Gulaba
A high altitude stop on the Manali to Rohtang road at roughly 2,800 to 3,100 metres, known as Manali's closest snow point in winter, the starting point for the Bhrigu Lake trek, and the Rohtang permit checkpoint where most day trippers get their first real taste of the Himalayas up close.
What makes it special
Gulaba is a stretch of road and hillside on the Manali to Rohtang highway, roughly 20 km from Manali town. It is not a village in the traditional sense, though there is a small settlement. What most travellers know Gulaba as is a checkpoint, a viewpoint, and a snow stop, all rolled into one short pull over on a mountain highway.
Here is how it actually works. You drive out of Manali, pass through Palchan and Kothi, and climb through pine forest. Around the 20 km mark, the valley opens up, the trees thin, and the road reaches Gulaba. If you are heading to Rohtang Pass, this is where the permit barrier sits. Your vehicle registration and online permit get checked here. If you do not have a Rohtang permit, this is as far as you go. And in winter, when Rohtang is buried under snow and closed to all traffic, Gulaba is also as far as anyone goes. That is precisely why it became famous.
The name comes from Maharaja Gulab Singh of Kashmir, who reportedly camped here on a military expedition in the early 1800s. The historical connection is a footnote. What draws people today is simpler: Gulaba is the closest point to Manali where you can reliably see and touch snow in winter and early spring, without needing a Rohtang permit. From roughly November to March, the slopes around Gulaba are covered in white, and small operators set up skiing, sledging, and snow scooter activities by the road.
In summer, Gulaba looks entirely different. The snow melts into green meadows, the Pir Panjal peaks line the horizon, and the Beas River valley drops away below. Most people drive through without stopping because they are headed to Rohtang or beyond. But if you pull over, the views from the road here are genuinely some of the widest and sharpest you get on this highway before the pass itself.
Gulaba also serves as the starting point for the Bhrigu Lake trek, one of the more popular short Himalayan treks from Manali. Trek operators drive their groups to Gulaba, and the trail climbs from here through forest and into alpine meadows towards the lake at roughly 4,250 metres. If you see groups with backpacks and trekking poles assembling near the highway, they are almost certainly headed for Bhrigu.
One thing to be honest about: Gulaba is not a destination you build a day around. It is a stop. A good one, sometimes a great one in winter, but still a stop. You drive up, take in the views or the snow, spend 30 minutes to an hour, and either continue uphill or head back to Manali. Setting the right expectation matters, because some travellers arrive expecting a full snow valley and find a stretch of highway with mountain views. In the right season, those views are worth the drive. In the wrong season, you might wonder why you came.
Is Gulaba worth visiting from Manali?
Yes, if you set the right expectation. Gulaba is a 30 to 60 minute drive from Manali, best as a short stop for mountain views and snow play in winter. It is not a full day destination. In winter and early spring (November to March), when Rohtang is closed, Gulaba is the nearest snow point and the drive is genuinely enjoyable. In summer, most people pass through on the way to Rohtang without stopping. Worth combining with Solang Valley or the Atal Tunnel in a single day.
Can I see snow at Gulaba?
Usually yes from November to March, and sometimes into April. Snow availability depends on the season and recent weather. In peak winter (December to February), the slopes are reliably covered. By April, it is patchy. In summer, there is no snow at Gulaba. If seeing snow is the main goal, check locally with your hotel or a Manali operator a day before.
Do I need a permit to visit Gulaba?
No. Gulaba itself does not require a separate permit. The Rohtang Pass permit checkpoint is located at Gulaba, but you only need the permit if you are continuing beyond Gulaba towards Rohtang. If Gulaba is your destination, just drive up. No permit, no entry fee.
Quick facts
Everything you need to know at a glance
At a glance
On the ground
Seasonal weather
Suitable for
How to reach Gulaba
2 approach routes with seasonal access
From Manali Bus Stand to Gulaba
Year round to Gulaba, though road conditions vary. Snow and ice can make the drive slow in winter. The highway beyond Gulaba towards Rohtang closes roughly November to April.The drive follows the Manali to Rohtang Pass highway. You pass through Palchan, then Kothi village at around 2,500 metres, and climb through dense pine and deodar forest. The road is busy with Rohtang traffic in summer season, especially mornings. In winter, traffic is lighter but the road can be icy above Kothi. Local taxis from Manali charge roughly Rs 1,500 to 2,500 for a return trip to Gulaba. You can also take HRTDC buses headed towards Rohtang, though timings are irregular. If driving your own vehicle in winter, snow chains or a confident driver familiar with the road are strongly recommended.
From Solang Valley to Gulaba
Year roundSolang Valley is below Gulaba on the same general route. Many travellers combine the two in a single day trip. Drive from Solang back to the main highway near Palchan, then continue uphill to Gulaba. The two spots together make a solid half day outing from Manali.
