
Drive through the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, providing all-weather connectivity from Manali to the Lahaul Valley.
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.
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South Portal, near Dhundi, Manali-Leh Highway, Solang Valley, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
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.
Nearby restaurants near Atal Tunnel
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