Atal Tunnel - Manali's All-Weather Himalayan Marvel

Manali, Himachal PradeshATTRACTIONMost Loved Places

Drive through the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, providing all-weather connectivity from Manali to the Lahaul Valley.

iHighlights

Info

ATTRACTION

Info

Most Loved Places

Info

1-2 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

The Atal Tunnel is a highway tunnel built under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. At 9.02 kilometers, it's the world's longest single-tube highway tunnel at an altitude of over 10,000 feet. The journey through the well-lit, ventilated tunnel takes about 15-20 minutes and is a unique experience in itself. The primary purpose of the tunnel is to provide all-weather connectivity between Manali and the Lahaul-Spiti Valley, which was previously cut off for about six months every year due to heavy snowfall on the Rohtang Pass. Visitors drive from the South Portal near Dhundi, Manali, through the mountain to emerge at the North Portal near Sissu in Lahaul. The change in scenery is immediate and dramatic. The lush green valleys around Manali give way to the more rugged, arid, and starkly beautiful landscape of Lahaul. At both portals, there are designated areas where visitors can park their vehicles, take photographs, and admire the engineering accomplishment and the surrounding mountain views. It's not just a transit route but a destination for those interested in modern infrastructure and scenic mountain drives.

Why This Place is Special

• World's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet (3,000 m)
• Providing all-weather connectivity to the Lahaul Valley
• State-of-the-art electromechanical systems, including ventilation and fire safety
• A drastic change in landscape from the South Portal (Manali) to the North Portal (Lahaul)
• An engineering achievement by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
• Reducing the travel distance between Manali and Keylong by 46 km
• Scenic viewpoints at both the North and South Portals

Ideal For

FamiliesCouplesSolo travelersGroupsAdventure seekersPhotographersNature lovers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Food stalls
• Seating areas
• First aid

Visitor Tips

• Check weather and road conditions before heading out, especially from October to April, as the approach roads can get blocked by snow.
• Carry warm clothing like jackets, caps, and gloves, as the temperature at the portals is significantly lower than in Manali, even during summer.
• Do not stop your vehicle inside the tunnel. It is strictly prohibited and unsafe. Use the designated parking areas at the portals.
• If traveling to Lahaul for the first time, allow your body to acclimatize to the high altitude to avoid mountain sickness.
• The North Portal near Sissu offers more dramatic and open views of the Chandra River and the Lahaul landscape, making it a better spot for photography.
• To avoid traffic, start early from Manali, preferably before 8 AM, especially during peak tourist season (May-June and Dec-Jan).
• Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel. Fuel stations are sparse after you cross the tunnel into Lahaul.
• Keep your camera ready for the moment you exit the tunnel, as the sudden change in landscape is quite remarkable.

Rules & Restrictions

• No stopping or parking inside the tunnel
• Maintain a minimum speed of 60 km/h and a maximum speed of 80 km/h for cars
• Overtaking is strictly prohibited
• No U-turns are allowed inside the tunnel
• Honking is not permitted unless in an emergency
• Vehicles carrying petroleum and other flammable materials have specific timings

Safety Information

• Drive carefully and adhere to the speed limits inside the tunnel. Do not change lanes abruptly.
• Be aware of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) as you are at an altitude of over 10,000 feet. Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.
• In winter, the roads leading to the tunnel can be very slippery due to ice. Ensure your vehicle has good tires; 4x4 vehicles are recommended.
• Do not get out of your car in undesignated areas near the portals, especially in winter, as they can be avalanche-prone zones.
• Carry a basic first-aid kit, some snacks, and water, as facilities are limited once you cross into the Lahaul valley.
• Keep emergency contact numbers for local police and medical services handy.
• Cell phone network can be patchy, especially on the Lahaul side. Inform someone of your travel plans.

Discover Events in Manali

Explore upcoming events, concerts, expos and experiences near you

Loading events...

Location & Address

South Portal, near Dhundi, Manali-Leh Highway, Solang Valley, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India

View on map

Best Time to Visit

The tunnel is accessible year-round, which is its main feature. For tourism, May to October is ideal when the weather is pleasant, and connecting roads to other parts of Lahaul and Spiti are open. During these months, you can experience the green Manali side and the barren Lahaul side. Visiting from December to March offers a unique chance to see the Lahaul valley covered in a thick blanket of snow, an experience that was previously impossible for tourists.
Peak Crowd: May-July (summer holidays) and December-January (snow season), especially on weekends and public holidays.
Moderate Crowd: September-November and March-April, particularly on weekdays.
Low Crowd: Late July-August (monsoon season) on weekdays, due to risks of landslides on approach roads.

How to Reach

Air

The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (KUU) in Kullu, approximately 75 km from the South Portal of the tunnel. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach by taxi from the airport.

Train

The nearest major railway station is Chandigarh (CDG), about 335 km away. From Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi or take an overnight bus to Manali, which takes around 8-10 hours.

Road

Manali is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi (approx. 570 km) and Chandigarh (approx. 310 km) via NH3 and NH44. From Manali, the South Portal of the tunnel is 25 km away and can be reached via the Manali-Leh Highway.

Local Transport

From Manali town, you can hire a local taxi for a day trip to the tunnel and Sissu. This is the most convenient option. Rental motorcycles and scooters are also available for experienced riders. State-run HRTC buses going towards Keylong also use the tunnel.