Manali to Atal Tunnel Distance
The Atal Tunnel, which pierces through the eastern Pir Panjal Range in Himachal Pradesh, is one of the highest road tunnels in the world. It significantly shortens travel time and provides year-round connectivity to the isolated regions of Lahaul-Spiti.
It is also a significant milestone in the economic development of Himachal Pradesh. It will boost tourism and community growth in these remote regions.
What is the distance between Manali and Atal Tunnel?
The world’s longest highway tunnel at an altitude of over 10,000 feet, Atal Tunnel is a remarkable engineering feat that connects Manali with the Lahaul Valley. Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it bypasses Rohtang Pass and ensures all-weather connectivity between the two regions.
It also enhances tourism and military access to the region. The 9.02 km-long tunnel carries two lanes of National Highway 3 and is located in the eastern Pir Panjal Range of Himachal Pradesh. Travellers can reach Atal Tunnel from Manali by driving north on NH3. They can also board HRTC buses to the region from the city, which are budget-friendly and offer comfortable ride.
During the winter, Atal Tunnel and its northern portal experience heavy snowfall. Therefore, travellers are advised to drive only on a 4*4 vehicle with winter tyre chains. The best time to visit Atal Tunnel is between December and March.
Several outdoor activities are available near Atal Tunnel, including paragliding and zorbing at Solang Valley. Besides, visitors can explore Sissu village, situated on the northern side of the tunnel. It is a great place to go hiking and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The pristine water of Beas River is another highlight of the area. Moreover, the area is home to many renowned treks, which can be explored by trekking agencies operating in the region.
How to reach Atal Tunnel from Manali?
The Atal Tunnel, which is 24 km away from Manali along the Manali-Leh Highway, offers awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas as you drive through it. The tunnel is an engineering marvel that bypasses the treacherous Rohtang Pass and reduces the journey time by a significant margin. The tunnel also allows for year-round connectivity to Lahaul-Spiti valley, which was cut off from the rest of the world during winter months.
The length of the tunnel is 9.02 kilometers, making it the longest highway tunnel at such an altitude in the world. It was built by the Border Roads Organisation and inaugurated in 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Known as a boon for travelers, the Atal Tunnel has been boosting tourism, facilitating trade, and strengthening local communities in Himachal Pradesh.
Visiting the Atal Tunnel is an unforgettable experience. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of the place by driving your own vehicle or booking a taxi to reach here. Taxi service is available from the airport and costs around Rs2000-3000 for a sedan taxi. It’s best to travel during spring, summer, and monsoon seasons to witness the lush greenery of the area. However, you should avoid traveling to the tunnel during winter sason, as it becomes closed due to snowfall.
Alternatively, you can also reach Atal Tunnel by train. Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the nearest major railway station, and it is well-connected to cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
What is the weather like at Atal Tunnel?
The Atal Tunnel, named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is a remarkable engineering feat that pierces the Pir Panjal range of mountains to connect Manali with Lahaul Valley. It is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet and significantly reduces travel time.
The tunnel is open all year round, but it is best to visit during summer (March to June) and autumn (September to November). This is when the weather is clear and pleasant and you can enjoy outdoor activities like rafting and hiking. The road to the tunnel is also paved during this time, making it easy for visitors to reach the site.
If you’re planning a trip to the Atal Tunnel, we recommend booking a taxi in advance. Our cabs are available at affordable prices and can be booked online. All taxes, parking charges, and permit fees are included in the price. To book your cab, simply fill out the form on our website.
The nearest airport to the Atal Tunnel is Bhuntar Airport, located around 50 km from Manali. Taxis are available to pick you up from the airport and take you straight to the site. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Joginder Nagar Railway Station to reach Manali, which takes about 2 hours. The bus ticket cost will vary depending on whether you’re traveling alone or with a group.
How to reach Atal Tunnel from Sissu?
The best way to reach Atal Tunnel from Sissu is by taking a taxi. There are plenty of taxis available at reasonable prices that will take you to the tunnel and other popular tourist destinations in Manali. Before booking a taxi, be sure to check the weather conditions and road conditions before setting out. Also, remember to follow all traffic and speed limits for your own safety.
The Atal Tunnel is a triumph of engineering and human ingenuity. It is more than just a tunnel in the mountains; it’s a gateway that connects distant lands and an expression of our unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and achieve the impossible.
Located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, Atal Tunnel is a 9.02 km long road tunnel named after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is the longest highway single-tube tunnel above 3000 m and is a major landmark in Himachal Pradesh.
It significantly reduces the travel time between Manali and Keylong, the administrative center of Lahaul-Spiti. It also helps boost tourism and community development in these remote Himalayan regions.
The best time to visit Atal Tunnel is during winter when there is a high chance of snowfall in the region. However, it is recommended that tourists use a 4*4 vehicle with winter tyre chains when traveling to Atal Tunnel from Manali.
