There is a patch of slush 5 kms before Rohtang La called Rani Nala, where there are massive traffic jams as small vehicles get stuck in it. No one helps stuck vehicles and people are prepared to wait for hours in their vehicles rather than getting out and helping the stuck vehicle. So do not go in a non SUV. Even Tata Safari gets stuck here. Bolero, Scorpio and Gypsy get across easily. We were stuck for eight hours here and the 5 hour journey became a 13 hour event.
| Drive to Rohtang La | Stuck at Rani Nallah for 8 hours |
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Therefore it is advisable to leave Manali as early as possible to try and avoid beign stuck. Carry enough food and water for being stuck over night. People do get stuck overnight there.
Besides this patch, the rest of the road is smooth and beautiful and one enjoys the drive. Remember to fill up at the last petrol pump at Thandi. It is much wiser to fill up at Manali and carry 20 litres of extra fuel, as sometimes this pump is closed. If you reach after sunset, wake up the attendent who sleeps inside for fuel.
The first views of Hotel Ibex at Jispa is rather stunning. Zoom into the photo to get Ibex's numbers for booking.
| Rohtang La | After crossing Rohtang, the first view of Lahul Valley |
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First view of Hotel Ibex
| Hotel Ibex, Jispa | |
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Google Maps image of the drive
