Planning a trip to Sissu Valley in March? You are probably looking for snow, wondering if the roads are open, and trying to figure out whether it is actually doable as a day trip from Manali. Fair questions, all of them.
This guide from मनाली टूर प्लानर covers the real picture. Weather, road conditions, what to do once you get there, and a simple day-trip plan that actually works. No made-up promises. Just honest, local advice.
[Internal link: Manali in March snow guide]
Quick Answer
Is Sissu worth visiting in March? Yes. It is one of the closest snow-covered valleys you can reach from Manali in early spring, without needing a multi-day Spiti trip.
Will you see snow? Very likely in early March. Late March depends on that year’s winter. Ground snow is common, but fresh snowfall is never guaranteed.
Is Atal Tunnel open in March? Generally yes. But temporary closures on the approach road from Manali can happen after heavy overnight snow.
Can you reach Sissu from Manali in March? On most days, yes. The drive is roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on conditions.
Best time of day to go. Early morning. Roads are clearer, the light is better, and you avoid the afternoon weather shifts.
Who should avoid it. Anyone uncomfortable with cold and icy roads, parents with very young infants, or people with serious respiratory conditions who struggle at altitude.
Why Sissu in March Is Special (and Tricky)
March sits right at the seam between winter and spring in Lahaul. That in-between quality is exactly what makes Sissu in March so appealing. Snow still covers the mountains, the valley is almost empty of tourists, and the Chandra river corridor looks absolutely dramatic without requiring a week-long road trip.
But March is also the month that refuses to make up its mind. A crystal-clear morning can turn into a whiteout by 2 PM. Roads that were fine at sunrise may get advisory closures a few hours later. None of this means you should skip Sissu. It just means you plan with flexibility built in.
If you are the kind of traveller who can roll with slight uncertainty, March rewards you with some of the most raw, beautiful scenery Himachal has to offer.
Sissu Valley Weather in March
What mornings feel like vs afternoons. Early mornings are genuinely cold. Temperatures can sit around minus 2 to 5 degrees Celsius before the sun comes up. Once sunlight hits the valley, things warm up surprisingly fast, sometimes reaching 8 to 12 degrees by midday. That swing catches a lot of visitors off guard.
Wind and the “feels colder” reality. Afternoons bring wind, and Sissu’s valley shape funnels it right through. Even if the thermometer reads 7 degrees, the wind chill can make it feel close to zero. Do not judge the weather by temperature alone.
Snow chances in early March vs late March. The first two weeks of March almost always have snow on the ground. Fresh snowfall is possible but unpredictable. By late March, coverage depends entirely on that year’s winter. A heavy snow year means the valley stays white well into April. A dry year might leave you with patchy snow on slopes and bare ground in the village. The snow in Sissu in March is real, but checking conditions a day or two before travel is always smart.
Road Status in March: What’s Usually Open and What Can Shut
Is Atal Tunnel Open in March?
The Atal Tunnel is generally open in March. It operates year-round and BRO maintains it actively. But here is the part most blogs skip: the tunnel being open does not guarantee you can reach it. Snowfall on the Manali-side approach, especially near Solang and beyond, can block the road for a few hours at a time.
Always confirm on the morning of your trip. Not the evening before. The morning of.
Manali to Sissu Road Status in March
The Manali to Sissu road status in March is manageable on most days, but the word “most” is doing serious work in that sentence. The stretch between Manali and the tunnel’s south portal can get icy overnight. BRO usually clears it by morning, but delays of a couple of hours are normal after heavy snow.
On the Lahaul side, past the tunnel, conditions tend to be better since it sits in a rain shadow. The real hazard there is black ice on bridges and shaded curves during early morning hours.
Rohtang vs Sissu: Clearing the Confusion
This trips people up constantly. Rohtang Pass is not open in March. It stays buried under snow and only opens around May or June, depending on how clearance work goes that year.
You do not need Rohtang to reach Sissu. The Atal Tunnel bypasses the pass entirely. So if someone has told you that you cannot visit Sissu because Rohtang is closed, they are mixing things up. The tunnel is the route.
Safety Tips for Driving
Check road status on the morning of travel, every single time. Carry chains if you are self-driving; rental cabs usually have them already. Avoid driving past 3 PM in March because light fades fast and ice forms quickly on shaded roads. Keep your fuel tank full before entering the tunnel since there is no fuel station in Sissu. Slow down on shaded stretches, particularly on the bridges near the village.
