In this guide
Until recently, reaching Lahaul meant a slow, weather-beaten crawl over Rohtang Pass. The Atal Tunnel changed everything. At 9.02 km it is one of the world's longest high-altitude highway tunnels, and it drops you into the Lahaul Valley in a couple of hours from Manali — bypassing Rohtang entirely and opening the valley up for year-round access.
Why visit Lahaul
Lahaul is a high, arid, Buddhist-influenced valley of grey-brown peaks, glacier-fed streams and green barley terraces — visually closer to Ladakh than to green lower Himachal. It is quieter and less commercialised than Manali, with photogenic villages, old gompas and one of the region's most famous waterfalls at Sissu.
The Atal Tunnel
Inaugurated on 3 October 2020, the tunnel runs between a south portal about 25 km from Manali and a north portal near Sissu in Lahaul. It cut the old Manali–Lahaul distance dramatically and, because it sits lower than Rohtang, reduces the altitude jolt. Inside: 40 km/h speed limit, no stopping and no overtaking — it's a transit tunnel, not a viewpoint.
Sissu, Keylong and Jispa
Sissu
The first village after the tunnel, known for the tall Sissu (Shashin) waterfall, a small lake and open valley views. An easy, rewarding first stop.
Keylong
The administrative town of Lahaul and a natural base, with markets, guesthouses and nearby monasteries like Kardang and Shashur.
Jispa
A serene riverside hamlet further along the Manali–Leh road, popular for camps and as an acclimatization halt for onward Ladakh journeys.
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Plan My Trip →Best time to visit
Thanks to the tunnel, Lahaul is reachable across much more of the year than before, but the sweet spot is May to October for green valleys and open onward roads. Winter brings heavy snow and a very different, harder experience — check road status before attempting it.
How to reach
Drive or take a bus/shared cab from Manali through the Atal Tunnel. Nearest airport is Kullu–Manali (Bhuntar); nearest major rail is Joginder Nagar/Chandigarh with onward road travel.
Where to stay
Guesthouses and homestays in Sissu and Keylong; riverside camps and lodges in Jispa. Options are simpler and fewer than in Manali, so book ahead in peak months.
Costs (indicative)
Lahaul is affordable — homestays and dhaba meals keep budgets low, with cost rising mainly if you hire a private vehicle. Fuel up in Manali; options are limited beyond.
Responsible travel
This is a fragile cold-desert ecosystem with limited waste handling. Carry out your rubbish, avoid single-use plastic, don't drive off-track over meadows, and support village homestays.
FAQ
Do I need a permit for Lahaul?
No permit is required for Sissu, Keylong or Jispa. Permits only come into play further along toward Ladakh's restricted areas.
Can I visit Lahaul as a day trip from Manali?
Sissu is doable as a long day trip through the tunnel, but staying overnight in Keylong or Jispa lets you see the valley properly.
Written by PlanMyOffbeat Team
Independent, verification-first travel guides for offbeat trips.
