The video clips, recorded by the Adventure Tour Operators Association (ATOA), show taxi drivers charging tourists up to Rs 15,000 for “all-inclusive” adventure packages at Rohtang Pass. Visitors allege that they were lured with promises of snow scooters, yak rides, skiing and tube rides, only to discover these activities were available independently at much lower rates.
Compounding the scam, drivers reportedly halted vehicles 4 km short of the Rohtang summit, allegedly to collect fixed commissions from specific activity operators.
This is far from an isolated incident. Unfamiliar with local norms, tourists routinely fall prey to exploitative taxi operators and touts. Last year, Manali MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur met with stakeholders to address bundled packages. It was explicitly agreed that vendors would not cross-promote or sell services outside their own business. Yet, locals report that drivers continue to steer tourists to specific shops for snow boots and activities in exchange for hefty kickbacks.
The issue extends well beyond Rohtang Pass. Taxi fares to popular destinations like Solang Valley frequently skyrocket to four times the standard rate during peak season. Even short trips command unreasonable charges. During heavy snowfall, some 4×4 drivers reportedly demand up to Rs 20,000 for a mere 10 km journey. Because powerful taxi and auto unions block external competition, and pre-paid services remain non-existent, travellers are left with no choice but to pay.
This unchecked exploitation threatens Manali’s appeal, deterring repeat visitors and hurting honest local businesses. In response, residents and ethical stakeholders are demanding the immediate introduction of metered taxis and regulated fares overseen by the local administration, Tourism Department and the RTO.
To preserve Manali’s legacy as a premier travel haven, the administration must implement proactive measures, including transparent fare structures, reasonable parking fees, informative signboards, and strict penalties for violations. The town deserves to be experienced without the shadow of unethical practices.
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