How to Reach Sissu from Manali
Distance and Time
Sissu is roughly 70 km from Manali via the Atal Tunnel. On a clear day, the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. With road delays or slow traffic near the tunnel portal, it can stretch closer to 2.5 hours.
Taxi, Private Cab, or Shared Tour
A private cab is the most flexible option for a Sissu day trip from Manali. You control the pace and can turn back early if conditions change. Shared tours run occasionally in March, but availability is unreliable since it is still off-season. Self-driving is doable if you genuinely know mountain roads in winter. If this would be your first time on icy Himachal highways, a local driver is the better call.
The “Same Morning Confirmation” Rule
Never lock in your Sissu trip the night before and assume it is set. Always call your driver or operator around 7 AM. Roads change overnight. One quick call saves you from a frustrating, wasted morning. This is exactly how the team at मनाली टूर प्लानर works: same-morning updates, honest advice, no false assurances about conditions.
Best Things to Do in Sissu in March
Snow play and photo points. The open fields near Sissu village are your best spot. In early March, these are usually well covered in snow, and the backdrop of white peaks against the Chandra river makes for effortless photos without needing to hike anywhere.
Sissu waterfall viewpoint. The waterfall is visible from the road and, depending on that week’s temperatures, may be partially or fully frozen. A frozen Sissu waterfall is actually one of Lahaul’s most photographed winter sights. Whether you see it flowing or frozen just depends on the cold.
Chandra Bhaga river walk. A short walk near the riverbank is worth doing, but dress for wind. The valley channels cold air along the water, and it can feel sharply colder down by the river than up in the village. Stick to marked paths and avoid icy rocks along the bank.
Food stops and warm local bites. A few dhabas in Sissu stay open through March, though the menu is simple. Think maggi, thukpa, momos, dal-rice, and a lot of chai. Do not expect variety. The real appeal is sitting in a small, warm dhaba after hours of cold wind, hands wrapped around a hot cup.
Optional nearby extensions. If the road beyond Sissu towards Gondla or Tandi happens to be open, you can add another 20 to 30 minutes of driving through the Lahaul valley. But treat this as a bonus, not a plan. Road access beyond Sissu is conditional and changes day to day.
Best Day Trip Itinerary: Manali to Sissu in March
- 7:00 AM – Confirm road status with your driver or tour operator
- 7:30 AM – Leave Manali
- 8:00 AM – Optional chai stop near Solang Nallah area
- 9:00 to 9:30 AM – Enter and enjoy the drive through Atal Tunnel
- 9:45 AM – Arrive in Sissu, first views and photo stop
- 10:00 to 11:30 AM – Snow play, waterfall viewpoint visit, and village walk
- 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM – Lunch at a local dhaba
- 12:30 to 1:00 PM – River walk or extended drive (if road conditions allow)
- 1:30 PM – Begin return journey to Manali
- 3:00 to 3:30 PM – Reach Manali
Family-Friendly Version
Families with kids should follow the same morning schedule but skip the river walk if winds pick up. Focus on snow play near the village, keep snacks and warm drinks handy, and aim to start the return by 1 PM. Kids usually love the tunnel drive itself, so let that be part of the fun rather than rushing through it.
Couple-Friendly Version
Couples can afford to linger a little longer. Spend extra time at the waterfall viewpoint and walk the quieter stretches past the village. If your driver knows the area, ask about the road towards Gondla for views. Late morning light in the valley is especially good for photos. Still plan to head back before 3 PM.
What to Pack for Sissu in March
You need a heavy windproof jacket, not just a warm one, because wind is the real enemy here. Wear thermals underneath, both top and bottom. Bring warm gloves and a beanie or balaclava that covers your ears. Snow boots or shoes with proper grip are essential; regular sneakers will leave you cold and slipping. Do not forget sunglasses, because snow glare at altitude is harsh and constant. Pack sunscreen too, since UV rays are stronger than you expect in cold mountain air.
Carry a power bank because cold drains phone batteries fast. Bring your own snacks, water, and ideally a thermos with something hot. Keep any personal medication on you since there are no pharmacies in Sissu. And carry cash in small notes because card machines out there are unreliable at best.
Costs: A Quick Reality Check
Cab cost. Private cab rates from Manali to Sissu and back depend on the vehicle type, season, and local taxi union rates. These change often enough that quoting a fixed number here would be misleading. We recommend confirming directly before booking. Shared options cost less but are harder to find in March.
Food and small expenses. Budget roughly 300 to 600 rupees per person for meals and chai at local dhabas. Prices in Sissu run slightly higher than Manali because supply is limited during winter.
