Sissu is a charming village located in the center of the Lahaul Valley, and has been an exciting destination for travellers since the Atal Tunnel became accessible for year-round tourism.
The summer is often chosen for trekking and winter for snow-related activities, but fall is when Sissu shines. The valley is bursting with golden-brown colors, the mountain air is crisp, and you will rarely find both a place and time to have an experience of calm like this.
If you are a photographer or just want to enjoy nature, autumn in Sissu will be a magical experience for you. Here is your guide to photography and fall colors in the Himalayan village.
Why Visit Sissu in Autumn?
Weather: The daytime temperature is mild 10°C – 18°C to make exploring Sissu comfortable.
Golden Landscape: Apple orchards, poplar trees, and fields providing yellow, red, and amber colors.
Clear Sky: The clearer skies of autumn provide pollution-free air, making it perfect for landscape and night-sky photography.
Less Crowds: Autumn provides a solitude that peak summer will not.
Autumn Photography Hotspots in Sissu
1. Sissu Lake
A body of water that shows off a mirror-like quality surrounded by amber meadows and tall poplar trees, Sissu Lake is one of the best fall locations for photographs in the valley.
You can see the colours of the autumn foliage reflected in the lake, which is ideal for wide-angle shots.
Photography Tip: Early mornings will give soft golden daylight, while evenings will provide dramatic reflection photographs.
2. Sissu Waterfall (Palden Lhamo Dhar)
The iconic waterfall cascading down a cliff is attractive throughout the year, but with the turn of leaves glowing golds and oranges surrounding the falls, fall is the best time to visit for photography.
The contrast of white water and trees in flames juxtaposes to create incredible shots.
Photography Tip: You can use a slow shutter speed to capture the silkiness of the falling water as a backdrop of colourful leaves.
3. Apple Orchards
Autumn coincides with the apple harvest season in Lahaul. Around Sissu, the orchards turn into lively scenes of red apples set against yellow-orange foliage.
You will find various close up photography opportunities, typical lifestyle photographs of locals at work, and more!
Photography Tip: Don’t forget to experiment with depth of field to create dreamy portraits in the apple and orchard scenes.
4. Villages Near Sissu
Quaint villages such as Gondhla and Keylong (a bit beyond) showcase rustic beauty in autumn. Traditional homes and fields of golden buckwheat and barley make perfect postcard scenes.
Photography Tip: Capture casual scenes of village life—people threshing crops, children playing in golden fields, smoke rising from rooftops.
5. Atal Tunnel North Portal
The view when you exit the tunnel into Sissu is stunning in autumn. The valley reveals itself with slopes in muted colors with the Chandra flowing below.
Photography Tip: A wide shot works well here to capture the entire valley in fall colors.
6. Confluence of Chandra and Bhaga (Tandi)
Just beyond Sissu is the Tandi confluence, and worth a visit. The riverbanks were lined with golden shrubs, and the turquoise water gives it all an amazing contrast in autumn.
Photography Tip: Shoot in the late afternoon for the fall light to accentuate the shimmer of the river.
7. Night Sky Over Sissu
The fall skies are clear, making Sissu a great place for astrophotography. Without city lights, you’ll get a clear view of the Milky Way and star trails.
Photography Tip: Bring a tripod and take your time with long exposures to capture the stars in your landscape shots.
Ideas for Enjoying Autumn in Sissu
Golden Hour Matters: If you’re looking for the warmest tones in autumn photography, then you should photograph around sunrise or sunset.
Use Polarizers: Polarizers are a great way to emphasize the contrast in the sky and to make the warm autumn colours pop.
Pack Light: With uneven terrain, a compact kit is advised.
Engage with the Local Community: Consider candid photos of village life as they give a story to your autumn images.
Photography by Drone: Drones or photography from above can provide broad perspectives of the valley (if you have permission!).
The Bottom Line
If you are searching for natural beauty and soulful photography, then autumn in Sissu is notably special.
The valley has waterfalls, lakes, orchards, and villages – the whole valley then becomes a palette of fall colours that can be rivaled by most any international destination.
Whether you are a professional or someone who enjoys capturing moments in time, autumn is the best season to see Sissu at its most beautiful.
Get your camera bags packed, you will not regret it if you capture the colour.
Also read: Is Sissu Worth Visiting in November? Weather, Roads & Travel Tips 2025