About Atal Tunnel Tour
The Atal Tunnel (also known as Rohtang Tunnel) is an engineering marvel and a must-visit attraction near Manali. Opened in 2020, this 9.02 km long tunnel is the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). It connects the Kullu Valley (Manali side) with the Lahaul Valley, cutting travel time by hours and making Lahaul accessible year-round.
What makes this tour special is the dramatic landscape transformation. Within minutes of entering the tunnel from the lush green Manali side with dense forests and tourist areas, you emerge into a completely different world—the barren, rugged, stark beauty of Lahaul Valley with wide river valleys, snow-capped peaks, and Tibetan Buddhist culture. It's like traveling from one world to another in just 8-9 minutes!
🚗 Tour Overview
This is a full-day round trip tour from Manali covering Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel (both portals), Sissu Village, Sissu Waterfall, and optional activities in Lahaul. The tour typically takes 8-10 hours depending on how much time you spend at each location and which activities you choose.
The Atal Tunnel
Length: 9.02 km (World's longest above 10,000 ft)
Travel Time: 8-10 minutes to cross
Features: Modern ventilation, LED lighting, emergency exits every 500m, fire hydrants, CCTV monitoring, broadcast system. The tunnel maintains optimal temperature and air quality throughout. Speed limit is 40-50 km/hr inside.
Lahaul Valley
Landscape: Barren mountains, wide valleys, desert-like terrain similar to Ladakh. Completely different from green Manali. The Chandra River flows through the valley creating stunning contrasts.
Culture: Tibetan Buddhist influence. You'll notice prayer flags, monasteries, different architecture, and local Lahauli people with distinct clothing and lifestyle.
Sissu Waterfall
Location: Sissu Village, 7 km from tunnel's North Portal
Description: Spectacular waterfall cascading down from glaciers between two mountains. The waterfall is visible from the road, and there's a suspension bridge over Chandra River for closer views. In winter, the waterfall partially freezes creating stunning ice formations. Free to visit, perfect for photography.
Sample Itinerary (Flexible)
This is a suggested itinerary. Timing can be adjusted based on your preferences and how long you want to spend at each location.
-
8:00 AM
Pickup from Manali
Pickup from your hotel in Manali (Mall Road, Old Manali, or Vashisht area). Start the scenic drive towards Solang Valley via Prini Village.
-
8:45 AM
Solang Valley Stop (Optional)
Brief photo stop at Solang Valley. Continue drive through Dhundhi, enjoying views of Beas River, hanging glaciers, and snow-capped peaks.
-
9:30 AM
South Portal - Atal Tunnel Entry
Arrive at South Portal (Manali side). Take photos at the monument. Enter the 9.02 km tunnel. Experience modern engineering marvel with LED lights, ventilation system. Drive through takes 8-10 minutes.
-
10:00 AM
North Portal - Welcome to Lahaul
Exit tunnel into Lahaul Valley. Immediate landscape change! Barren mountains, wide valleys, Chandra River. Photo stop at North Portal. Notice the dramatic difference from lush green Manali side.
-
10:30 AM
Sissu Village & Waterfall
Arrive at Sissu Village (7 km from tunnel). Visit the stunning Sissu Waterfall. Walk on suspension bridge over Chandra River. Enjoy snow activities if available (winter season). Explore local cafes for tea/snacks.
-
12:00 PM
Lunch Break
Lunch at Sissu village restaurants (on your own). Try local Himachali food or regular Indian cuisine. Meals cost ₹150-400 per person. Options available for all preferences.
-
1:30 PM
Optional Activities Time
Time for activities: Zipline over Chandra River, ATV rides, snow scooter (winter), river rafting (summer), horse riding, or trekking. Activities cost extra. Or simply explore more of Lahaul Valley scenery and take photos.
-
3:30 PM
Return Journey Begins
Start return journey. Drive back through Atal Tunnel from North Portal to South Portal. Different perspective on return journey. Optional brief stop at Solang Valley if you skipped it earlier.
-
5:30 PM
Drop Back to Manali
Arrive back in Manali. Drop at your hotel. Tour concludes with unforgettable memories of the tunnel, waterfall, and Lahaul Valley's unique landscape.
Places to Visit Along the Route
Solang Valley
En Route: 14 km from Manali
Famous adventure destination on the way to tunnel. Optional stop for photos or activities like paragliding, zorbing, ropeway. Can be covered as part of this tour or skipped to save time.
