Travel guidePermits & roads
Atal Tunnel — what to know before you drive it
The Atal Tunnel is a 9.02 km road tunnel under the Pir Panjal range, about 25 km from Manali, that bypasses Rohtang Pass and opens into the Lahaul valley near Sissu. Opened in October 2020, it cut the Manali–Keylong road from 116 km to 71 km. It needs no Rohtang permit, and it is now the usual way to Lahaul, Spiti and Leh from Manali.
What the tunnel changed
Before October 2020, the only road from Manali into Lahaul went over Rohtang Pass and was closed by snow for half the year. The Atal Tunnel runs 9.02 km straight under the range instead. The road from Manali to Keylong dropped from 116 km to 71 km, and from five or six hours to about two. Lahaul villages that were cut off every winter now have a road out.
For travellers it changed three things:
- Snow in winter. When Rohtang is shut, Sissu and the Lahaul side of the tunnel are the easiest deep snow from Manali — when the road is open. The pass calendar lists recent winter closures, and Manali in December and January covers the season.
- Leh and Spiti. The Manali–Leh highway and the road to Spiti now start through the tunnel, not over the pass.
- No Rohtang permit. The tunnel and Sissu are outside the Rohtang permit system.
The drive
From Manali, up the Beas past Solang and Palchan, then the climbing road to the south portal at about 25 km. Inside, the tunnel is well lit and ventilated, with an operating speed of around 40–60 km/h — do not stop inside. You come out above the Chandra river; turn right for Sissu (about 41 km from Manali), its waterfall and lake, or continue to Keylong.
Practical notes
- Register private vehicles on e-Aagman before entering Lahaul & Spiti; it is free.
- Winter: the approach roads close after heavy snow; local rules on night travel apply.
- Fuel: fill up in Manali.
With us
Our Manali–Leh jeep safari and Manali–Leh–Srinagar trip cross into Lahaul here, and a day trip to the tunnel and Sissu can be added to any Manali stay — see the Rohtang & Atal Tunnel taxi.
Before you go
Quick answers
How long is the Atal Tunnel?
9.02 km, making it one of the longest highway tunnels at this altitude in the world. It runs under the Pir Panjal range between the Solang side of Manali and the Lahaul valley.
How far is the Atal Tunnel from Manali?
The south portal is about 25 km from Manali, past Solang and Palchan. Sissu, on the Lahaul side, is about 41 km from Manali.
Do I need a permit for the Atal Tunnel?
No Rohtang permit is needed. Private vehicles entering Lahaul & Spiti should register free on the e-Aagman portal (eaagman.hp.gov.in).
Is the Atal Tunnel open in winter?
It is kept open through most of the winter, but the approach roads close after heavy snowfall and night travel can be restricted. Check the local administration's advisories before setting out.
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Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 24 October 2026. Fees, permits, timings and road openings change — check them before you travel.