Nafisa Ali's 11,000-ft Rohtang trek amid stage 4 cancer battle is inspiring travellers; here's why this Himalayan journey deserves a spot on your bucket list
ETimes | June 25, 2026 8:39 PM CST
This is not the story of an actor but of a traveller suffering from stage four cancer and still completing a 11,000-foot Rohtang trek. This is the story of resilience, determination and will power. Veteran actor and former beauty queen Nafisa Ali took to Instagram and shared that she had completed an 11,000-foot trek near Rohtang. At 69, her travel tale is inspiring the world of travellers. In her post she described how the experience made her feel “brand new” after surgery and multiple rounds of chemotherapy. But it was not a journey about breaking records or creating one but about reclaiming joy in the mountains.
Her video caption read, “Trekking at 11,000 feet for a super picnic with friends and family. See me being helped by my son-in-law and grandson helping me down the track. It made me feel brand new after surgery and my many chemos”.
For travellers, her experience is a reminder of how nature is a natural healer. Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh is a place where snowfields meet sweeping Himalayan views. It is one of the most memorable high-altitude destinations in the country.
The magic of Rohtang
Ali posted several videos of herself being helped by family members along the rocky trail. Situated in Himachal Pradesh on the route connecting Manali with the Lahaul and Spiti region, Rohtang Pass is a stunning place at an elevation of 13,000 feet. While most of the visitors only drive up for snow activities or photography, the surrounding terrain offers several short hikes and trekking opportunities revealing a quieter and unexplored side of the Himalayas.
Sissu, a hidden gem
Ali’s trekking reportedly was around the Sissu area beyond the Atal Tunnel. It is one of the lesser-known Himalayan villages where it’s all about nature. This where dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls and alpine meadows come together to create a healing magic. The bustling crowds are often closer to Manali and that’s what makes this place all the more inviting.
Unlike long Himalayan expeditions, Rohtang can be done as per various fitness levels. But it is also a fact that the altitude demands caution and slow acclimatisation.
How to reach Rohtang Pass
Manali is the gateway to Rohtang. Now Manali is well connected by road from Delhi and Chandigarh.
By Airport: The nearest airport is Bhuntar, which is about 50 kilometres from Manali.
By Rail: The closest major railway stations are Chandigarh and Pathankot, followed by onward road travel.
From Manali, local taxis are available to head towards Rohtang or Atal Tunnel towards Sissu in Lahaul Valley. But everything depends on weather conditions and government regulations. Government permits are also required.
It is recommended to hire a local guide if interested in trekking rather than simply sightseeing. Weather updates are equally advisable, particularly because conditions in the high Himalayas can change rapidly.
Best time to visit
May to October: This is the best time to explore the beauty of the place. It is when roads are generally accessible and trekking conditions are favourable.
May to June: During this, it is possible to see lingering snow on the slopes.
July to September: This is the time when meadows turn greener, although monsoon rains can affect road travel around Manali.
September to October: This is one of the best times for photography lovers.
Winter brings heavy snowfall, often leading to road closures around the pass.
Travel as therapy
Nafisa Ali’s trek story shows the emotional benefits of travel. It is important not to interpret such stories as evidence that travel or trekking can cure serious illnesses. Every medical condition is different, and it is crucial to undergo suggested medical treatment before planning high-altitude trips or any kind of travel.
However, many travellers call something profoundly restorative about being outdoors amid nature. There’s a reason why travel is often treated as a therapy. Mountain or sea journeys encourage slower pace and disconnect people from daily pressures. The simple act of watching sunsets and snow-covered peaks can offer a sense of perspective.
Her video caption read, “Trekking at 11,000 feet for a super picnic with friends and family. See me being helped by my son-in-law and grandson helping me down the track. It made me feel brand new after surgery and my many chemos”.
For travellers, her experience is a reminder of how nature is a natural healer. Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh is a place where snowfields meet sweeping Himalayan views. It is one of the most memorable high-altitude destinations in the country.
The magic of Rohtang
Ali posted several videos of herself being helped by family members along the rocky trail. Situated in Himachal Pradesh on the route connecting Manali with the Lahaul and Spiti region, Rohtang Pass is a stunning place at an elevation of 13,000 feet. While most of the visitors only drive up for snow activities or photography, the surrounding terrain offers several short hikes and trekking opportunities revealing a quieter and unexplored side of the Himalayas.
Sissu, a hidden gem
Ali’s trekking reportedly was around the Sissu area beyond the Atal Tunnel. It is one of the lesser-known Himalayan villages where it’s all about nature. This where dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls and alpine meadows come together to create a healing magic. The bustling crowds are often closer to Manali and that’s what makes this place all the more inviting.
Unlike long Himalayan expeditions, Rohtang can be done as per various fitness levels. But it is also a fact that the altitude demands caution and slow acclimatisation.
How to reach Rohtang Pass
Manali is the gateway to Rohtang. Now Manali is well connected by road from Delhi and Chandigarh.
By Airport: The nearest airport is Bhuntar, which is about 50 kilometres from Manali.
By Rail: The closest major railway stations are Chandigarh and Pathankot, followed by onward road travel.
From Manali, local taxis are available to head towards Rohtang or Atal Tunnel towards Sissu in Lahaul Valley. But everything depends on weather conditions and government regulations. Government permits are also required.
It is recommended to hire a local guide if interested in trekking rather than simply sightseeing. Weather updates are equally advisable, particularly because conditions in the high Himalayas can change rapidly.
Best time to visit
May to October: This is the best time to explore the beauty of the place. It is when roads are generally accessible and trekking conditions are favourable.
May to June: During this, it is possible to see lingering snow on the slopes.
July to September: This is the time when meadows turn greener, although monsoon rains can affect road travel around Manali.
September to October: This is one of the best times for photography lovers.
Winter brings heavy snowfall, often leading to road closures around the pass.
Travel as therapy
Nafisa Ali’s trek story shows the emotional benefits of travel. It is important not to interpret such stories as evidence that travel or trekking can cure serious illnesses. Every medical condition is different, and it is crucial to undergo suggested medical treatment before planning high-altitude trips or any kind of travel.
However, many travellers call something profoundly restorative about being outdoors amid nature. There’s a reason why travel is often treated as a therapy. Mountain or sea journeys encourage slower pace and disconnect people from daily pressures. The simple act of watching sunsets and snow-covered peaks can offer a sense of perspective.
READ NEXT
-
Reels inside Ananthagiri Hills lands Uppal Balu in trouble
-
Revanth trying to provoke minorities, disrupt SIR: Kishan Reddy
-
Hijab allowed, but face must be visible for Maharashtra TET
-
CM Shivakumar inaugurates 10.7 km signal-free road in Bengaluru
-
Ram temple donation: People’s faith played with, says Akhilesh
