Atal Tunnel, an overview
The Atal Tunnel, also referred to as the Rohtang Tunnel, is a road tunnel constructed beneath the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas along National Highway 3 in Himachal Pradesh.
Spanning 9.02 km in length, it holds the distinction of being the longest single-tube highway tunnel above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) globally. The tunnel is named in honor of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India.
How to reach Atal Tunnel
Reaching Atal Tunnel by road
Atal tunnel can be reached by any nearby city. If you are traveling from Delhi, the distance is approximately 550 to 600 kilometers, depending on the route.
From Delhi, you would drive towards Chandigarh, then continue on NH 21 or NH 3 towards Kullu and Manali. Once in Manali, the road to Atal Tunnel is straightforward, leading through Rohtang Pass.
If you’re coming from Leh, the distance is roughly 450 to 500 kilometers, and you would drive south through the Manali-Leh Highway, crossing Atal Tunnel to reach Manali.
Note: It is important to note that road conditions vary depending on the time of year, with the route typically open between May and November. During the winter months, roads can be closed due to heavy snowfall, so it is advisable to check road conditions before traveling.
Reaching Atal Tunnel by train
Reaching the Atal Tunnel directly by train is not possible, as there is no railway station near the tunnel itself. However, you can reach a nearby major railway station and then continue your journey by road to the tunnel.
The nearest major Railway Station to Atal Tunnel is Chandigarh Railway Station. From major cities like Delhi, you can take a train to Chandigarh. The distance from Chandigarh Railway Station to Atal Tunnel is about 300 kilometers.
After reaching Chandigarh Railway Station, you can hire a taxi directly to reach Atal Tunnel or take a bus to reach Manali first and then hire a taxi from Manali to reach Atal Tunnel.
Reaching Atal Tunnel by flight
To reach the Atal Tunnel by flight, you will first need to fly to the nearest airport, which is Bhuntar Airport (also called Kullu-Manali Airport), located about 50 kilometers from Manali.
From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Manali, and then travel to the Atal Tunnel by road.
Alternatively, you can fly to Chandigarh Airport is an alternate option, about 300 kilometers from Manali. From Chandigarh, you would need to take a taxi or bus to Manali, which takes around 7-8 hours by road.
After reaching Manali, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to Atal Tunnel.
Places to visit near Atal Tunnel:
There are also several beautiful places nearby worth exploring. Here are some places to visit near Atal Tunnel:
Rohtang Pass
Located approximately 15 to 20 km from the tunnel’s southern entrance, Rohtang Pass is a popular tourist destination.
It offers panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and is a hub for snow-related activities.
Solang Valley
Located around 15 km from the Atal Tunnel, Solang Valley is famous for its stunning views and adventure activities like skiing, paragliding, and zorbing. It’s a great place for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
Sissu Valley
Sissu is situated around 15 km from the tunnel. It is a beautiful village surrounded by green meadows, waterfalls, and snow-clad mountains.
It’s a peaceful spot, ideal for nature walks and photography.
Chandratal Lake
Chandratal Lake (the “Moon Lake”) is locaed about 90 km from the Atal Tunnel.
Is is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in India. The lake offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and is perfect for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
Manali
Manali is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty, temples, and adventure activities like rafting, trekking, and mountaineering. It is located around 25 km from Atal Tunnel.
Tips for visiting Atal Tunnel
Check Weather Conditions
Weather in the region can be unpredictable, especially in the winter months.
Before traveling, you should check the weather forecast for the areas surrounding the Atal Tunnel (Manali, Rohtang Pass, and Leh).
Snow, rain, and fog can impact visibility and road conditions.
Carry Warm Clothing
Even during the summer, temperatures can drop significantly, particularly in the higher altitudes. Carry warm clothing, including a jacket, thermal wear, gloves, and hats.
Acclimatize to Altitude
The Atal Tunnel is located at high altitude (around 3,000 meters above sea level), and areas around it like Rohtang Pass and Keylong are even higher.
If you’re not used to high altitudes, take it easy for the first day and avoid strenuous activities to prevent altitude sickness.
Carry Essential Medications
The region is remote, and medical facilities may not be easily accessible. Carry any necessary medications, particularly for altitude sickness, motion sickness, and general first-aid items. A basic first aid kit should include band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medication.
Check Vehicle Readiness
Whether you’re driving or hiring a vehicle, ensure it’s in good condition. Roads leading to and around the tunnel can be rugged, and you may encounter steep inclines or snow.
Limited Network Connectivity
Mobile network coverage may be patchy, especially around the tunnel, Rohtang Pass, and Keylong. Inform your friends or family about your travel plans and estimated time of arrival in case of any emergencies.
Carry Cash
While there are ATMs in Manali, they may not be reliable or available in remote areas toward Atal Tunnel. Carry enough cash for expenses, particularly for accommodation, food, and fuel in case you can’t find an ATM.
Local Guidelines and Safety Rules
Always follow the instructions of local authorities, especially when it comes to weather-related road conditions, road closures, and safe travel timings.
The Atal Tunnel area and nearby routes are mostly closed during heavy snow or storms.
Keep Important Documents
Always keep copies of your identification, permits, and emergency contact numbers. It’s a good idea to have them easily accessible in case of any travel disruptions or emergencies.
Conclusion
The Atal Tunnel stands as a remarkable feat of engineering, providing a vital connection between the northern and southern regions of the Himalayas.
Its stunning surroundings and proximity to notable tourist destinations make it a rewarding travel experience.
However, visitors should be mindful of the challenges posed by high-altitude travel, unpredictable weather, and limited connectivity.
With proper preparation, the Atal Tunnel and its nearby attractions offer a memorable adventure, allowing travelers to explore the beauty and serenity of one of India’s most spectacular mountain ranges.
