There is something exciting about driving into a mountain and coming out on the other side into a completely different landscape. That’s the experience of Atal Tunnel.
Built under the Rohtang Pass, the tunnel is 9.02 km long and sits at around 10,000 feet. It connects Manali with the Lahaul-Spiti side and has made the journey towards Lahaul much easier than it used to be. It was opened in October 2020.
[📸 MAIN ATAL TUNNEL PHOTO]
Why Visit Atal Tunnel?
The tunnel itself is an engineering attraction, but the real fun is the change in scenery after you cross it.
- It is officially recognised as the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet.
- It passes underneath the Rohtang Pass, avoiding the old high mountain route.
- The south side around Manali is greener, while the north side opens into the much more rugged landscape of Lahaul.
- It has made places like Sissu much easier to visit from Manali.
One thing I always tell visitors: don’t treat Atal Tunnel as the final destination. The interesting part starts after you come out of it.
Places Nearby
Once you cross the tunnel, you have plenty of options:
- Sissu – the easiest and most popular stop after the tunnel, known for its waterfall, lake and mountain views.
- Sissu Waterfall – especially beautiful when the mountains are green or covered in snow.
- Sissu Lake – a peaceful place for a short walk.
- Chandra River – great for photographs and quiet riverside moments.
- Koksar – a small Lahauli village with dramatic mountain scenery.
- Keylong – continue further if you have a full day.
- Jispa – worth considering if you’re planning a longer Lahaul road trip.
[📸 SISSU / LAHAUL LANDSCAPE PHOTO]
Cafés & Food
There aren’t many places to stop immediately around the tunnel, so I usually suggest continuing to Sissu.
Cafe Sissu is a popular stop with mountain views and a menu that includes café-style food. Recent traveller reviews particularly mention the views, coffee, pizza and pasta.
You’ll also find smaller local places serving chai, Maggi, momos and simple meals around Sissu.
And honestly, after crossing the tunnel, stopping for a hot cup of tea while looking at the Lahaul mountains feels better than any fancy café.
[📸 CAFÉ / TEA WITH MOUNTAIN VIEW]
Where to Stay
Most people visit Atal Tunnel as part of a day trip from Manali, but staying in Sissu can make the experience much more relaxed.
- Lapiti Café & Stay, Sissu – café and accommodation with mountain surroundings.
- Northern Grace, Sissu – a simple option mentioned by recent travellers for its views.
- Local homestays and guesthouses in Sissu are good if you want a quieter Lahaul experience.
If you want more hotel and café choices, stay in Manali and make Sissu your day trip.
Best Chill Points
The tunnel itself isn’t a place to stop and hang around, so save your relaxed time for the Lahaul side.
- Sit beside the Chandra River in Sissu.
- Walk around Sissu Lake.
- Find a café terrace with a mountain view.
- Stop at a safe viewpoint along the highway.
- Watch the mountains around Sissu change colour in the evening.
[📸 CHILL POINT / CHANDRA RIVER PHOTO]
Weather & Best Time to Visit
The weather changes quickly once you cross into Lahaul.
- April–June: Pleasant during the day, with snow still visible on higher slopes.
- July–August: Green landscapes, but rain can affect the Manali side and road conditions.
- September–November: Cool, crisp and excellent for clear mountain views.
- December–February: Very cold, with snow and icy road conditions possible.
Even in summer, Sissu and the Lahaul side can feel much colder than Manali, especially in the morning and after sunset.
Before travelling, always check current road and weather conditions because mountain access can change quickly.
Crowd & Off-Season
The Manali–Atal Tunnel–Sissu route can become very busy during May–June, weekends and holiday periods. Sissu is especially popular because it is an easy day trip after the tunnel.
For fewer people and clear mountain views, September–November is a beautiful time.
If you’re travelling in winter for snow, weekdays are generally more relaxed than holiday weekends — but road conditions matter more than the calendar.
If You Have 2–4 Hours
If you’re short on time, don’t try to cover too much:
Manali → Solang → Atal Tunnel → Sissu → Sissu Waterfall/Lake → lunch or coffee → return to Manali.
For a full-day trip, slow down around Sissu and explore a little further into Lahaul.
[📸 SUNSET / FINAL LAHAUL VIEW]
The best thing about Atal Tunnel isn’t the nine kilometres you spend inside it — it’s the completely different Himalayan world waiting on the other side.