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Atal Tunnel Guide 2026

Latest road status, weather, opening timings, distance chart & everything you need to know.

Length: 9.02 km
Altitude: 3,060 m
4-5 hrs saved
Opened: 3 Oct 2020
Weather: -2°C / Snowy Road Status: OPEN (BRO cleared) Timings: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Interactive Map
Explore Quick Facts

What is Atal Tunnel?

Atal Tunnel (Rohtang Tunnel) is the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet. It connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti, reducing travel time by 4–5 hours.

  • Why built: All-weather connectivity to Lahaul & Spiti.
  • Importance: Strategic military movement, tourism boost.
  • World record: Longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft.
  • Tourism: Opens round-the-year access to Spiti, Keylong, and beyond.
🔹 Keywords: Atal Tunnel Rohtang, Atal Tunnel Manali, Rohtang Tunnel, Himachal Tunnel.
Atal Tunnel Manali entrance

Atal Tunnel Driving Map

Click on the map below to open it in a large, high-resolution window. The route from Manali to Sissu via the tunnel is clearly marked.

Atal Tunnel Driving Map from Manali to Sissu
Click to View Full Size

History of Atal Tunnel

Initial Proposal

First proposed in 2000 to ensure all-weather connectivity.

Approval

Cabinet approved in 2010, foundation laid by PM.

Construction

Started in 2010, faced challenges: avalanches, geology.

Difficulties

Heavy snowfall, rock bursts, and ventilation issues.

Completion

Finished in 2020, after 10 years of engineering marvel.

Inauguration

Inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 3 Oct 2020.

People also search: Atal Tunnel history, Rohtang tunnel construction.

Quick Facts

InformationDetails
Length9.02 km
Altitude3,060 m (10,040 ft)
Travel Time Saved4–5 Hours
Opened3 October 2020
DistrictLahaul & Spiti
HighwayLeh-Manali Highway (NH-21)
Construction Cost~₹3,200 crore
Built ByBRO (Border Roads Organisation)
Connecting PlacesManali – Sissu – Keylong – Leh

Location & Coordinates

Coordinates: 32.366°N, 77.129°E

South Portal: Manali side (Dhundi), North Portal: Sissu.

Distance from major places

Manali: 28 km
Solang: 15 km
Rohtang Pass: 8 km
Sissu: 12 km
Keylong: 62 km
Kullu: 55 km
Chandigarh: 310 km
Delhi: 540 km
Google Map (embedded)
📍 Interactive map (South Portal – North Portal)
Atal Tunnel driving map

Driving map: Manali → Solang → South Portal → Tunnel → North Portal → Sissu.

How to Reach Atal Tunnel

By Car / Self Drive

Manali – Solang – South Portal (28 km). Road is paved but steep.

By Bike

Most popular among bikers. Fuel at Manali, Solang, Sissu.

By Taxi

Local taxis from Manali, Kullu, Bhuntar available.

By Volvo / Bus

HRTC buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla to Manali, then local bus.

Cycling

Adventurous route, but check road conditions.

Bike Ride / Self Drive Tips

Carry chains, warm clothes, and check BRO updates.

Distance Chart (from major cities)

DestinationDistance (km)Travel Time (approx)
Delhi54010-12 hrs
Chandigarh3106-7 hrs
Shimla2205 hrs
Kullu551.5 hrs
Kasol682 hrs
Bhuntar501.2 hrs
Naggar351 hr
Solang1530 min
Sissu1225 min
Keylong621.5 hrs
Jispa701.8 hrs
Leh3808-9 hrs

Travel Time & Best Time to Visit

Average travel time

  • Summer: 15-20 min (clear)
  • Winter: 25-40 min (snow, slow)
  • Snowfall: delays, chains mandatory
  • Peak season: May–Oct (heavy traffic)

Month-wise weather

MonthWeatherSnowRecommend
Jan-10°CHeavy❄️ Only with chains
Feb-8°CHeavy❄️
Mar-2°CModerate
Apr5°CLight
May10°CNil⭐⭐⭐
Jun15°CNil⭐⭐⭐
Jul12°CNil⭐⭐⭐ (monsoon)
Aug10°CNil⭐⭐
Sep8°CNil⭐⭐⭐
Oct2°CLight⭐⭐⭐
Nov-4°CModerate
Dec-8°CHeavy❄️

Weather guide

Current: -2°C, Snowfall, Wind 20 km/h.

Monsoon: landslides, check BRO.

Fog common in winter.

Best time: May–October (clear roads, pleasant).

Opening Timings & Road Status

Vehicle timings

  • 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (summer)
  • 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (winter)
  • Restrictions: night driving banned, maintenance closures.

Road status (today)

OPEN – BRO clearance. Snowfall updates: light.