Dhundhi
En Route: 22 km from Manali
Scenic spot with Beas River flowing alongside, hanging glaciers visible from road. Photo stop point. No specific activities, but beautiful natural surroundings perfect for photography.
Sissu Waterfall
At Destination: Main attraction
Glacial waterfall cascading from high mountains. Suspension bridge provides excellent views. Free entry. In winter, partially frozen with snow activities nearby. Must-visit spot.
Sissu Lake
At Destination: Near waterfall
Man-made reservoir with mirror reflections of snow mountains. Beautiful blue water surrounded by barren peaks. Perfect for photography, especially during golden hours. Frozen in deep winter.
Koksar Village
Extension Option: 15 km from Sissu
First major village after tunnel. Traditional Lahauli architecture, local markets, Buddhist monasteries. Good for extending tour if you have extra time. Authentic Lahaul culture experience.
Gondhla Fort & Monastery
Extension Option: Near Sissu
Ancient fort with Buddhist monastery. Historical significance in Lahaul region. Beautiful architecture and panoramic valley views. Requires extra 1-2 hours if interested in cultural exploration.
Activities Available in Sissu & Lahaul
All activities are optional and charges are separate from taxi fare. Pay directly to activity operators.
Zipline over Chandra River
Best: Year-round
Thrilling zipline crossing over Chandra River. 200-300m long. Harness and safety equipment provided. Great for adventure seekers. Operated by local vendors near Sissu.
ATV & Quad Biking
Best: Summer & Winter
Ride ATVs across barren valley terrain or snowy landscapes. 10-15 minute rides. Supervised by operators. Fun for families and adventure enthusiasts. Available near waterfall area.
Snow Scooter & Skiing
Best: Dec-March (Winter)
Snow activities available when there's good snow cover. Snow scooter rides, basic skiing, sledding. Equipment rental included in price. Popular winter activity for families.
River Rafting (Chandra)
Best: May-September
White water rafting on Chandra River. Different difficulty levels available. Safety gear and trained guides provided. Thrilling experience for adventure lovers. Pre-booking recommended during peak season.
Horse Riding
Best: Year-round
Explore Lahaul Valley on horseback. Short rides (15-20 mins) around Sissu area or longer trail rides available. Handlers accompany you. Good for all ages including children.
Trekking to Ghepan Lake
Best: Jun-September
Moderate trek from Sissu to Ghepan Lake (crystal clear glacial lake). Takes 2-3 hours one way. Stunning blue water amidst snow. Hidden gem, less crowded. Guide recommended but not mandatory.
Taxi Fare & Pricing
All-inclusive round-trip taxi fares from Manali. Package includes pickup from Manali hotel, full day tour, driver waiting charges, fuel, and parking.
| Car Type | Capacity | Full Day Tour | Extra Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Swift Dzire, Etios) | 4 Passengers | ₹3,300 | ₹250/hr |
| SUV (Innova Crysta, Ertiga) | 6-7 Passengers | ₹4,300 | ₹350/hr |
| Tempo Traveller | 12 Passengers | ₹7,500 | ₹500/hr |
📌 What's Included
- Round-trip taxi from your Manali hotel
- Full day package (8-10 hours)
- Experienced driver familiar with mountain routes
- All fuel charges included
- Parking fees at all stops
- Driver allowance and waiting charges
- Flexible itinerary based on your interests
- Clean and well-maintained vehicle
⚠️ Not Included (Pay Separately)
- Entry/Permit: No special permit required for Atal Tunnel (it's free and open to all)
- Meals: Lunch and snacks at Sissu restaurants (₹150-400 per person)
- Activities: All adventure activities are optional and paid separately to operators
- Shopping: Souvenirs and local products
- Personal expenses: Tips, photographs, shopping
Best Time to Visit Atal Tunnel
The tunnel is operational year-round, but the experience varies dramatically by season. Each season offers unique landscapes and activities.
March - June (Summer)
Best SeasonTemp: 15-25°C (pleasant weather)
Highlights: Perfect weather, lush green Manali side, clear views of Lahaul. All activities available including rafting and trekking. Roads fully accessible. Best for families and first-time visitors. Most popular season with good crowds.
