Rohtang Pass and the Atal Tunnel are two places that pop up on every itinerary for 2025 and will serve as the gateway to Sissu and the Lahaul Valley.
Both have been marked as iconic landmarks but have very different offerings, so if you are asking yourself Rohtang vs Atal Tunnel or Which is better: Rohtang or Sissu? You are in the right place.
We’re going to sort all the info so you can choose according to your adventure requirements.
Rohtang Pass: The Classic Himalayan Adventure
Rohatang Pass has long been regarded as the pinnacle of high altitude drives for Indian tourism, it is roughly 51 kilometers away from Manali and comes complete with steep bends, snow covered mountains, and views of the Pir Panjal range. Today, it is situated at a dizzying height of 13’050 ft (3,978 m).
Why visit Rohtang Pass in 2025?
Snow Adventure (Even in Summer)
Rohtang is a dream destination during May and June to its snow parks for families, couples, and group trips looking to experience snow without the need to hibernate in deep winters.
You can purchase snow suits and boots at Marhi or Gulaba, and can go for snowmobile rides, build snowman, or even roll around in the snow.
360° Himalayan Panoramas
The photogenic views of Rohatng are unmatched with its caps of snow covered mountains, deep glaciers, and streams that flow through the land.
You can even witness the spires of the Lahaul-Spiti range on far off horizons. If you are a photographer, there is no place better than this!
True High-Altitude Road Trip
You can enjoy the very experience of taking sharp hair pin turns on winding mountain roads while conquering on of India’s most well known high passes.
All bikers who travel on Leh-Manali route are sure to enjoy Rohant as one of their most thrilling checkpoints.
Adventure Gateway
Besides being a breath taking endpoint, it depicts the the rugged yet alluring beauty of Leh, Lahaul and Spiti. Most towards move towards northern Indian Himalayan Landscapes view Rohant as a first big challenge which makes it exciting.
What’s the Catch at Rohtang?
Permit System
Due to the fragile nature of the ecosystem, there is a permit system in place. Only a certain number of vehicles are allowed in a day. During peak season (May-June) permits can sell out fast so make sure to plan in advance or travel through a local agency.
Limited Travel Time
Rohtang Pass is accessible from late May until early November, although snowfall can affect it. In winter, the pass is snowed in completely. Any attempt to travel before or after this time is futile.
Severe Rush
Rohtang is a famous tourist destination, and during summer it becomes overcrowded. Expect long traffic jams, crowded slopes, and long queues for snow-related activities. If you want peace, do not come here.
Atal Tunnel and Sissu: Sissu is the Lahaul Gateway all around the Year
Atal Tunnel, opened in 2020, changed travel in the Himalayas for good. This 9.02 km tunnel under Pir Panjal range connects Manali directly to Lahaul Valley, skipping the difficult Rohtang climb.
Sissu, a village located on the other side of the tunnel, is now attracting tourists with its spectacular waterfalls and frozen rivers, as well as the pristine, unspoiled landscapes of the Himalayas.
Why Travel To Atal Tunnel + Sissu In 2025?
Accessible 365 Days of The Year (Even Falling Deep Winter).
Previously, Lahaul was a region disconnected from the rest of the world due to heavy snowfall. Only now, through the tunnel, Sissu can be accessed throughout the year, even when Rohtang is closed. Just picture driving from the busy Manali to the frosty wonderland in less than an hour!
Untouched Natural Beauty Waiting To Be Explored
Unlike the other parts of Manali, Sissu does not partake in the chaotic tourist activities. In winter, visitors get to view breathtaking frozen waterfalls such as Sissu Waterfall.
Furthermore, there are charming apple orchards, traditional wooden houses, rivers that defy nature, and jaw-dropping frozen waterfalls. It is a must go for amazing pictures and offers nature an untouched allure.
Creation Of A New Engineering Marvel
Driving through the sleek, modern sections of the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft is a thrill on its own.
The Atal Tunnel cuts travel time from Manali to Lahaul by a staggering 4 to 5 hours after having done it through a long tunnel. The feeling of entering a new world is spectacular after coming out the Lahaul side.
Secret and Less Busy
Sissu still for the time being feels untouched and offers local home stays while providing quiet unplugged exploration without getting stuck in constant tourist traffic. While Rohtang drives people towards him with their unique attractions, Sissu offers simple peaceful walks away from busy town.
What is the Catch for Atal Tunnel With Sissu?
Not Quite Classic Snow Pass Vibe
While Sissu does offer snow and beauty, you will lack “the dramatic standing on a mountain pass” feeling which Rohtang offers. The area around the tunnel is more valley like which has a lower elevation.
Tourist-related Services Are Limited Manually
Hotels, cafes and other services during preceeding years were esscentric to Manali and Rohtang side.
There has been substantial growth in the region but still remains behind in comparison to Manali or Rohtang. While the region is catching up, visitors should expect modest local stays instead.
Rohtang vs Atal Tunnel: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Rohtang Pass | Atal Tunnel + Sissu |
| Best Time to Visit | Late May–Early November (snow melts after) | All 12 months, even in winter |
| Snow Experience | Play in snow, snowmobiles, sledding | Snow views, frozen lakes & waterfalls, but no slope activities |
| Road Access | Requires steep climb, permits | Smooth tunnel drive, no permit |
| Crowd Factor | Heavy tourist crowds, traffic jams | Less crowded, more peaceful |
| Landscape Type | High-altitude pass, panoramic peaks | Valley scenery, riverbanks, waterfalls |
| Adventure Type | Classic Himalayan road trip thrill | Offbeat village exploration |
| Nearby Attractions | Marhi, Gulaba, Solang Valley, Beas Kund | Sissu Lake, Keylong, Shashur Monastery, Lahaul Valley |
Which is Better: Sissu or Rohtang
The true answer is:
Completely up to you as a user. Depending on interests, you can go to either Sussu or Rohtang but it singlehandly depends on what type of a traveler you are.
Go For Rohtang If
You are looking to visit a crowded yet legendary pass stuffed with snow-covered himalayan attractions. Feel free to deal with bears of other people who will be jaw droppingly amazed by your “look, Im on top of the world” jaw dropping photos.
If you are someone looking to take her kids to the snow, a biker looking for a thrill or anyone visiting during summers, this is place for you.
Select Atal Tunnel If:
Sissu welcomes you with warm valley views and allows for untouched nature so if you are travelling during Rohtang open window, you are free to imagine yourself wandering amongst frozen landscapes back to authentic life in a himalayan village, away from the bustle of daily life.
Pro Tip For 2025 Travellers
Why not do both?
Many tourists are now doing a combo route:
- Visit Rohtang Pass for the breathtaking snow and high altitude experience.
- Then drive through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu and further into Lahaul.
This way, you get the best of both worlds, the excitement of the old road and the wonders of the new frontier.
Final Words
Whichever you opt for, Sissu or Rohtang, or both, please remember that tourism has a lot of responsibilities.
Maintain the local customs like no littering and take your trash with you while leaving just footprints. The Himalayas are ageless, but need people who care to maintain that.
If you want, I can design a sample itinerary for your 2025 trip that includes both places. Should I get that planned out for you?
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