpses,” referring to the dangers faced by people crossing the pass in severe weather. Snowstorms, avalanches and sudden changes in visibility have historically made the route hazardous.

The 9.02-kilometre Atal Tunnel, opened in 2020, runs beneath the Rohtang area and provides a much more dependable road connection between Manali and Lahaul. The pass itself remains a famous viewpoint and tourist destination. Rohtang should not be confused with Zoji La, which lies farther northwest on the Kashmir–Ladakh route.