A vacation in Manali is never restricted to snow-capped mountains, scenic valleys, and tourist sites. It also allows you to get a glimpse of the stunning scenery of Lahaul, which is a breathtaking Himalayan region beyond the main mountain range. The Atal Tunnel is one of the most thrilling things you can do while in the valley. Travel from Manali to Atal Tunnel: How to reach the tunnel from Manali. The Manali-Atal road opens up the cold desert Ladakh valley and Lahaul from the Manali side, so now it is possible to visit the mountain villages, rivers, valleys, and viewpoints from Manali in one day from the Manali side, making it a great road trip from Manali in Himachal. Planning a one-day trip to Lahaul from Manali, then this post helps you to know about Manali to Lahaul route, time taken to reach Lahaul from Manali, important places to see around Lahaul, the Lahaul to Manali road conditions, best time to visit Lahaul, and some tips.1. What Is Atal Tunnel?Atal Tunnel. The Atal Tunnel is a highway tunnel built under the mountain pass of Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. This highway tunnel links the Manali side of the mountains to the Lahaul Valley and does not require the high-altitude Rohtang Pass. The tunnel, which is named after ex-Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is over 9.02 kilometers long and is about 3,000 meters high. Before the tunnel was opened, it was difficult to reach Lahaul in winter, as snow was a major problem and mountain passes would be blocked frequently. The tunnel has enhanced accessibility to the region throughout the year, although conditions can sometimes hamper access. The tunnel shall take tourists to the picturesque valleys of Lahaul.2. Where Is Atal Tunnel Located?Situated in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, the Atal Tunnel has the following: The tunnel's south entry is near Dhundi, past the Solang Valley. The tunnel's north entry is in the direction of the Lahaul Valley, close to Sissu.The route generally follows:ManaliPalchanSolang ValleyDhundiAtal TunnelNorth PortalSissuLahaul ValleyThe trip becomes all the more inviting once you cross the tunnel, as the scene starts to change. While the lush greenery of the mountains is prominent on the Manali side, you will start to see the sharp valleys and the bleak wilderness of Lahaul.3. How to Reach Atal Tunnel from Manali?The most convenient way to reach Atal Tunnel from Manali is via the route from Manali to Solang Valley, and finally you will arrive at the southern portal of the tunnel.Route details:Beginning Point: ManaliRoute: Manali - Palchan - Solang Valley - Dhundi - Atal TunnelDistance: – 25/30 km to the southern entrance, depending on where you are starting from.Commute Time: Approximately 1-1.5 hours, subject to traffic and roadway conditions.The next destination after this tunnel is Sissu, one of the best-known places to visit in Lahaul.The total distance from Manali to Sissu is about 40-50 km (depending on route measurement & the starting point). Begin early from the first day in the morning so that you can have a sufficient time to see the places in and around the tunnel and get back to Manali before evening.4. Best Places to Visit After Crossing Atal TunnelBeyond the tunnel, you'll reach the picturesque Lahaul valley. There are many scenic locations that you must visit, particularly if you're on a complete day road trip. Sissu, which is located outside the Atal Tunnel, is also one of the most loved spots apart from Atal Tunnel. Sitting amidst lush green valleys and snow-capped mountains, the Chandra River that is flowing through the serene view and the beautiful village make for a perfect getaway in the summer.Sissu Waterfall: Located amidst a stunning Himalayan environment, Sissu Waterfall is a delightful place to visit. In summer, a person can explore the waterfall and the breathtaking mountains. It varies as per the season.Sissu Lake: Sissu Lake is yet another fantastic place to visit for travelers to unwind in a peaceful environment and enjoy amazing mountain scenes. It is a wonderful scenic spot for photographers and nature lovers to rest and relax.Koksar: As a lesser-traveled destination, Koksar offers an authentic Himalayan mountain experience, as the village lies within some of the most dramatic natural scenery. If you are looking to get off the beaten track of Lahaul, then this is a great place to visit. Double-check the local restrictions and climate before planning your trip.Keylong: Keylong is the district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti district. It is just an interesting place to visit because of its picturesque valley, monasteries, and cultural insights. It takes an hour or so extra drive to reach Keylong, it can be a part of day trip so plan accordingly.5. Best Time to Visit Atal Tunnel from ManaliSummer is a great season to visit the area, as the snow has thawed and the terrain is more manageable. The weather is comfortable and ideal for sightseeing and photography.Monsoon (July to September): Lahaul receives less rainfall than many other parts of Himachal Pradesh. Road washouts and some road damage caused by landslides and uncertain weather can make the journey tricky. It is better to consult the local body before you travel.Autumn (October to November): Though winter is approaching and mountain scenery is picturesque, temperatures tend to be cooler, and there are fewer tourists. Cars may even start getting stuck in the ice and snow.If you like snowy mountain vistas, travelling during winter is perfect. Roads are sometimes closed due to heavy snow, and in bad weather, travel may be difficult, and roads may be treacherous. Check the road conditions before travelling.6. Travel Advice: Atal Tunnel helpful tipsRemember the following points before you go through Atal Tunnel:Plan an early morning departure from Manali to minimize the possibility of road blockage & make the best use of the precious time.Check the current condition of your ride and the weather forecast before heading out.Observe the speed limits and the directions from the traffic signages as you pass through the tunnel.Don't stop your camera; don't stop. Don't park and take photos inside the tunnel.Avoid needlessly entering tunnel portals and restricted zones.Surely take enough drinking water and snacks with you.This place experiences very low temperatures, so do pack warm clothes.Ensure your tank is sufficiently filled before beginning your journey.A current driving license and the relevant papers for the vehicle.Go out if snowfall is heavy or visibility is low.Honor traditions and villages, and preserve the environment.Are you required to have an e-pass or e-permit for your route?7. Things to Carry for Your Atal Tunnel Day TripA little planning can make your journey easier and safer, especially when traveling in mountainous areas.Here are the staples to pack:Warm jacket, sweater, and comfortable clothing.Comfortable walking shoes.Sunglasses and sunscreen.Water bottles and light snacks.Your own medicines and a simple first-aid kit.Power bank and mobile phone, which are fully charged.Camera for capturing mountain views.Valid identification and vehicle documents.Cash for small purchases in remote locations.No packs, no unnecessary baggage; this is a one-day sightseeing tour.8. Why Include Atal Tunnel in Your Manali Trip?The journey through Atal Tunnel isn't just about the drive. It's about experiencing a new Himachal Pradesh, and you will get a sense of it as soon as you start travelling, as the landscape, culture, and ambiance change as you keep traversing. Each attraction at a stretch from the scenic roads at Solang Valley to the tranquil villages of Lahaul has something for all whether it is trekking, driving through the mountains, basking in the culture, or simply relaxing amidst nature. Experience these on your holiday in Manali. If you are on a longer holiday, then you can take delight in exploring numerous other attractions and activities through a well-crafted Manali tour package with Escape2Explore.ConclusionA trip from Manali to Lahaul by Atal Tunnel is a perfect opportunity to witness the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. Enjoy panoramic scenic views from the 'gateway to Lahaul' in Lahaul Valley and Sissu. Start early, plan well, and follow the local travel advisories to have a pleasant road trip and travel outside Manali. Take note of the road conditions before travelling and maintain a flexible itinerary to deal with any unforeseen circumstances.
