Can a maruti WagonR go up from Manali to Rohtang Pass

Eventually I managed to take up my WagonR to Rohtang. This was a nice trip from Kolkata, West Bengal up to Rohtang. The last 50 k.m. from Manali to Rohtang was a very tough drive, as practically there was no road at all. Due to land slides and avalanches a large part of the path was full of boulders. It was really a very good driving experience. Major point to be learned is the art of avoiding those large boulders cause they can easy damage such a small car with low ground clearance.. The suspension system of small cars of Maruti is not that good to take up the challenge unless you cautiously avoid those boulders. Most places were full of mud and water flowing across the road. So in these conditions the toughest part is to judge how deep is that trap. Anyway I enjoyed the driving most and obviously the beauty over there. I was advised by the local people not to try with a small car. Then I talked to the drivers of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism car drivers. They told me that judgment is the last word. So please be careful to take up your own small car. If you drive really well and have full confidence on you can go ahead.

Uploaded 2 photos of my car @ Rohtang.

This post is edited to create/provide link to the photo album.

I know of a couple who drove upto Leh in their Wagon R for their honeymoon and my good friend HV Kumar (also known as Highway Kumar) has done it in his 7 year old, 800cc Daewoo Matiz too.  Its quite possible, just take extra precaution and dont do anything silly!

You can get updates on the route from BCM Touring or directly from HV Kumar.  Kumar will be driving to Ladakh from suburban Mumbai this week.

Hi Steeroid,

Absolutely right. You need to be cautious. I haven't been to Ley and Ladak. But what I can share is that sometimes the road condition is too tough for a small car, mainly because the ground clearance is low and the suspension is not that good. AND also car like WagonR, specially 800 is having much less power.

I would like to get contacted with HV Kumar. Can you please make an introduction with him.

Till now I have visited 12 states of INDIA along with my WagonR.

I have driven a Zen to 13700 ft. (Sela Pass) in Arunachal Pradesh. Except for the ground clearance, didn't have any problem with the pick up. Have also seen Altos and Maruti 800s on the way.

This time after Rohtang I would like to drive to Nathula.

Can any one give some idea about the road condition there?

Please also let me know wherther I need to collect any kind of permit in order to drive my WagonR up to Nathula.