About Rahala Falls
Rahala Falls plunges from the glacial heights above the Rohtang Pass road, visible as a dramatic white thread against dark rock from the highway between Manali and the Rohtang La. At 75 metres, this is one of the most visible and impressive waterfalls on the entire Manali-Leh route, fed by the snowfields and small glaciers that cloak the upper Beas catchment. In the brief Himalayan summer, the volume is extraordinary as months of accumulated snowmelt rushes towards the valley.
The falls are best seen in late June and early July when snow above is actively melting but road conditions allow easy access. By August the volume reduces as the snowfields are depleted until the monsoon adds its contribution. The site is at approximately 3400 metres elevation — the altitude and cold mist from the falls combine to create a bracing, invigorating experience quite unlike lowland waterfalls. Marmots whistle from nearby boulder fields and the high-altitude vegetation is spectacular.
Late June–July for maximum volume; best in morning before afternoon clouds form over the peaks.
The dark cliff face behind the falls provides excellent contrast — underexpose slightly to prevent the white water from blowing out.