Until 2020, going from Manali into Lahaul meant crossing Rohtang Pass. Now there is a second option: the Atal Tunnel, which runs under the Pir Panjal range from the Solang side to Sissu. For most travellers heading to Lahaul, Spiti or Leh, the tunnel is the practical choice. Rohtang is the scenic one.
The two routes at a glance
| Rohtang Pass | Atal Tunnel | |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 13,058 ft | About 10,000 ft |
| What it is | A high mountain pass with open views | A 9.02 km road tunnel from Solang to Sissu |
| Distance and time | Longer and slower, especially in traffic | About 46 km shorter, and several hours quicker |
| Season | Seasonal. Closed for much of the winter | Open much of the year, though the approaches can close after heavy snow |
| Permit | Needs a Rohtang permit under a daily vehicle quota | No Rohtang permit needed |
| Best for | Snow, views and a day trip from Manali | Getting to Lahaul, Spiti and Leh quickly and reliably |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column →
When to take the Atal Tunnel
- Manali to Leh: the tunnel saves a lot of time and avoids a congested pass. Our Manali – Leh – Manali bike trip rides through it on Day 2.
- Manali to Spiti: after the tunnel the road reaches Koksar and then Gramphu, where the Spiti road branches off toward Chatru, Batal and Kunzum La. You do not cross Rohtang for the Spiti circuit.
- Early or late season: when Rohtang is closed or snowy, the tunnel is often the only way through.
Some practical points: stopping is not allowed inside the tunnel, so plan photo stops at the portals. Check the weather at Sissu before you go, as the north side can get heavy snow.
When to take Rohtang
- You want a day trip from Manali for snow, ridge views and the high-pass atmosphere.
- You have a permit, and you can start early. The road fills up with traffic and queues later in the morning.
- You have flexibility. The road can close at short notice for snow, landslides or maintenance.
For visitors who want to see the pass but are not crossing it to Lahaul, Rohtang is worth the effort. For everyone else, it is a detour.
A quick word on permits
Rohtang permits are limited by a daily vehicle quota and are issued through the Himachal Pradesh tourism system. If you are only passing through the Atal Tunnel, you do not need one. Rules and fees change, so check the latest information, particularly in peak season. For a longer route plan, see the Manali to Leh Highway master guide.
If your goal is Leh or Spiti, go through the tunnel. If your goal is the pass itself, go to Rohtang on a separate day with a permit and an early start.
— Skypath Field NoteRide the tunnel route to Leh
Twelve days from Manali to Leh, Nubra and Pangong, and back.