Explore the Atal Tunnel – India’s Iconic Gateway Through the Himalayas

Atal Tunnel Manali – Visitor Details at a Glance

Before diving into the details, here’s everything you need to know before planning your visit to this world-famous landmark. Whether you’re a road trip enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply wish to witness one of India’s greatest engineering marvels, this quick overview will help you plan your journey with ease.

Location: Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, Himachal Pradesh, India
Total Length: 9.02 km (World’s longest highway tunnel)
Width: Approximately 10 meters
Elevation: Around 3,100 meters above sea level

Entry Fee:

• Adults (18 years & above): ₹100 per person
• Teens (12 to 18 years): ₹50 per person
• Children (below 12 years): Free entry

Guided Tour Packages:

• ₹250 for groups of up to 10 visitors
• ₹350 for groups of up to 15 visitors

Distances:

• From Manali to Atal Tunnel: 25 km
• From Solang Valley to Atal Tunnel: 12.1 km

Atal Tunnel Route – Connecting the North and South Portals of the Himalayas

The Atal Tunnel route is one of the most scenic and strategically vital drives in Himachal Pradesh. Stretching beneath the majestic Rohtang Pass, this engineering wonder connects the South Portal at Dhundi (near Manali) with the North Portal at Sissu in Lahaul Valley. With a total Atal Tunnel distance of 9.02 kilometres, it allows travelers to cross the mighty Pir Panjal range in just about 10 minutes — a journey that once took hours through snow-covered and risky mountain roads.

The South Portal, located around 25 km from Manali at an altitude of about 3,060 metres, serves as the tunnel’s entry point. As you drive northward through its well-lit, temperature-controlled passage, you emerge at the North Portal, situated at approximately 3,070 metres near Sissu village — a region famous for its stunning waterfalls, apple orchards, and sweeping views of the Lahaul Valley.

Before the tunnel’s construction, travelers had to brave the high and unpredictable Rohtang Pass, which remained closed for nearly six months each year due to heavy snowfall. Today, the Atal Tunnel connects Manali with Lahaul–Spiti all year round, reducing travel time drastically and ensuring uninterrupted access for locals, tourists, and defence forces alike. This makes the Atal Tunnel route not just a vital lifeline but also a must-visit destination for every mountain lover and adventure seeker.

Best Time to Visit Atal Tunnel

The best time to visit Atal Tunnel depends on what kind of traveler you are — whether you love snow adventures or prefer smooth mountain drives with wide-open views. The tunnel itself stays open throughout the year, but the surrounding valleys and weather conditions vary beautifully with each season, affecting both the Atal Tunnel temperature and the overall experience.

From October to February, the region transforms into a white paradise. This is the perfect season if you want to witness Atal Tunnel snowfall, explore Solang Valley, and soak in the winter charm of Manali. During this period, the Atal Tunnel temperature often ranges between -5°C to 5°C, so travelers should pack heavy winter clothing and check for local weather updates before starting the trip.

If you prefer clear skies and pleasant weather, March to June is the best time. The Atal Tunnel route offers easy access, comfortable temperature conditions around 10°C to 15°C, and stunning green valleys stretching across Lahaul–Spiti. However, the monsoon months (July to September) can bring occasional landslides and slippery roads, so it’s advisable to avoid long drives during heavy rainfall.

Whether you visit in winter for snow or in summer for scenic drives, the Atal Tunnel Manali ensures a spectacular Himalayan experience all year round.

Places to Visit Near Atal Tunnel 

A visit to the Atal Tunnel Manali is incomplete without exploring the beautiful valleys, villages, and adventure spots that surround it. From snow-covered slopes to ancient temples and serene lakes, this region has something for every traveler. Here are some of the best places to visit near Atal Tunnel:

1. Sissu Village and Waterfall (10 km from North Portal)

The Atal Tunnel to Sissu distance is approximately 10 kilometres, making it an easy 15–20 minute drive from the North Portal. Sissu is a peaceful hamlet in Lahaul Valley known for its cascading waterfall, apple orchards, and breathtaking mountain views. It’s one of the most photographed spots near the tunnel.

2. Solang Valley (12 km before South Portal)

On your way from Manali to Atal Tunnel, make sure to stop at the stunning Solang Valley, often called the adventure capital of Himachal Pradesh. Known for its breathtaking snow peaks and adventure sports like paragliding, ziplining, ATV rides, and skiing, it’s a must-visit stop for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

The Solang Valley to Atal Tunnel distance is approximately 12.1 kilometres, making it an easy and scenic drive that can be covered in just about 20–25 minutes. This short stretch offers some of the most picturesque views of the Pir Panjal range, making it a favorite route for photographers and travelers heading toward the Atal Tunnel Manali.

3. Rohtang Pass (Further beyond the tunnel)

Though the Atal Tunnel now bypasses Rohtang Pass, the pass remains a major attraction for those seeking panoramic views of glaciers and high-altitude snowfields. It’s open mainly during summer months (May to October).

