There is a thrill about crossing the Rohtang Pass from Manali surrounded by mountains and white gowns of snow. However, it is actually some pretty simple mistakes that many of the visitors commit in arranging their taxi; these mistakes increase costs or cause loss of important opportunities. So here are some general mistakes that you can easily avoid while booking a scenic trip for you.
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Not Booking in Advance
One common mistake committed by tourists is not booking a taxi in advance. Since it’s like Rohtang Pass, the demand for taxis during the peak season that exists between May to October is quite high. Unless you book in advance, you may end up paying more or sometimes miss a good reliable service. Booking at least a day in advance will make you gain the right price and be sure of availability, especially for bigger SUVs if you are traveling as a group of people. -
Not considering options for a shared taxi
Many travelers, whether traveling alone or making small groups, tend to avoid the shared taxi because they might consider that the only alternative to getting to manali to rohtang pass taxi fare is hiring an entire vehicle. But shared taxis can be quite economical to get to the place. You pay much less money by becoming a co-passenger for other travelers, sharing the cost of the ride. It will cost between ₹300 to ₹600 for one person. You will have it less expensive while you’ll be able to get a chance to communicate with other passengers. -
Failure to Consider the Type of Vehicle Required
Of course, not all taxis are the same. The type of vehicle can really make a huge difference during the trip. For instance, if you have a lot of luggage or going in a group, a smaller car will not be ideal, whereas a more comfortable trip will be guaranteed for an SUV with more space and easier navigation up mountain roads. The choice of vehicle should make your journey smoother and even more enjoyable. -
Failure to Consider the Issuance of Permits
Whereas all the cars passing by Rohtang Pass have to give way to a permit due to the protective measures around the environment, failure to understand this crucial part often postpones many journeys or makes them incur hefty charges on additional costs while seeking it after crossing several check postings. Whereas with most taxi services having covered applications for a permit, confirm that this permit cost has been included in your paid amount and avoid any surprises during check posting. If you are planning to hire a taxi service on your own, you will have to apply for a permit advance as the government has put a per-day cap on permit issuance to regulate the traffic flow at Rohtang Pass. -
Not comparing taxi services and prices
For example, it is easy to hop into the first taxi that you find without knowing whether it will charge you an exorbitant amount. Prices and packages for different services are varied among operators in Manali. Take some minutes to compare prices amongst providers for the best possible offer. In case of a hike, online reviews or asking locals can guide you to come up with a good taxi service charging the right amount. -
Unaccounted Off-Peak Traveling Hours
There may be busy weekends or holidays, and people travel more during such times. Therefore, taxi prices during Rohtang Pass may get very high, with better deals found if a visit is planned for a weekday or early in the morning. Off-peak times will further offer you solitude at Rohtang Pass since fewer tourists will descend upon the place, minimizing tourist crowds that build up at prominent stops on the journey. -
Not Checking What’s Included in the Fare
Some tourists will assume all charges are in the cost of the fare like the entrance fees, the toll, and waiting time, while these are not always provided for; clarify with your taxi driver before booking anything that they charge for. Then, the tourist will get some savings by knowing everything ahead. A good taxi service will help you know your charges; hence, they always make an account of the prices for what they charge in case other costs are incurred for a specified reason. -
Not Accounting for Weather and Road Conditions
Weather Rohtang Pass is a very high altitude location, so weather conditions can be different in a short period. In winter, it can even be severe due to heavy snowfall or rain which may cause impassable roads and delays or cancellation of your tour. Advance check of the weather forecast before booking. Taxi operators may charge extra if they have to take some other route due to weather conditions, so make prior checks on these details. -
Travel Time and Waiting Period Underestimation
Most tourists underestimate the time taken to travel from Manali to Rohtang Pass, which is normally about 2 to 3 hours one way depending upon road and traffic conditions. Many tours include very scenic stops, photo opportunities, and some time up at Rohtang Pass. Be sure to communicate your waiting time clearly to the driver so he doesn’t rush it and you are not penalized for excess charges if the driver has sat there for more than the time agreed upon. -
Not Having Enough Cash in Hand
While some taxi services in Manali may take digital payments, the majority of the services prefer cash payments. Ensure you carry enough cash for the fare, mainly if you plan to travel to distant areas like Rohtang Pass, where you will not find an ATM at any place. This way, you will not also face any confusion or delay at the time of paying.