Rohtang Pass permits has become a matter of great concern as tourists feel cheated as they are charged overpriced fare for taxis for excursion trip to Rohtang Pass. Tourists are being openly fleeced in the name of taking you close to snow cover.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has restricted the number of vehicles to 1,200 (800 petrol and 400 diesel) in a day. Though the permits are available online, but within 15 minutes of the site opening, almost all permits get exhausted with local taxi owners. With limited permits and endless tourists, the government and the tourism department have failed to keep an eye to check the unreasonable pricing which is bringing disappointment among the tourists who travel from far off places to enjoy their holidays.
Taxi operators are also violating the guidelines by taking permits for Lahaul-Spiti but returning from Rohtang. A great need to monitor the situation is felt the taxi operators misusing the permits should be penalized. Many tourists feel that the pass remains open only for 4 months and hence NGT should remove the restrictions atleast during the tourist season.