Rohtang La (La in the Tibetan Language means a "pass") is the first and the lowest of the five passes on the Manali Leh Highway. Situated at an altitude of 3987 metres above sea level, This pass separates Manali on one side and Lahaul region on the other side. After crossing the pass, one can go up to Gramphoo, where the road diverts for Keylong on the left, and Spiti on the right. Rohtang is 53 kilometres away from Manali.

Half the fun is in reaching the pass. The road from Marhi to Rohtang (15 km)is always cloud covered, and the view is excitement generating at every nook and turn. All along the road, the snow peaks are seen, there are pines and deodars around, and in the morning, an Eagle will be spotted as well. Horses may cross your road, and jump from below to upper side walls (the neck hair also moving up and down along with their run) and look absolutely handsome. As the pass approaches, a glimpse of the massive peaks of Lahaul becomes more and more visible. Finally on the pass, the commonest sight is that of honeymooners, having a click here and there, or in small egg shaped ice cubicles carved out of the remaining ice. The scene around is awesome. And if you have come here somewhere around in November, (Rohtang usually closes on 14th November), the place is entirely snow clad and you sure do not want to budge from there to go back. It can be bitterly cold in November, but in summer time, it is usually pleasantly cold.

The scene on the Lahaul side is awesome. Peaks reaching high up in the sky are seen, fully snow clad up to May, slight snow from June to October, and then heavily snow clad. And it is common to see small shanties or huts anywhere high up on the mountains, making you wonder how they survive, where do they get their water, or food, or the basic medical facilities. It is better not to think all this as it is going to lead you nowhere. Anyway, Rohtang is the last place on MLH where you are going to feel clouds. After Rohtang, the clouds are out and the geography on other side is entirely different.