{"id":759067,"date":"2024-07-25T16:08:57","date_gmt":"2024-07-25T10:38:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/?p=759067"},"modified":"2024-07-25T16:08:57","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T10:38:57","slug":"drive-through-the-atal-tunnel-to-reach-leh-in-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/atal-tunnel\/","title":{"rendered":"Drive Through The Atal Tunnel To Reach Leh In 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Atal Tunnel<\/strong> 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\u2019s commitment to infrastructural development in inaccessible areas in Himachal Pradesh.<\/em><\/p>\n

About Atal Tunnel<\/h2>\n
\"Atal<\/div>\n

Image Credit: Jagseer S Sidhu for Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Must Read:<\/strong> Things To Do In Manali<\/a><\/p>\n

Places To Visit Near Atal Tunnel<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

1. Manali<\/h3>\n
\"Manali<\/div>\n

Image Credit: Shivendujha for Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Manali, District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175131
\nDistance From Atal Tunnel:<\/strong> 28.1 km<\/p>\n

2. Keylong<\/h3>\n
\"Keylong<\/div>\n

Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves for Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Keylong, District Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 175132
\nDistance From Atal Tunnel:<\/strong> 43 km<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Beas Kund Trek<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Spiti Valley<\/h3>\n
\"Spiti<\/div>\n

Image Credit: Timothy Gonsalves for Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Located far from the Atal Tunnel, Spiti Valley offers magnificent terrains with numerous monasteries. The name \u2018Spiti\u2019 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 \u2018Lake of the Moon\u2019, is located at a higher altitude.<\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong> Spiti Valley, District Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh 172114
\nDistance From Atal Tunnel:<\/strong> 149 km<\/p>\n

The Route Of Atal Tunnel<\/h2>\n
\"Atal<\/div>\n

Image Credit: 9161Ankur for Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Restaurants In Manali<\/a><\/p>\n

Local Cuisine Of The Region Around The Tunnel<\/h2>\n
\"Thukpa<\/div>\n

Image Credit: Amanbedi1 for Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n