The opening of the Atal Tunnel, which is one of the longest high-altitude road tunnels in the World, has completely changed travel from Manali to Lahaul. 

A full-day journey crossing the rugged Rohtang pass has now turned into a couple of hours of smooth driving. But the tunnel is not merely a shortcut; it is also a gateway to the hidden jewels of the Lahaul Valley and beyond. 

There are beautiful landscapes, hamlets, monasteries, and the natural wonders between Manali and Sissu that should be included in every traveler’s bucket list. 

Here are the top 7 places to explore between Manali and Sissu beyond Atal Tunnel. 

1. Solang Valley 

Just before the Atal Tunnel and an adventure lover’s delight is Solang Valley. Renowned for skiing in winter, paragliding, zorbing, and a cable car ride in the summer, Solang Valley sets the mood for your trip. 

Nestled amid surging Himalayan peaks, and lush green meadows, it is also a wonderful spot to stop for a nice photo opportunity or to hike for a bit. 

Must-do: Solang Ropeway- The use of the ropeway provides magnificent panoramic views of the Himalayas.

2. Dhundi and Bakarthach

These less frequented locales are about 8-10 km ahead of Solang and offer spectacular views to enjoy. Dhundi is a base for numerous hikes, such as the Beas Kund Trek, and is ideal for nature lovers to explore. 

Bakarthach, which is even further, is known for its more famous alpine meadows and wildflowers during summer.

Must do: Stop here and get out for a hike and view of the secluded terrain.

3. Atal Tunnel, Rohtang

While the Atal Tunnel is a must to discover, it is also a wonder. It stretches over 9.02 km to connect Manali with Lahaul Valley. It is open throughout the entire year, as well. Driving and experiencing a world-class tunnel experience, at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, is euphoric. 

Must do: Stop at the south and north portals to view the panoramic view.

4. Sissu Waterfall

As soon as you exit the tunnel for the Lahaul side, you will be greeted by the Sissu Waterfall. This waterfall separates itself from many other waterfalls as it cascades down a steep cliff. 

The waterfall can be seen from the highway as well but is worth taking a hike to see closer. There are orchards of apple trees and foliage to complement the waterfall, highlighted by Sissu.

Must do: Take a quick hike to the waterfall for a close look!

5. Ghepan Lake Trek Base (Close to Sissu) 

Sissu is the base village for the Ghepan Lake trek, which is one of the lesser-known terrains of Lahaul. Situated at around 4,100 meters, Ghepan Lake, with its glacial blue waters, gives you some of the most captivating views of alpine scenery. 

To visit the lake, it requires some trekking, but if you are not doing the trek, even the starting point near Sissu will give you glimpses of the untouched beauty of Lahaul. 

Must-do: If time is short, just check out the meadows surrounding the trek base near Sissu.

6. Keylong

Keylong is around 35 km from Sissu and acts as the administrative capital of Lahaul and a center for culture. The town is surrounded by monasteries, apple trees, and rustic landscapes. 

Kardang Monastery, being the biggest monastery of Lahaul, gives you a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism and also provides great views of the valley. 

Must-do: Visit Kardang or Shashur Monastery for some peaceful cultural experience.  

7. Tandi (Confluence of Chandra and Bhaga Rivers)

Before you reach Keylong, stop over at the beautiful Tandi village, where the two rivers – Chandra and Bhaga meet to form the Chandrabhaga (Chenab) River. 

This is a spectacular place, and the turquoise blue meets beautiful rocky areas. Tandi is also known for the last petrol pump on the Leh–Manali highway. 

Must-do: Stop here to enjoy the confluence and capture some memorable images.

2-Day Itinerary to Explore Manali–Sissu Route 

Day 1: Manali → Solang Valley → Dhundi → Atal Tunnel → Sissu

Morning 

• Leave early from Manali (around 8 AM). 

• Drive to Solang Valley (13 km away, ~30 minutes). 

• Enjoy adventure sports (paragliding, ropeway, ATV rides should be available based on the season). 

• Then continue to Dhundi and Bakarthach (about ~8 km from there). 

• You can take a short walk or stop at Bakaratcah to take photos amid alpine meadows and views of the river flow.

Afternoon 

• Drive through the Atal Tunnel and enjoy an adrenaline rush by driving through one of the highest road tunnels in the world. 
• After exiting the North Portal of the tunnel, go forward towards the Sissu Waterfall. 
• Spend some time exploring the waterfall, keeping your eyes open for some picnic spots and or local snacks.

Evening 

• Then spend some time walking around Sissu village, which should be peaceful and you are likely to see apple orchards on the surrounding hills and Sissu’s unique views of the Lahaul valley. 
• For the adventurous traveler, you may want to hike a bit along the Ghepan Lake trek (base of the trek is in Sissu itself) so you can soak in some raw beauty of the mountains. 
• Stay overnight at Sissu (homestay or guesthouse). 

Day 2: Sissu → Tandi → Keylong → Return 

Morning: 

• Drive towards Tandi (~20 km drive). 
• Stop by the confluence of the Chandra–Bhaga river for amazing breathtaking views. 
• Then, fuel up at Tandi’s iconic petrol pump (last chance to fill up before you leave for Leh). 

Late Morning

• Drive a little further on to Keylong (~35 km from Sissu). 
• This is the opportunity to visit either the Kardang Monastery, very well known and registered with the recording of Lahaul culture or the Shashur Monastery to experience Lahaul’s Buddhist culture. 
• From there take a walk around local

Afternoon

• Lunch will be in Keylong. 
• You will start your remaining journey toward Manali. 
• You may stop again and take pictures of the sunset at the Atal Tunnel North Portal viewpoint. 

Evening 

You will be back in Manali by late evening.

Travel Tips

• Dress warmly—nights in Sissu and in Keylong can get chilly, even in the summer.
• Adventure activities at Solang will depend on the time of year (skiing in the winter; paragliding in the summer). 

• If you plan to attempt the trek to Ghepan Lake, you will want to plan for an additional day. 

• You should carry cash. Going past the order of Manali there are likely not going to be any ATMs. 

Final Thoughts  

The section of travel between Manali and Sissu is no longer simply a travel route; it is now a destination in and of itself.

Whether it be at the adventures in Solang Valley, the beautiful monasteries in Keylong, the Sissu Waterfall, each travel section has its own uniqueness to it. 

With the Atal Tunnel facilitating access to Lahaul, now is as good of time as any to the hidden secrets of Lahaul past Manali.

Also read: Sissu in October vs November – Which Month Should You Choose?