For most of history Lahaul was cut off by the Rohtang Pass for half the year. Since the Atal Tunnel opened, it is 90 minutes from Manali — and one of the most striking landscapes in the state: the Chandra and Bhaga rivers joining at Tandi, bare mountains streaked with glaciers, and green patches of potato, pea and hop fields around villages.
Lahaul’s people follow both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Monasteries such as Kardang, Shashur and Guru Ghantal overlook the valleys, and Keylong, the district headquarters, is the main stop on the Manali–Leh highway.
Top things to do in Lahaul
Sissu
Just beyond the tunnel, a village with a waterfall, a small lake and wide views of the Chandra valley. Many day trips from Manali turn around here.
Keylong and monasteries
Keylong, at about 3,100 m, has views of snow peaks and nearby Kardang and Shashur monasteries; Guru Ghantal, near Tandi, is one of the oldest in the region.
Jispa and Darcha
Riverside camps and guesthouses on the Bhaga — the last comfortable stops before the high passes on the road to Leh and the Zanskar road via Shinku La.
Trilokinath and Udaipur
Down the Chandrabhaga (Chenab) valley, the Trilokinath temple is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, and Udaipur has the carved wooden Mrikula Devi temple.
How to get to Lahaul
- From Manali through the Atal Tunnel: Sissu is about 40 km, Keylong about 70 km. HRTC buses run from Manali to Keylong.
- In winter, snow can close the roads beyond the tunnel; check police and administration advisories.
Insider tips
- Keylong is higher than it looks: take it easy on the first day.
- Fuel up in Manali or Tandi — Tandi has one of the last petrol pumps before Leh.
- Carry warm clothes even in summer; nights are cold.
Tours that include Lahaul
These guided trips cover Lahaul 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
Road trip Shimla: 8-Day Spiti Valley Tour via Kalpa, Kaza & Manali
The classic way to see Spiti: start in Shimla and follow the Sutlej through Kinnaur to Kalpa, cross into the high desert at Nako and Tabo, base yourself in Kaza for Key, Kibber and Langza, then exit over Kunzum La and the Atal Tunnel to Manali.
- The full Spiti circuit: Kinnaur, Kalpa, Tabo, Kaza, Manali
- Key, Dhankar and Tabo monasteries
- Gradual altitude gain for safer acclimatisation
