Atal Tunnel is a gift to India named after the former prime minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This tunnel is an outstanding engineering work as it connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti. Atal Tunnel spans approximately 9 kilometres and reduces the travel time required to reach different spots. Because of the Atal Tunnel, access to the remote regions of Himachal Pradesh has been possible. These undiscovered regions showcase beauty that is worthy of being witnessed. This tunnel truly symbolises India’s commitment to infrastructural development in inaccessible areas in Himachal Pradesh.
About Atal Tunnel
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Atal Tunnel lies under the Rohtang Pass in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. It is built on the National Highway 3 in Himachal Pradesh and is 9 kilometres long. It is a two-lane tunnel and the highest highway tunnel, lying at an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level. Cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles must operate at 40-60 km/hr when passing through this tunnel.
Atal Tunnel is a gift to Himachal Pradesh and reduces the time previously wasted while travelling from Manali and Keylong to Leh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the tunnel. The entire project of setting up this tunnel under Rohtang Pass is INR 3200 Crores. Tourists, locals and visitors visit Atal Tunnel and boosts tourism in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
Must Read: Things To Do In Manali
Places To Visit Near Atal Tunnel
Near the Atal Tunnel, there are numerous attractive places showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural aspects. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, these places have something to offer.
1. Manali
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Manali is located at the southern portal of the Atal Tunnel. It is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and fantastic adventure sports. This region has numerous key attractions where visitors flock. Manali is famous for its Hadimba Devi Temple, which lies between the tall deodar trees. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Hidimba, the wife of Bhim. Solang Valley in Manali offers adventurous activities like paragliding, skiing, zorbing, snow skating, and broad vistas of the snow-capped peaks. Old Manali is very famous for its boho cafes, vibrant markets and the Manu Temple dedicated solely to Sage Manu. Just beyond the tunnel lies the Rohtang Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the glaciers and peaks of the surrounding regions.
Location: Manali, District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Distance From Atal Tunnel: 28.1 km
2. Keylong
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This town is located beyond the northern portal of the Atal Tunnel. It is an administrative town for the Lahaul and Spiti Valley region and a gateway to other remote villages and areas. Keylong is situated on the peaceful banks of the Bhaga River. Keylong has numerous key attractions, including monasteries and scenic viewpoints. Kardang Monastery is the largest monastery of Lahaul belonging to the Drukpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Visitors from this monastery can witness the best views of the Bhaga Valley. Other monasteries in the vicinity include Shashur Monastery and Tayul Monastery.
Location: Keylong, District Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 175132
Distance From Atal Tunnel: 43 km
Suggested Read: Beas Kund Trek
3. Spiti Valley
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Located far from the Atal Tunnel, Spiti Valley offers magnificent terrains with numerous monasteries. The name ‘Spiti’ means the middle land and is considered a piece of land between India and Tibet. There are picturesque villages near the valley that offer insights into the local lifestyles of Himachali people. Ki Monastery is the largest monastery in Spiti Valley, perched on a hill. Another monastery called Tabo Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for statues and is the oldest operating Buddhist enclave. Chandratal Lake, known as the ‘Lake of the Moon’, is located at a higher altitude.
Location: Spiti Valley, District Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 172114
Distance From Atal Tunnel: 149 km
The Route Of Atal Tunnel
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The tunnel has reduced the travel time and the overall distance in kilometres between the region of Manali and Keylong while on their way to Leh. The route to this place previously led through Gramphu and took 5-6 hours. With the help of the Atal Tunnel, a traveller starts his journey from the south portal of this tunnel, Manali, and reaches Keyong in about an hour after passing through the tunnel, which has a length of 9 kilometres and lasts for 15 minutes.
The new route, with the help of the tunnel, lessens the distance to 71 kilometres, which is covered in a maximum of 2 hours. A reduction in the time limit can also be seen from witnessing a decreasing rate of 3-4 hours.
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Local Cuisine Of The Region Around The Tunnel
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The region around Atal Tunnel offers a rich culinary experience rooted in Himachal Pradesh. The cuisine is a blend of Himachali and Tibetan traditions. These dishes are to be tried when in the region.
- Siddu: Sidu is a traditional steamed bread made from wheat flour and a mixture of walnuts and other dry fruits. This dish is served hot with ghee. It is a popular breakfast in
Manali. - Thukpa: Thukpa is a noodle soup made with vegetables, chunks of meat, and a blend of local spices. It is especially enjoyed in winter as the temperature decreases in Lahaul-Spiti.
- Kullu Trout: Kullu Trout is a freshwater trout found in the river valleys of Manali, particularly the Beas River. It is prepared in various styles, such as grilled, fried, or cooked in a tangy yet spicy curry.
- Butter Tea: Butter Tea is a traditional hot beverage in Manali, Lahaul-Spiti, and other Himalayan regions. It is made by churning tea leaves and yak butter until they form a frothy drink.
Further Read: Rahala Waterfalls
Atal Tunnel has not only helped to overcome these geographical barriers of the regions in Himachal Pradesh but has also helped to boost the socio-economic condition in the region. After the construction of this tunnel, tourism in Himachal Pradesh is boosted to a higher reach. Tourists and visitors from every corner of the country visit Manali and further explore the areas of Lahaul and Spiti Valley by commuting through this tunnel and driving through Atal Tunnel and discovering the other serene spots on your next trip to Manali that promise a unique experience.
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Cover Image Credit: Jagseer S Sidhu for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Atal Tunnel
Which two places are connected to the Atal Tunnel?
Atal Tunnel is a 9-kilometre-long tunnel under Rohtang Pass. It connects the region of Manali and Lahaul-Spiti Valley. The entire project for building this tunnel has cost INR 3200 Crores.
How much does it cost to go to the Atal Tunnel?
It costs INR 100 to pass through the Atal Tunnel. Children under the age of 12 years are not charged and are allowed to pass through the tunnel free of cost. The tickets for passing through the tunnel are either booked online or through guided tours.
Where does the Atal Tunnel start and end?
The southern portal of Atal Tunnel is located 25 kilometres from Manali. The tunnel is of 9 kilometres and at an altitude of 3060 metres above sea level. The northern portal of Atal Tunnel is located near the village of Teling in Lahaul Valley.
Are Atal Tunnel and Rohtang Pass the same?
Atal Tunnel is the world’s highest single-tubed highway tunnel. The tunnel is located at a height of 10000 feet above sea level. This tunnel is built under Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh.
What things are not allowed in the Atal Tunnel?
Atal Tunnel was inaugurated in the year 2020 by prime minister Narendra Modi. Things and vehicles carrying petrol, diesel, lubricants, kerosene, LPG cylinders, explosives and other inflammable things are not allowed to pass through the tunnel.
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