Best time to visit
Season-by-season breakdown to help you plan
Snow on the ground, the reason most people come to Gulaba
This is when Gulaba earns its reputation. The slopes on either side of the road are covered in snow, and the entire landscape turns white. Rohtang Pass is closed during this period, which means Gulaba becomes the highest point most tourists can reach from Manali by road. Small operators set up skiing runs, sledges, snow scooters, and yak rides right by the highway. Temperatures drop well below zero at night, and even during the day the wind chill is sharp. Carry proper warm layers, not just a light jacket. Roads can be icy, and local drivers handle them better than outsiders. This is the best season if snow is what you came for.
Snow melting, road reopening, a transitional window
March is when the Manali to Rohtang road usually opens till Gulaba after the worst of winter. You may still find snow patches on the upper slopes, though it is less reliable than deep winter. By April, the snow is mostly gone at Gulaba level, though higher up towards Marhi and Rohtang, snow lingers. May is when the full Rohtang road typically reopens, and Gulaba becomes a quick stop rather than a destination. If you are visiting Manali in early spring specifically to see snow, Gulaba is your best bet before the road opens higher. Check locally, as conditions change yearly.
Green hillsides, but most people drive past
No snow at Gulaba in summer. The slopes turn green, wildflowers appear, and the views of the Pir Panjal range are clear on good days. But honestly, most travellers use this as a drive through on the way to Rohtang Pass. If you stop, the views are worth a few minutes. Monsoon rains (July and August) can make the road slippery and occasionally trigger landslides higher up. Not dangerous at Gulaba itself, but be aware of conditions above.
Clear skies, quieter roads, early snow possible in November
September and October bring the clearest mountain views of the year. The monsoon clears, the air is sharp, and the Pir Panjal peaks are visible without haze. Fewer tourists than summer. Late October and November can bring the first snowfall, though it is unpredictable. By late November, Rohtang usually closes and Gulaba becomes the snow stop again. A good window for photography and for travellers who prefer quiet.
Things to see & do
3 experiences at Gulaba
Snow activities in winter
30 minutes to 1 hourFrom roughly December to March, local operators set up snow activity spots right by the highway at Gulaba. You can try basic skiing on short slopes, ride a sledge, take a snow scooter for a spin, or go for a short yak or horse ride on the snow. Equipment rental and rides are priced informally, usually Rs 200 to 500 per activity. Negotiating is expected. The quality is basic compared to organised ski resorts, but for most families and first time snow visitors, it is fun and accessible. Carry cash. Wear proper shoes with grip, not sneakers.
Viewpoint stop and photography
15 to 30 minutesThe stretch of highway at Gulaba offers wide views of the Pir Panjal range and the Beas River valley below. In winter, the snow covered peaks and white slopes make for strong photographs. In summer and autumn, the green hillsides against clear blue sky are equally photogenic. The best light is in the morning before clouds build. Pull over at one of the wider sections of road where other cars park. There is no formal viewpoint structure, just the road and the landscape.
Starting point for the Bhrigu Lake trek
3 to 4 day trekGulaba is where the Bhrigu Lake trek begins. Trek operators drive their groups here, and the trail climbs from the highway into forest and then alpine meadows towards the glacial lake at roughly 4,250 metres. The trek runs from roughly June to October. If you are planning to do Bhrigu Lake, you will pass through Gulaba. It is worth knowing what to expect at the trailhead: a few chai stalls, the permit checkpoint, and the highway. Nothing more.
Know before you visit Gulaba
Essential information for planning your visit
Nearby attractions
Other places worth visiting nearby
Manali's main adventure spot with ropeway, paragliding in summer, and snow activities in winter. You pass the Solang turnoff on the way to Gulaba. Most travellers combine the two in a single day. Solang has more organised activities and is lower in altitude.
The famous 3,978 m pass on the Manali to Leh route. Gulaba is the permit checkpoint on the way up. When Rohtang is open (usually May to October), Gulaba is a quick stop on the drive. When Rohtang is closed, Gulaba is where the road effectively ends for tourists.
A 3 to 4 day trek from Gulaba to a glacial lake at roughly 4,250 metres. Alpine meadows, wildflower carpets in monsoon, and Pir Panjal views. One of the most popular short Himalayan treks from Manali. The trailhead is right at Gulaba.
The world's longest highway tunnel above 3,000 metres, connecting Manali to Lahaul Valley without crossing Rohtang Pass. If Rohtang is closed, the Atal Tunnel is the way to reach Sissu and Lahaul from Manali. A different route from the Gulaba highway, but often combined in a day trip.
A small village on the Rohtang highway with valley views and a few guesthouses. You pass through Kothi on the way to Gulaba. Some travellers stop here for the viewpoint and a quieter alternative to Manali town.
A small settlement higher on the Rohtang road with seasonal dhabas. In summer when the road is open, Marhi is a popular chai stop. In early spring, it often has more reliable snow than Gulaba since it sits higher. Only accessible when the road above Gulaba is open.
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