Discover The Beauty And Adventure Awaiting You At Atal Tunnel Manali
The Atal Tunnel Manali, previously known as the Rohtang Tunnel, is a long tunnel atop the Himalayas. The tunnel links Manali and Lahaul, providing a faster and safer route, especially during winter when the Rohtang Pass is closed due to heavy snowfall. The tunnel is well-lit and well-ventilated, ensuring a comfortable drive. Atal Tunnel is the gateway to many destinations in Himachal, make the journeys adventurous and memorable with the best Himachal Pradesh tour packages.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Atal Tunnel Manali on 3rd October 2020. It is named after the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It offers a new lifeline to the people in Lahaul and Spiti by providing better connectivity and boosting tourism in the region.
Let’s check some more facts about Atal Tunnel Manali:
1. Atal Tunnel length – It spans 9.02 km and has an elevation of approximately 3,100 meters above sea level.
2. Atal Tunnel permit– BRO introduced a ticket system for guided tours inside Atal Tunnel, Rohtang for tourists and engineering students.
Overview of the service
- Service name: Atal tunnel permit or Atal tunnel ticket
- Website: https://marvels.bro.gov.in
- Ticket cost: Rs 100/- per visitor
- Ticket for children: Children below 12 years of age will be complimentary
3. Manali to Atal Tunnel Distance – The Atal tunnel distance is around 28 km from Manali.
4. Atal Tunnel open timings – It’s open 24 hours every day
5. Atal Tunnel’s Significance – The tunnel is famous for the following reasons:
- Atal Tunnel reduces road distance and time between Manali and Leh.
- It provides all-year connectivity to Ladakh and bypasses Rohtang Pass.
- The tunnel benefits the country’s armed forces as it provides year-long connectivity to the border areas.
- The tunnel also boosted tourism in the Lahaul valley.
Suggested Read: 50 Best Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh (2024
Nearby Tourist Spots At Atal Tunnel
Some of the best places to visit near Atal Tunnel Manali are
1. Lahaul
If you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, make sure to include a trip to Lahaul while traveling via the Atal tunnel in Manali! This enchanting valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is a must-visit place, nestled amidst towering mountains and rivers. Even though winters can be bone-chilling and snowfall is heavy, the natural beauty of Lahaul will take your breath away. And do go through Lahaul valley in Himachal to visit this sightseeing spot around Atal Tunnel.
2. Ladakh
If you’re looking for a trip that will take you on a thrilling journey through the heart of the Himalayas, then a Leh ladakh road trip from Manali via Atal Tunnel is just what you need. Leh Ladakh is one of India’s most beautiful regions, and it’s not hard to see why.
The rugged mountains, deep valleys, and crystal-clear lakes will leave you spellbound. Experience something new, exciting, and unforgettable on your Leh Ladakh road trip via the Atal Tunnel.
3. Spiti
Atal Tunnel has changed the Lahaul-Spiti road trip experience a lot. Before Atal Tunnel Lahaul Spiti was a dream as it used to take 2 days just to reach Spiti. Now it is very easy to travel to Lahaul – Spiti via Atal Tunnel and explore the amazing places in Spiti valley.
It is a dream destination for adventure travelers and backpackers seeking an authentic experience. With soul-soothing weather, delectable food, and hospitality, it’s easy to fall in love with this Land of Himalayan adventure.
Spiti has some of the highest landmarks in the world, including the world’s highest motorable road, and some of the most ride-worthy routes and passes that are sure to give you an adrenaline high
4. Gondhla Fort
If you want to visit Gondhla Fort, you can take Atal Tunnel, Rohtang. Gondhla Fort is located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh and it has a rich history and stunning architecture. The fort is built on top of a hill and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
5. Hampta Pass
A great place to go via Atal Tunnel, Rohtang is Hampta Pass. Hampta Pass is located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, connecting the Chandra Valley in Lahaul to the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India.
The pass is a thrilling trekking destination in Manali for adventure seekers. The Hampta Pass trek offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscape on the Manali side of Himachal Pradesh.
6. Hikkim Village
One more beautiful getaway via Atal Tunnel is to Hikkim Village. It is situated in the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh and is a peaceful and picturesque location. The most fascinating aspect of this remote village is that it houses the highest post office in the world. Despite poor network connectivity in the region, the traditional postal services have been keeping the village connected with the rest of the world. There are also some exciting things to do in Hikkim village, which WanderOn takes complete care of.
7. Sissu
Sissu Valley, is one of the best places to visit in Manali in one day. And the best part? You can reach this magical town through the 9 km long Atal Tunnel. As you make your way to Sissu, get ready to be mesmerised by the breathtaking views and natural trails that await you.
Sissu has a helipad that serves as a transportation hub for the region. The helipad is crucial for emergency services and acts as a gateway to explore the hidden treasures of Lahaul.
Restaurants at Atal Tunnel
There are a plethora of places to eat around this area which offers a diverse menu. So whether you’re looking for lavish food or food that gives you a homely feel, Atal Tunnel has it all. Let’s have a look at some of the restaurants at Atal Tunnel:
- Himachal Tourism Cafe
- Atal Cafe Sissu
- Sissu Rasoi
- Pangi Dhaba
Suggested read: 16 Local Food Items You Must Experience In Spiti Valley
Activities At Atal Tunnel
At the Atal Tunnel Manali Himachal Pradesh, you can enjoy activities such as:
- Photography of the majestic mountains and the engineering marvel itself
- Scenic drives through the breathtaking landscapes
- Exploring some trekking activities
- Sightseeing around Atal Tunnel
- Interacting with the locals to learn about their culture and traditions
Is the Atal Tunnel open throughout the year?
Yes, the tunnel is open throughout the year. But the road to the tunnel might get blocked during heavy snowfall in the winter months.
Is a permit required to visit the Atal Tunnel?
You may not need a permit to visit the tunnel, but certain permits are required for traveling to other areas beyond the tunnel. These permits are available online and from local government offices.
How do I reach the Atal Tunnel?
The Atal Tunnel can be easily accessed from Manali by bus or private vehicle. The distance from Manali to Atal Tunnel is approximately 29 km via Solang Valley and takes approximately 60 minutes to reach the Atal Tunnel.
What is Atal Tunnel?
The Atal Tunnel also known as the Rohtang Tunnel is located in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. It’s one of the longest road tunnels in the world and provides all-weather connectivity to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys in the Himachal.