Traffic: Moderate (peak hours 10-2).

Toll tax: FREE for all vehicles.

Speed limits & rules

  • Max 60 km/h, cameras active.
  • No overtaking, no stopping, no photography inside.
  • Hazard lights mandatory in fog.

Emergency: SOS phones, ambulance, police.

Safety & Traffic Rules

High altitude safety

Oxygen levels low. Senior citizens, pregnant women, heart patients consult doctor.

Things NOT allowed

Stopping, parking, smoking, drone, cycling, honking, reverse driving.

Emergency facilities

SOS phones, ventilation, fire safety, CCTV, ambulance, recovery vehicles.

Construction & Engineering Facts

  • Length: 9.02 km
  • Technology: Drill and blast, NATM.
  • Ventilation: Jet fans, air quality sensors.
  • Escape routes: 2 cross passages.
  • Control room: 24/7 monitoring.
  • Fire system: Foam-based.
  • Lighting: LED with backup.
  • Drainage: Subsurface drains.
  • Snow management: Snow sheds at portals.

Why Atal Tunnel is Special

World records

Longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft.

Military importance

All-weather access to border areas.

Tourism impact

Round-the-year tourism to Spiti Valley.

Photography & Best Viewpoints

Photography allowed at portals only. Best viewpoints: South Portal, North Portal, Sissu bridge, Dhundi.

Nearby Attractions & Facilities

📍 Attractions

Solang Valley, Sissu, Keylong, Rohtang Pass, Nehru Kund, Gulaba, Koksar, Jispa, Baralacha La.

🍽️ Places to Eat

North Portal dhabas, South Portal cafes, Sissu restaurants.

🅿️ Parking

Paid parking at portals, free at Sissu. Bus/bike parking available.

🚻 Washrooms

Before and after tunnel, at petrol pumps, restaurants.

Petrol, EV, Mobile & Stay

Petrol pumps

Nearest: Manali (28 km), Solang (15 km), Sissu (12 km). Diesel available.

EV charging

Available at Manali, Solang, Sissu (Type 2, CCS).

Mobile network

Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL. Inside tunnel: limited connectivity.

🏨 Hotels nearby

South portal: Solang resorts. North portal: Sissu homestays. Keylong hotels.

⛺ Camping

Legal camping at Sissu, Solang (glamping available).

Activities & Travel Guides

Snow activities

Snow scooters, skiing, tube rides at Solang.

Winter & Monsoon

Winter: carry chains, emergency kit. Monsoon: landslides, check BRO.

Family & Honeymoon

Kid-friendly stops, wheelchair access at portals, sunrise/sunset viewpoints.

Bike ride guide

Fuel, repair shops at Manali, Sissu. Gear checklist: helmet, gloves, warmers.

Self drive tips

Road condition, parking, navigation, driving etiquette.

Frequently Asked Questions (50+)

Is Atal Tunnel open today? Yes, BRO cleared.
Can we stop inside? No, stopping is prohibited.
Is photography allowed? Only at portals.
Is there a toll? No, toll-free.
How long to cross? 15-20 min.
Safe during snowfall? Yes, but carry chains.
Can bikes use tunnel? Yes.
Is oxygen available? No, but medical aid at portals.
Mobile network inside? Limited.
Which side has more snow? North portal (Sissu).
Can buses pass? Yes, HRTC buses.
Emergency numbers? 112, BRO control room.
Is smoking allowed? No.
Drone allowed? No.
Parking at portals? Yes.
Nearest hospital? Kullu (55 km).
Can we walk inside? No.
What is the speed limit? 60 km/h.
Are there cameras? Yes, speed cameras.
Winter closure? Rare, but BRO manages.
Is there fuel inside? No, nearest at Solang/Sissu.
EV charging? At Solang, Sissu.
Best time? May–Oct.
Snowfall months? Dec–Feb.
Road status update? Check BRO.
Can we take pets? Allowed.
Is there WiFi? No.
Where to eat? Sissu, Solang.
Restrooms? At portals.
Can we book taxi? Yes, from Manali.
Atal tunnel altitude? 3,060 m.
Length in miles? 5.6 miles.
Opened by? PM Modi.
Built by? BRO.
Cost? ~₹3,200 cr.
Connects? Manali to Lahaul.
Nearest city? Manali.
Is it safe for kids? Yes, but keep warm.
Senior citizens? Take oxygen if needed.
Pregnant women? Consult doctor.
Heart patients? Avoid high altitude if advised.
Can we cycle? Not allowed inside.
Is there a tunnel light? LED lighting.
Ventilation? Jet fans.
Fire safety? Foam system.
Emergency exits? Cross passages.
Control room? 24x7.
Atal tunnel significance? Strategic & tourism.
Rohtang tunnel another name? Atal Tunnel.