July - August (Monsoon)
ModerateTemp: 15-20°C (cooler, rainy)
Highlights: Lush greenery, waterfalls at full flow, fewer tourists. Occasional landslide risks on approach roads. Sissu Waterfall looks spectacular. Lahaul Valley relatively dry. Good for those who don't mind rain and want peaceful experience.
September - November (Autumn)
ExcellentTemp: 5-15°C (crisp and clear)
Highlights: Crystal clear skies, best mountain views, early snow on peaks. Post-monsoon freshness. Fewer crowds than summer. October is especially beautiful. Golden landscapes. Perfect for photography enthusiasts.
December - February (Winter)
Snow LoversTemp: -10°C to 5°C (very cold)
Highlights: Heavy snow on both sides. Winter wonderland experience. Snow activities available at Sissu. Sissu Waterfall partially frozen (stunning!). Tunnel remains open unlike old Rohtang Pass. Best for snow lovers, but carry heavy woolens. Roads may be icy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No permit required! Unlike the old Rohtang Pass which required online permits, Atal Tunnel is completely free and open to all vehicles. You can visit any day without any advance booking or permission. This is one of the major advantages of the tunnel.
Yes, Atal Tunnel is operational 24 hours, 365 days. There are no fixed closure timings. However, in rare cases of heavy snow accumulation or maintenance work, temporary closures may happen for a few hours. It's advisable to start your tour by 8-9 AM to make the most of daylight hours.
The tunnel is 9.02 km long. At the speed limit of 40-50 km/hr inside the tunnel, it takes approximately 8-10 minutes to cross from one end to the other. It's a straight tunnel with excellent LED lighting and ventilation throughout.
No, stopping inside the tunnel is strictly prohibited for safety reasons. CCTV cameras monitor the entire tunnel. However, you can take photos at both portals (entry and exit points) where there are designated parking areas and monuments.
Rohtang Pass is the high-altitude mountain pass (13,050 ft) that was the old route to Lahaul. It required permits, was closed 6 months in winter, and had treacherous roads. Atal Tunnel goes UNDER the mountains, is open year-round, requires no permit, and cuts travel time dramatically. You can still visit Rohtang Pass separately if it's open (May-November only), but Atal Tunnel provides an all-season alternative.
Inside the tunnel, there's no mobile network. Once you exit into Lahaul (Sissu area), BSNL works best. Jio and Airtel have limited/patchy connectivity. It's advisable to inform family before entering the tunnel about limited network availability.
The tunnel and Sissu area are at around 10,000-10,500 feet altitude. Most people don't face severe issues for short day trips, especially since you're starting from Manali (already at 6,700 ft). However, if you're prone to altitude sickness, carry medication. Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals before the trip, and take it easy. The tunnel has excellent ventilation maintaining proper oxygen levels.
Essentials: Warm clothes (even in summer, Lahaul is cold), sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, water bottles, snacks, cash (limited ATMs in Lahaul), motion sickness tablets if needed, ID proof. Winter extra: Heavy woolens, gloves, muffler, warm footwear. Summer extra: Light jacket for tunnel and Lahaul.
Yes, absolutely! Keylong is 50 km from the tunnel and can be covered in the same day with extended taxi package. Further destinations like Jispa, Darcha, or even Leh-Ladakh routes are possible with multi-day packages. Discuss with us while booking, and we'll customize the itinerary. Additional charges apply for extended tours.
Restaurants: Multiple restaurants and cafes available in Sissu village offering Himachali, Tibetan, and regular Indian food. Prices are reasonable (₹150-400 per person). Toilets: Public toilets available at both tunnel portals and in Sissu village. It's advisable to use facilities before entering the tunnel as there are no stops inside.
Important Travel Tips
Best Starting Time: We recommend starting by 8:00 AM from Manali to avoid afternoon crowds and make the most of daylight. This gives you ample time at Sissu for activities and photography without rushing back.
Weather: Lahaul Valley is significantly colder than Manali even in summer due to high altitude and barren landscape. Always carry warm clothes. Weather can change quickly in mountains.
Photography: Best photo opportunities at both tunnel portals (monuments), Sissu Waterfall, suspension bridge, and throughout Lahaul Valley's barren landscapes. Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) provide best lighting.
Cash: Carry sufficient cash as many small vendors in Sissu and Lahaul don't accept cards/UPI. Limited ATMs available.
Customization: This tour is completely flexible. Want to spend more time at waterfall? Skip Solang? Add more stops? Just inform the driver. We're here to make your experience perfect!