The Atal Tunnel runs under the Rohtang Pass and links Manali with the Lahaul valley. On our summer Spiti tour and the Spiti bike trip, it is the last big landmark on the way from Chandratal back to Manali.
Atal Tunnel facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | About 9 km |
| Height | Roughly 3,000 m (about 10,000 ft) |
| Opened | 2020 |
| Connects | The Manali side with Sissu in Lahaul |
| Replaces | The climb over the Rohtang Pass |
Where it fits on the road to Spiti
From Manali, the road goes through the Atal Tunnel into Lahaul, then towards Gramphu, Batal and Kunzum Pass, and on to Kaza. The tunnel is open most of the year, but the road beyond it to Kunzum and Spiti is open only in summer, usually from June to September, depending on snow.
How our trips use it
Our summer Spiti tour and the Spiti bike trip enter Spiti from the Shimla side and come out this way: Chandratal, Batal, the Atal Tunnel and Manali, then the overnight Volvo to Delhi. The winter expedition does not use it, because Kunzum Pass is closed by snow.
Tips for the tunnel
- Switch on your headlights before entering
- Keep to the speed limit and do not stop inside
- Expect a sudden change in weather at the far end
- Traffic can build up near the tunnel on busy summer weekends
Questions
How long is the Atal Tunnel?
About 9 km, under the Rohtang Pass.
Is the Atal Tunnel open in winter?
It is usually open through the year, with closures during and after heavy snow. The road beyond it to Spiti is closed in winter.
Where does the Atal Tunnel go?
From the Manali side to Sissu in the Lahaul valley, avoiding the climb over Rohtang Pass.
Do your Spiti trips use the Atal Tunnel?
Yes. The summer tour and the Spiti bike trip leave Spiti over Kunzum Pass and come back to Manali through the tunnel.