4. Keylong (37 km from Sissu)

The district headquarters of Lahaul, Keylong offers monasteries, authentic Himalayan culture, and peaceful mountain life. It’s a great stop for travelers heading further toward Spiti Valley.

5. Gulaba (20 km from Manali)

Often covered in snow during winter, Gulaba is a scenic village located en route to Rohtang. It’s ideal for short snow treks, sledding, and photography.

6. Marhi (35 km from Manali)

Another stop on the old Manali–Rohtang road, Marhi is famous for its roadside cafés and mountain views. It’s a good place for a tea break with a view before or after visiting the Atal Tunnel.

7. Manali Town (25 km from Tunnel)

Before heading toward the tunnel, take time to explore Manali, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most loved hill stations. Visit the iconic Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, stroll along Mall Road, or unwind at Old Manali’s cozy cafés for a taste of local charm and mountain life.

The Manali to Atal Tunnel distance is approximately 25 kilometres, which takes about 40–45 minutes by road via Solang Valley. The drive offers spectacular views of snow-clad peaks, pine forests, and winding mountain roads — a perfect prelude to the scenic Atal Tunnel route.

8. Rahala Waterfalls (16 km from Manali)

A refreshing stop on your way to the Atal Tunnel, Rahala Falls offers a scenic cascade surrounded by deodar and birch trees. It’s especially beautiful during the summer melt season.

9. Tandi (50 km from Atal Tunnel)

Known as the confluence point of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, Tandi holds spiritual and geographical importance. It’s also the last major fuel stop before heading deeper into Lahaul–Spiti.

10. Spiti Valley (Beyond Keylong)

For those who wish to extend their journey, Spiti Valley offers unmatched views of barren mountains, ancient monasteries like Key and Kibber, and the purest Himalayan skies. Thanks to the Atal Tunnel, this route is now much more accessible.

Travel Tip:
Book a reliable Manali cab service from HurryUp Cabs to comfortably explore all these destinations in one scenic circuit — from Manali → Solang Valley → Atal Tunnel → Sissu → Keylong → Tandi, and beyond.

How to Reach Atal Tunnel – By Air, Train, and Road

Reaching the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh is an unforgettable journey through one of India’s most scenic mountain routes. Whether you’re traveling from Delhi, Chandigarh, or anywhere else in North India, you can reach Atal Tunnel Manali conveniently by air, rail, or road.

By Air

The nearest airport to Atal Tunnel is the Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar Airport), located about 50 km from Manali and approximately 75 km from the South Portal of the tunnel. Regular flights operate from Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport, you can hire a local cab or taxi to reach Manali, and then continue your journey toward the Atal Tunnel via Solang Valley.

By Train

The closest major railway stations are Joginder Nagar (165 km), Chandigarh (310 km), and Pathankot (325 km). From any of these stations, travelers can either take a bus or hire a private cab to reach Manali, the gateway to the tunnel. The drive from Manali to Atal Tunnel (via Solang Valley and Dhundi) takes roughly 45–60 minutes, depending on weather and traffic.

By Road

A road trip to the Atal Tunnel is an adventure in itself. The route from Delhi to Manali (about 540 km) passes through picturesque hill towns like Mandi and Kullu. Once in Manali, the Atal Tunnel South Portal lies about 25 km away via Solang Valley and Dhundi.

You can either drive your own vehicle or book reliable taxi services from HurryUp Cabs for a safe, comfortable, and scenic ride. Their professional drivers are well-experienced with mountain routes and can guide you through the best photo stops and viewpoints along the way.

History and Legacy of Atal Tunnel – From Rohtang Pass to a Himalayan Revolution

The story of the Atal Tunnel is deeply rooted in India’s vision to connect the remote valleys of Himachal Pradesh to the rest of the nation. Before this engineering marvel existed, travelers and locals had to cross the treacherous Rohtang Pass — a high-altitude mountain route at nearly 13,000 feet, often blocked for months due to heavy snowfall, landslides, and unpredictable weather. This isolation cut off the entire Lahaul–Spiti Valley from Manali and the rest of India every winter.

The idea of building a tunnel under Rohtang Pass was first proposed in the early 1980s, but it officially took shape in 2000 when Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee approved the project. Construction began in 2010 under the supervision of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) — one of the most challenging engineering undertakings in the Himalayas. After nearly a decade of tunneling through hard rock, glacial strata, and sub-zero conditions, the Atal Tunnel was finally inaugurated on October 3, 2020, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Named in honor of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the tunnel stands today as the longest highway tunnel in the world at 9.02 km. It has reduced the travel distance between Manali and Keylong by nearly 46 km and cut the journey time by over four hours. More importantly, it provides year-round connectivity to areas that were once cut off each winter, revolutionizing tourism, trade, and daily life in the high Himalayas.

The Atal Tunnel is not just an infrastructure project — it’s a symbol of India’s engineering excellence, resilience, and determination to bring progress to even the most challenging terrains. It carries forward the legacy of Rohtang Pass, transforming what was once a difficult barrier into a gateway of opportunity.