Snow gear rental. If you do not own snow boots or heavy jackets, rental shops on Manali Mall Road and near the tunnel approach road have options. Quality varies quite a bit, so check before paying. A day’s rental usually runs between 200 and 500 rupees per item.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्नों
Is Sissu open in March?
Yes, Sissu village is accessible most days in March via the Atal Tunnel. Access depends on daily road conditions, and heavy overnight snowfall can cause temporary closures on the approach road from Manali. The village itself stays inhabited year-round, so basic facilities like dhabas and a few guesthouses remain available even through winter.
Is Atal Tunnel open in March?
The Atal Tunnel generally operates year-round, including March. BRO maintains it for all-weather access. That said, the roads leading to the tunnel entrance on the Manali side can get blocked temporarily by snow or ice. The tunnel may be open, but you still need the road to get there. Morning checks are essential.
Will there be snow in Sissu in March?
In early March, snow on the ground is very likely. Fresh snowfall is possible but never something anyone can promise. By late March, ground cover may be patchy depending on how severe the winter was. The peaks surrounding Sissu stay snow-covered well into April and beyond, so the valley views remain dramatic regardless.
Is Sissu safe for family trips in March?
For families with older kids and reasonably fit adults, yes. The key is dressing properly, starting early, and not stretching the itinerary. Avoid taking very young infants or anyone with serious respiratory issues to this altitude in freezing weather. A private cab gives you the flexibility to cut the trip short if anyone is uncomfortable.
Can we do Solang and Sissu in one day?
Technically possible but not comfortable, especially in March when you are working with limited daylight. You would spend most of the day in a car and rush both locations. We recommend choosing one and doing it properly. If you have two days, do Solang on one and Sissu on the other.
How far is Sissu from Manali and how long does it take?
Sissu is approximately 70 km from Manali town via the Atal Tunnel. The drive takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on road conditions, weather, and any delays near the tunnel approach. On a smooth day with no holdups, you can reach comfortably in under two hours.
Do we need a permit for Sissu or Atal Tunnel?
As of the last known guidelines, Indian tourists do not need a special permit for Sissu or to pass through the Atal Tunnel. Foreign nationals should verify current requirements since rules can change. There may be a nominal entry or registration process at the tunnel. Always carry a valid photo ID with you.
What is the best time of day to visit Sissu in March?
Morning is best. Leave Manali by 7:30 AM if possible. Morning roads are usually clearer, the sunlight hits the valley beautifully between 10 AM and noon, and you avoid the afternoon wind and temperature drop that makes the return drive less enjoyable.
Is Rohtang Pass open in March? If not, where can we see snow?
Rohtang Pass is not open in March. It stays snow-bound and is typically cleared for traffic only around May or June. For snow, take the Atal Tunnel to Sissu instead. You get snow-covered landscapes without needing the pass. Solang Valley near Manali is another closer option for basic snow activities.
What should I wear in Sissu in March?
Start with thermals as your base layer, add a fleece in the middle, and wear a heavy windproof jacket on top. Warm gloves, a beanie that covers your ears, and snow boots with good grip are non-negotiable. Sunglasses are a must because the snow glare at this altitude tires your eyes out fast.
Is self-drive safe in March?
Only if you have real experience driving on icy mountain roads. Black ice, narrow stretches, and sudden weather shifts make this a tricky drive for anyone unfamiliar with these conditions. If you have not driven in Himachal winters before, hiring a local driver who knows the road is the smarter and safer choice.
Are restaurants and hotels open in Sissu in March?
A handful of dhabas stay open through March with basic meals available. Do not expect a wide menu or fancy dining. Some guesthouses operate in winter, but options are far more limited than peak season. For a day trip you will not need accommodation, but carry your own snacks as a backup in case a dhaba happens to be shut.
Final Verdict: Should You Go to Sissu in March?
Best for: Snow lovers, photography enthusiasts, couples wanting a quiet winter escape, and anyone who wants a real taste of Lahaul without committing to the full Spiti circuit.
Not ideal for: Travellers who need fixed, guaranteed plans, families with very young children, or anyone who does not handle cold and changing mountain conditions well.
Sissu in March is one of those trips that works beautifully when you go in with flexible expectations and practical planning. It will not always be perfect, but on most days, it delivers something genuinely memorable. If you want help putting together a Sissu day trip from Manali with same-morning road updates and a driver who actually knows the route, drop a message to मनाली टूर प्लानर on WhatsApp. No sales pitch, just real help with your dates.
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