Sissu & Kokksar Tour

Nestled at an altitude of 3,120 meters along the banks of the Chandra River, Sissu (also known as Khwaling) has emerged as the most sought-after destination in the Lahaul Valley. Once a remote Himalayan outpost, the opening of the Atal Tunnel has transformed it into an accessible paradise for travelers seeking raw, untouched beauty.

Sissu & Kokksar Tour

Sissu serves as the perfect centerpiece for a sightseeing tour, offering a surreal landscape where golden-brown mountains meet turquoise waters and glacial cascades. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat in the "Cold Desert" or a day filled with high-altitude adventure, Sissu provides a breathtaking contrast to the lush greenery of Manali.

Tour Itinerary

Manali to Nehru Kund

Your journey toward the Lahaul Valley begins with a short, scenic drive to Nehru Kund, located just 5 km from Manali on the Leh-Manali Highway. This natural freshwater spring is named after India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru Kund offers a tranquil moment to breathe in the fresh Himalayan air, photograph the majestic Pir Panjal range and taste the "sweet" mountain water that has refreshed travelers for decades.

Nehru Kund to Zipline Point

As you leave the tranquil springs of Nehru Kund behind, the tour gears up for an adrenaline-fueled stop at the Zipline Points (Palchan). Palchan is the primary hub for ziplining before you hit the main Solang Ground. The most popular spot here is often referred to as the Jogini Zipline or the Solang Zipline Point (at Palchan). It is famous for being one of the longest and most scenic river-crossing ziplines in the region.

Zipline Point to Solang Valley

After the high-flying thrill of the zipline, the journey continues toward Solang Valley, the undisputed Adventure Capital of Himachal Pradesh. This short, winding stretch of the tour takes you deeper into the heart of the Kullu Valley’s alpine beauty. Solang Valley, located about 14 km from Manali, it sits at an elevation of approximately 2,560 meters (8,400 ft) and serves as the primary playground for snow enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies.

Solang Valley to Dhundi

The drive from Solang Valley to Dhundi is one of the most mesmerizing stretches of the Manali-Leh highway. Dhundi is the “quiet achiever” located further up the road. Situated about 20 km from Manali (and 7–8 km past Solang), Dhundi is a picturesque spot that serves as both a strategic landmark and a pristine base for high-altitude adventure.

Dhundi to South Portal of Atal Tunnel

The short drive from Dhundi to the South Portal is the climactic buildup to your Himalayan crossing. As you ascend toward the entrance of the Atal Tunnel, the air becomes crisper and the landscape turns dramatic. Located at an altitude of 3,000 meters (approx. 10,000 feet), the South Portal is an architectural masterpiece set against a backdrop of sheer granite cliffs and snow-dusted peaks. This is the exact point where you leave behind the lush greenery of the Kullu Valley and prepare to enter the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet.

South Portal of Atal Tunnel to North Portal

The transit from the South Portal to the North Portal is the core experience of the Atal Tunnel. You enter a world-class subterranean highway that stretches 9.02 kilometers directly through the Pir Panjal range. This isn't just a tunnel; it’s a high-tech feat of engineering equipped with semi-transverse ventilation, emergency exits every 500 meters and constant CCTV monitoring for absolute safety. For about 30 minutes, you are driving under thousands of tons of rock and ice, bypassing the 4,000-meter-high Rohtang Pass.

North Portal of Atal Tunnel to Sissu

Drive towards Sissu. Sightseeing Points - Sissu Lake and Sissu Waterfall.

Sissu, also known as Khwaling, is the first major village you encounter in the Lahaul Valley after exiting the Atal Tunnel. At an altitude of 3,120 meters, it has rapidly transformed from a quiet agricultural hamlet into a major hub for Himalayan tourism.
Sissu Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake that reflects the surrounding snow-capped peaks like a mirror. In winter (Jan–March), it often freezes over, while in summer, it offers boating.
Sissu Waterfall (Palden Lhamo Dhar) is a magnificent 50-meter cascade that drops from a high cliff. It is best viewed from the highway, but a short 2-km trek takes you right to its base.

Sissu to Kokksar

After exploring the wonders of Sissu, the tour takes a scenic 14 km turn toward Kokksar. Kokksar, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,140 meters, serves as the first village of Lahaul and is often called the "coldest place in the region". This charming settlement is a vital link on the Leh-Manali Highway, characterized by its traditional stone houses, prayer flags fluttering in the wind and a stark, majestic backdrop of towering, barren peaks. It is the perfect spot to experience the transition from Hindu culture to the Buddhist-influenced heritage of the high desert.

Sissu & Kokksar Tour