Manali to Lahaul via Atal Tunnel, Rohtang
The district of Lahaul and Spiti is by far my most favourite in Himachal Pradesh – or rather in North India. Though under one district, Lahaul and Spiti are vastly different – in their topography, landscape and culture amongst other things. But the one most important thing that has set them apart all these years is the fact that Lahaul remains cut off from mainland India for half of the year – because of immense snowfall leading to road blockages. Rohtang Pass that connects Lahaul to Kullu district, and Kunzum Pass that connects Lahaul and Spiti together, both remain shut during winters – from October to April. But the recent opening of the much awaited all-weather Atal Tunnel at Rohtang has made a significant improvement in the life of Lahauli people.
Also read: “13 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Visit Spiti Valley”
Though the construction of Atal Tunnel began in 2009, it was completed in late 2019 and inaugurated and opened for the general public in 2020. The opening of Atal Tunnel has not only made it much easier for the people of Lahaul to travel to Manali and further during winter months, but has also made tourism is Lahaul much more accessible. To give you an idea of the sudden tourism spurt in the region, I visited Lahaul via Rohtang Pass last year in September 2019 and I was only one of the three tourists in Sissu, one of the first villages of Lahaul. And when I visited Lahaul via Atal Tunnel this year in October 2020, Sissu was flooded with tourists who had come to catch a glimpse of Lahaul on a day trip from Manali.
Also read: “A comprehensive guide to Lahaul”
Atal Tunnel – Facts and FAQs
- The Atal Tunnel length is 9.02 kilometers, making it the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world.
- The start point or South Portal of Atal Tunnel is near a village called Burwa after Solang, while the end point of Atal Tunnel or North Portal is at a village called Teling, near Sissu.
- The tunnel has reduced travel time between Manali and Sissu by 5 hours (45 kilometers)!
- The Atal Tunnel is in the shape of a horseshoe.
- South Portal of the tunnel is located 25 kilometers from Manali, and the North Portal is located 7 kilometers from Sissu.
- The maximum height of Atal Tunnel is 3,071 meters or 10,057 feet.
- Photography is prohibited outside and inside the tunnel – though there are plenty pictures of the tunnel on the internet from the inauguration day itself!
- The nearest petrol pump from Atal Tunnel is at Vashisht (Manali side) and Tandi (Lahaul side).
- The tunnel will remain closed between 9 pm to 6 am until December 2020 for maintenance activities.
- The tunnel is set to remain throughout the year, even in winters, making it easy for tourists to experience winters in Lahaul.
Also read: “Surviving -30 degrees in Spiti Valley”
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Avantika
A twenty-something solo adventurer, Avantika finds comfort in learning about various cultures, its people and listening to age-old folk tales. When not on the road, she can be found cuddled up with her dog in her room, with a book in her hand.
18 Comments
Vansh Tiwari
Thanks for the info Avantika, Can you roughly tell the time taken from Manali to Spiti via Atul Tunnel?
Avantika
Thanks a lot for reading, Vansh! It took us roughly 2 hrs from Manali to Sissu (Lahaul). Spiti is further away and roads are terrible, so expect longer
Amita Chaturvedi
Informative
Avantika
Thanks for reading?
Mallika Chaturvedi
I’m here!! I read it!!
Sandy N Vyjay
Atal Tunnel is truly an engineering marvel. Awesome that you got to see it. It is indeed going to bring a lot of change and development to the Lahaul Spiti area. Loved reading all the interesting facts about thiw amazing marvel.
Shagufta
When we visited manali last year, atal tunnel was under construction. Thanks for updating on this development and facility.
delhifundos2014
Thank you for very knowledgeable information regarding Atal Tunnel. It is so exiting to know about more details of less known area of country like Lahul. Atal tunnel is a great gift to resident of the area and enthusiast of country
gaurav arvind singh
Planning a trip from manali to spiti valley n in between want to visit lahaul for one day… Is it possible in the month of October/ November?? Pls suggest
Avantika
You can not visit Spiti Valley from Manali after September because Kunzum Pass gets closed due to snow. Spiti valley is only accessible via Shimla during winters. As for Lahaul, that can be visited but cannot be clubbed with Spiti valley.
Ramya
Wow, I am proud the way development is happening in India. This tunnel will open so many opportunities for the far flung areas, which were cut off from the rest of the world. I would love to check the tunnel myself.
Raksha Nagaraj
I was supposed to visit Rohtang many years ago. Unfortunately we changed the plans and I could not visit it. I wish I had though it seems so beautiful. Anyway I will prioritise it so it comes back to the top of my list again.
Arnav Mathur
Atal Tunnel is indeed a game changer in the Manali Tourist Circuit. Not only does it cut down the travel time between Manali and Leh, it has connected Lahul Valley to Manali in a way that will reduce migration during the winters, while bringing in tourism in full flow. Only wish is that the travellers should be responsible, and not contribute in making the locals feel that the Atal Tunnel has more cons than pros.
Vidur
Nicely written. I hope to visit ladakh next year and maybe see the tunnel as well.
Lancelot Quadras
I’ve heard a great deal about this tunnel. As it will help travelers save tons of time in visiting places, I’m super stoked to check it out.
Karthik Murali H
This is extremely useful for someone who wants to plan a trip from Manali. Will definitely keep in bookmarks
MeenalSonal Mathur
I have watched the opening ceremony of the Atal tunnel and must say it is unique and the facts attached to it are quite interesting. Your post will add knowledge to many travellers.
pamela
Thanks for this informative post. I will visit this place soon