MANALI
A lower-altitude alternative snow stop when Rohtang permits are sold out or the pass is closed - doesn't require the Rohtang permit. Gets just as crowded as Rohtang in peak winter weekends with the same taxi-queue chaos.
Gulaba takes its name from Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of the Dogra dynasty of Jammu and Kashmir, who is said to have camped at this spot along the route while marching toward campaigns in the Trans-Himalaya. Located roughly 21 km from Manali on the way to Rohtang, it later became a designated regulated stop after Indian courts capped daily tourist vehicle numbers on the Rohtang road itself, redirecting many visitors to Gulaba's snowfields instead. It now functions as an accessible substitute snow-point offering sledding and short ski runs when Rohtang Pass is closed or restricted.
