For centuries the 3,978 m Rohtang Pass was the only way from the Kullu valley into Lahaul, and it was snowed shut for around half the year. In October 2020 the Atal Tunnel opened beneath the Pir Panjal range: at about 9 km it is one of the longest highway tunnels above 3,000 m in the world, and it has turned Lahaul into an easy day trip from Manali.
The two are now separate experiences. The tunnel is a fast, all-weather road to Sissu, Keylong and the Manali–Leh highway; the pass is a high-altitude snow point with a permit system and a daily vehicle limit, open roughly from May or June until the first heavy snows of autumn.
Top things to do in Atal Tunnel & Rohtang Pass
Drive the Atal Tunnel
The south portal is about 25 km from Manali beyond Solang, at around 3,060 m. The two-lane tunnel is lit, ventilated and has emergency bays; you emerge at North Portal near Sissu in Lahaul. Cars do not need the Rohtang permit to use the tunnel.
Sissu and the Chandra valley
A few kilometres from the north portal, Sissu has a tall waterfall, a small lake and a helipad lawn with views over the Chandra river. In winter it is a snow play area; in summer, wildflowers and Buddhist prayer flags. Continue to Keylong if you have time.
Rohtang Pass snow point
Between roughly May and October (dates depend on snow clearance) you can drive up via Marhi to the pass for views of the Beas Kund peaks and the Chandra valley, and for snow play into early summer. The top is exposed and cold; spend an hour, not a day.
Beas Kund and the source of the Beas
Trekkers can reach the glacial lake of Beas Kund, source of the Beas, in two or three days from Solang via Dhundi and Bakarthach — a classic short trek with close views of Hanuman Tibba.
How to get to Atal Tunnel & Rohtang Pass
- Rohtang permits: private and taxi vehicles need an online permit from the Manali administration (rohtangpermits.nic.in); the number of vehicles per day is capped by court order, and the pass is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance — check the current rules before you go.
- Atal Tunnel: no permit needed for normal vehicles; just follow police advisories, which may close the approach roads after heavy snow.
- By bus: HRTC buses from Manali to Keylong, Kaza (seasonal) and Leh (seasonal) now use the tunnel. Taxis from the Manali taxi union run fixed-rate trips to Solang, the tunnel and Sissu.
- On a tour: a guided day trip from Manali covers Solang, the tunnel and Sissu with a driver who knows the rules and traffic.
Insider tips
- Rohtang is at almost 4,000 m: go up early, avoid exertion, and turn back if you get a headache or nausea.
- Rent snow boots and a coat in Manali or at Kothi rather than on the roadside at inflated prices, and only if you really need them.
- Carry sunglasses and sunscreen — UV and snow glare are intense at altitude.
- After fresh snowfall, the approach to the tunnel can be closed for hours; ask at your hotel before setting off.
- Weekends and holidays mean long queues at the south portal — start by 7–8 am.
Tours that include Atal Tunnel & Rohtang Pass
These guided trips cover Atal Tunnel & Rohtang Pass or combine easily with a visit:
Private day trip Manali: Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel & Sissu Day Trip
The classic Manali day out, done in a private car with a local driver who knows the permit rules and the traffic. Stop in Solang Valley, cross under the Pir Panjal through the Atal Tunnel and spend time in the wide, stark Lahaul valley at Sissu before heading back.
- Solang Valley’s meadows, ropeway and adventure sports
- Drive through the 9 km Atal Tunnel under the Rohtang ridge
- Sissu’s waterfall and Chandra river views in Lahaul
Private day tour Private Solang Valley Sightseeing Day Tour from Manali
A full private day that pairs the high-altitude fun of Solang Valley with the culture of the Kullu valley: the timber-and-stone Naggar Castle, the Russian painter Nicholas Roerich’s estate and traditional shawl workshops along the Beas.
- Solang Valley snow slopes, ropeway and paragliding
- Naggar Castle and the Roerich art gallery
- Kullu valley shawl weavers and riverside stops
