Manali, May 27: Rohtang pass, the gateway to fascinating Lahaul and Pangi tribal valleys, was opened for tourists after six months.
The tribal areas received several spells of moderate and heavy snowfalls during the winters and the Pass was covered under eight to ten feet of impeccable snow and even after the winter was over and people had to wait for the pass to reopen.
The thick blanket of snow which was likely to last till July end would add to delight of the tourists and thousands of visitors are expected to throng the tribal valleys, said a local.
Hundreds of vehicles headed towards the Rohtang pass were witnessed on Manali-Rohtang Pass throughout the day and tourists held photo sessions on the crescent of the Pass.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had given the road fitness report to Kullu administration on May 22.
After making preparations and arrangements of adequate parking and security, tourists have finally been allowed to drive past Rohtang top, the most preferred tourist destination of Himachal.
Meanwhile, BRO is working to remove the debris and keep the pass free of snow.
“Our police personnel are camping at Marhi and patrolling on Manali-Rohtang highway from morning till evening,” Deputy Superintendent of Police, Shamsher Singh, said.
The main job of the police would be to ensure smooth movement of vehicles, depending on weather conditions, he added.
