The Atal Tunnel is an iconic engineering feat located near Manali, Himachal Pradesh, and has dramatically improved connectivity between Manali and the remote Lahaul-Spiti Valley. Named after the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in the world located at an altitude of over 10,000 feet. By cutting through the Pir Panjal Range, this tunnel has transformed travel in the region by bypassing the treacherous Rohtang Pass, providing all-weather road access to regions that were previously cut off during the winter months due to heavy snow.

In this blog, we will cover all essential details about the Atal Tunnel, including timings, entry fee, history, distance, key facts, and more.

Atal Tunnel Entry Fee

  • Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for the Atal Tunnel. It is a public highway, open to all vehicles at no cost.

Atal Tunnel Timings

DayOpening TimeClosing Time
Monday24 hours24 hours
Tuesday24 hours24 hours
Wednesday24 hours24 hours
Thursday24 hours24 hours
Friday24 hours24 hours
Saturday24 hours24 hours
Sunday24 hours24 hours
  • Visit Duration: Drive through the tunnel takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Visitors often spend additional time exploring nearby areas such as Solang Valley and Sissu.

Atal Tunnel Distance

  • Distance from Manali: The tunnel is located approximately 25 km from Manali.
  • Distance to Leh: After crossing the tunnel, the distance to Leh in Ladakh is reduced by approximately 46 km, significantly cutting travel time.

Atal Tunnel Address

  • Location: Pir Panjal Range, connecting Solang Valley near Manali to Sissu in Lahaul Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India.

History and Backstory of Atal Tunnel

The idea of a tunnel beneath the Rohtang Pass was first proposed in the 1980s to provide year-round road connectivity to the Lahaul-Spiti Valley, which was isolated for nearly six months each year due to heavy snowfalls. However, it wasn’t until 2000, under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, that the project gained serious momentum. He recognized the strategic importance of such infrastructure for both the civilian population and the military, as the road to Leh-Ladakh is crucial for maintaining defense readiness at the northern borders.

The construction of the Atal Tunnel began in June 2010 under the supervision of the Border Roads Organization (BRO). Despite numerous challenges, including difficult terrain, extreme weather, and frequent avalanches, the project was completed in nearly a decade. The tunnel was inaugurated on October 3, 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The primary problem that the tunnel solves is the elimination of the dangerous and unpredictable Rohtang Pass route, which was prone to closure due to heavy snowfall in winter and landslides during the monsoon. With the tunnel, travel to Lahaul-Spiti and Leh is possible year-round, greatly benefiting locals, tourists, and the Indian military.

Architecture and Engineering of Atal Tunnel

The Atal Tunnel is an impressive example of modern engineering. Some key features include:

  • Length: The tunnel stretches for 9.02 km, making it the longest highway tunnel in the world at such a high altitude.
  • Height: Built at an elevation of 10,040 feet (3,048 meters) above sea level, it cuts through the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas.
  • Two-Lane Road: The tunnel has a two-lane road with a width of 10.5 meters, allowing vehicles to travel in both directions.
  • Advanced Safety Features: The tunnel is equipped with state-of-the-art systems, including CCTV surveillance, fire detection, air quality monitoring, and emergency exits located every 500 meters.
  • Ventilation System: A fully automated ventilation system ensures that the air inside the tunnel remains fresh and safe for passengers at all times.

Best Time to Visit Atal Tunnel

  • Summer (March to June): The ideal time to visit the tunnel and explore the surrounding region. The weather is pleasant, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities in Solang Valley and Lahaul-Spiti.
  • Autumn (September to November): The skies are clear, and the temperature is cool, making it another good season to visit.
  • Winter (December to February): The tunnel remains open even during heavy snowfall, providing access to snow-covered landscapes in Lahaul-Spiti, but the road may be temporarily closed due to severe weather.

How to Reach Atal Tunnel

  1. By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, located around 50 km from Manali. From the airport, taxis and buses are available to reach Manali and then drive to the tunnel.
  2. By Road: The tunnel is located approximately 25 km from Manali and can be reached by car or taxi. The drive takes around 30-40 minutes.
  3. By Rail: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar, around 165 km from Manali. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Atal Tunnel.

Things to Do Near Atal Tunnel

  1. Explore Solang Valley: A must-visit for adventure enthusiasts, offering activities like paragliding, skiing, zorbing, and cable car rides.
  2. Visit Sissu Village: Located on the northern side of the tunnel, Sissu is a quaint village in Lahaul known for its picturesque waterfall and stunning views.
  3. Trekking in Lahaul Valley: The tunnel gives easier access to beautiful treks in the Lahaul-Spiti region.
  4. Photography: The tunnel and its surroundings, especially the views of snow-capped peaks and valleys, provide excellent photography opportunities.

Key Facts about Atal Tunnel

  1. World Record: At 9.02 km, it is the longest highway tunnel in the world located at an altitude above 10,000 feet.
  2. Travel Time: The tunnel reduces the travel time between Manali and Leh by 4-5 hours.
  3. Connectivity: The tunnel ensures all-weather connectivity to the Lahaul-Spiti Valley, which was previously cut off during winter due to heavy snow.
  4. Safety Features: The tunnel is equipped with modern safety features, including emergency exits, a ventilation system, and CCTV surveillance.
  5. Strategic Importance: The tunnel is crucial for military logistics as it provides a more reliable route to Leh-Ladakh.

10 FAQs about Atal Tunnel

  1. What is the length of the Atal Tunnel?
    • The tunnel is 9.02 km long.
  2. Is there an entry fee for Atal Tunnel?
    • No, there is no entry fee.
  3. What are the operational hours of the tunnel?
    • The tunnel is open 24/7.
  4. What is the speed limit inside the tunnel?
    • The speed limit is 80 km/h.
  5. Can I stop inside the tunnel?
    • No, stopping is prohibited inside the tunnel for safety reasons.
  6. Is photography allowed inside the tunnel?
    • Photography is not allowed inside the tunnel.
  7. Does the tunnel remain open in winter?
    • Yes, the tunnel is operational year-round, but check for temporary closures due to severe weather.
  8. How much time does the tunnel save?
    • It reduces travel time by about 4-5 hours between Manali and Leh.
  9. Are there rest stops or restaurants near the tunnel?
    • There are a few eateries near Solang Valley but limited facilities in the Lahaul region.
  10. What is the significance of the Atal Tunnel?
    • It provides year-round road connectivity to the Lahaul-Spiti region and plays a vital role in military operations along the India-China border.

Nearby Attractions

  • Solang Valley (12 km): Famous for adventure sports and scenic beauty.
  • Sissu Village (10 km from the north exit): Known for its waterfall and serene landscapes.
  • Keylong (70 km): A scenic town in Lahaul that offers access to several trekking routes and monasteries.
  • Hadimba Temple (25 km from the tunnel): A beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, surrounded by