The Atal Tunnel is a roughly 9 km tunnel under the Rohtang range that connects Manali to the Lahaul valley. It is free for every vehicle and there is no toll. The single most important rule: do not stop and do not take photos or video inside — keep moving, stay in your lane and drive straight through.
Quick facts
If you are driving from Manali towards Sissu, Keylong or Leh, you will pass through the Atal Tunnel. The numbers above are the ones travellers ask about most: it is about 9 km long, it is completely free, and photography inside is not permitted. Everything else on this page expands on those points so you arrive prepared and get through the tunnel without trouble.
The tunnel has two ends, called portals. The south portal is on the Manali side near Dhundi. The north portal is at Teling, on the Lahaul side, facing towards Sissu. From the north portal it is only a short drive down the valley to Sissu and our hotel.
About the Atal Tunnel
The Atal Tunnel (officially Atal Tunnel, Rohtang) was opened in October 2020 and is named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), it runs under the Rohtang Pass and is widely cited as the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft, at roughly 9.02 km.
Before the tunnel existed, reaching Lahaul meant a long, slow climb over the Rohtang Pass — a route that closed completely for months every winter once the snow set in. The tunnel cut that journey dramatically and, just as importantly, it stays open through much of the winter. That is the main reason villages like Sissu are now reachable for far more of the year than they once were. The tunnel is a single tube with two lanes (one in each direction) and is fitted with safety systems including lighting, ventilation, fire safety equipment and CCTV monitoring throughout its length.
Timings — when is it open?
For travel planning, treat the Atal Tunnel as generally open daily, subject to weather. In normal conditions traffic moves through the tunnel throughout the day. There is no ticket window or fixed visiting slot — it is a working highway tunnel, not a tourist attraction you queue up for.
However, it can be temporarily closed during heavy snowfall, avalanche risk, accidents or scheduled maintenance. When the wider road on either side is being cleared after a storm, the authorities may hold or restrict traffic for safety. Closures are usually short, but they do happen — especially in deep winter and during heavy spells of snow.
Always check before you travel. Timings and access can change at short notice due to weather and maintenance. If your trip depends on the tunnel being open on a specific day — particularly between roughly December and March — confirm the current status first. We keep a running update on our Is Sissu open right now? page, and you are welcome to message us directly for the latest from the ground.
Rules you must follow
The rules inside the tunnel exist for one reason: it is a long, enclosed space where a single stopped car or a small collision can cause a serious pile-up. They are enforced, and CCTV inside the tunnel is used to catch violations, with action taken under the Motor Vehicles Act. The core rules are below.
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Observe the speed limit | Do not over-speed. A steady ~40–60 km/h is sensible; let faster traffic be the authorities’ problem, not yours. |
| No stopping | Do not stop your vehicle inside except in a genuine emergency. No pausing for a look or a quick clip. |
| No parking | You cannot park anywhere inside the tunnel. |
| No overtaking | Overtaking inside the tunnel is prohibited. Stay behind the vehicle ahead. |
| No photography or videography | Cameras, phones and dashcam-style filming of the interior are not allowed inside. |
| Keep a safe distance | Maintain a safe following gap from the vehicle in front so you can stop without a collision. |
| Lane discipline | Stay in your lane, keep headlights on and follow the signage and any instructions broadcast inside. |
None of this is onerous in practice. If you simply drive straight through at a steady speed, in your lane, without stopping or filming, you will not have any issue.
Is photography allowed?
No — photography and videography inside the Atal Tunnel are not allowed, and the restriction is monitored by CCTV. This catches a lot of first-time visitors off guard, because the tunnel itself is genuinely photogenic. But filming or shooting while driving through is exactly the kind of distraction the rule is designed to prevent, so leave the phone down until you are out.
The good news: the photos people actually share are taken from outside the tunnel anyway. The portals — especially the north portal at Teling — make for a great shot with the snow peaks behind, and you can take those from the permitted areas outside the restricted zone, off the live carriageway. So you can still get your tunnel picture; just take it from outside, parked safely, not from inside while moving.
Driving tips & winter status
A few practical pointers for a smooth drive through:
- Headlights on. Keep them on for the full length of the tunnel.
- Steady speed, steady lane. Pick a comfortable pace within the limit and hold your lane — don’t weave or brake suddenly.
- Fuel up and check tyres in Manali. Sort fuel, tyres and any vehicle checks on the Manali side before you head up; options thin out beyond the tunnel.
- Carry warm layers. The Lahaul side is noticeably colder, and weather can turn quickly — see our stay options in Sissu if you plan to base here.
- Don’t rely on phone signal. Connectivity inside and just beyond the tunnel is patchy; download directions in advance.
On winter access: the tunnel and the road around it are cleared and patrolled through winter, which is exactly what keeps Sissu reachable when the old Rohtang route would have been shut. That said, after a fresh, heavy snowfall the road can still be held while it is being cleared, so winter travel rewards a little flexibility and an early start. For a fuller picture of the cold months, see Is Sissu open right now?
From the tunnel to Sissu
Once you exit the north portal at Teling, you are in the Lahaul valley and the worst of the climb is behind you. It is only a short drive down the valley — roughly 10–12 km — to Sissu village, where you’ll find Sissu Lake, the waterfall and our hotel and other stays near the Atal Tunnel. The road is generally good and the descent is gentle compared with the old pass.
For the full route, drive times and whether to self-drive, take a taxi or a bus, read our detailed guide on how to reach Sissu from Manali. When you are ready to plan your stay, get in touch and we’ll help you time the trip around the tunnel and the weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Atal Tunnel timings?
The Atal Tunnel is generally open to traffic daily, throughout the day, subject to weather. There is no ticket or fixed visiting slot — it is a working highway tunnel. It can be temporarily closed during heavy snow, avalanche risk, accidents or maintenance, so always check the current status before you travel, especially in winter.
Is the Atal Tunnel free?
Yes. The Atal Tunnel is free for all vehicles. There is no toll or entry fee to drive through it.
Can you take photos in the Atal Tunnel?
No. Photography and videography inside the tunnel are not allowed and the restriction is monitored by CCTV. You can, however, photograph the portals from the permitted areas outside the tunnel, where most travellers take their pictures anyway.
What is the speed limit in the Atal Tunnel?
You must observe the posted speed limit and not over-speed. In practice most drivers travel at a steady 40–60 km/h, which is the sensible pace for a long enclosed tunnel with CCTV monitoring. Rash driving and over-speeding are penalised under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Is the Atal Tunnel open in winter and snow?
Generally yes — the tunnel and surrounding road are cleared and patrolled through winter, which is what keeps Sissu accessible year-round. But after heavy snowfall it can be held or briefly closed while the road is cleared, so confirm the current status before a winter trip.
How far is Sissu from the Atal Tunnel?
From the north portal at Teling, Sissu is only a short drive down the Lahaul valley — roughly 10–12 km. Hotel Lake Side Inn is right by Sissu Lake and the waterfall.
Make Sissu your home for a few days
Cosy mountain-view rooms, 24×7 hot water and a pure-veg kitchen — a 2-minute walk from Sissu Lake. Book direct for our best rate.
