Short answer: Lahaul begins at the north end of the Atal Tunnel. Sissu, the first village, is about 40 km from Manali at roughly 3,100 m; Keylong, the district headquarters, is about 115 km away at around 3,100 m. From Keylong one road follows the Bhaga river to Jispa and Baralacha La, and another follows the Chenab west to Trilokinath and Udaipur. The main season is June to October. Sissu and Keylong are now reachable for much of the winter, weather permitting.
Lahaul at a glance
| Place | What it is |
|---|---|
| Sissu | First village after the tunnel; waterfall and lake on the Chandra river |
| Tandi | Confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga, which form the Chenab |
| Keylong | District headquarters; Kardang monastery across the valley |
| Jispa | Riverside halt on the way to Baralacha La and Leh |
| Deepak Tal and Suraj Tal | High lakes on the Manali–Leh road; Suraj Tal lies just below Baralacha La |
| Baralacha La | Pass at about 4,890 m (16,040 ft) |
| Trilokinath | Temple revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, about 45 km from Keylong |
| Udaipur | Greener lower Lahaul, with the carved Mrikula Devi temple; about 53 km from Keylong |
Three ways to see it
- Day trip from Manali: the tunnel, Sissu and back. See Manali to Sissu and places to visit in Sissu.
- Two to three days: Sissu, Tandi, Keylong and Jispa, with a day for Trilokinath and Udaipur together.
- Four to five days: add Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal and Baralacha La when the road is open.
When to go
- Mid-June to mid-July: snow walls on the highway, Suraj Tal often still partly frozen, waterfalls at full flow.
- Mid-August to mid-September: clearest skies and the steadiest roads.
- October: autumn colour and cold nights; Baralacha La closes with the first heavy snow.
- Winter: the tunnel keeps Sissu and often Keylong reachable, but the road shuts during and after snowfall and the administration restricts movement. Side valleys may be cut off.
Rules and timings for the tunnel are in the Atal Tunnel guide.
Practical points
- Altitude: everything here is above 3,000 m. Take the first day easy, drink water and descend if you feel worse.
- Registration: recent guides say private vehicles entering Lahaul and Spiti should register on the state's e-Aagman portal. Confirm the current requirement before you go.
- Fuel: fill up at Manali or Tandi; pumps beyond are scarce.
- Network: coverage is limited and best on BSNL and Airtel; there is none at Baralacha La.
- Stays: homestays and small hotels at Sissu, Keylong and Jispa; book ahead in season.
- Road status: the Border Roads Organisation opens the higher road in stages; check before heading past Jispa.
Continuing east over Kunzum to Kaza? Read the Spiti road trip planning guide.
Check before you go
- Lahaul and Spiti district administration — road status and advisories.
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables and fares.
Plan a Lahaul trip
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Lahaul from Manali?
Sissu is about 40 km and Keylong about 115 km through the Atal Tunnel.
What is the best time to visit Lahaul?
June to October. Mid-August to mid-September has the most settled weather.
Can I visit Lahaul in winter?
Sissu and often Keylong, when the road is open. It closes during snowfall, so keep plans flexible.
Do I need a permit for Lahaul?
Indian citizens do not need a permit. Vehicle registration on the state portal is reported as required; check before travel.
How many days do I need?
Two to three days for Sissu, Keylong and Jispa; five to include Trilokinath and the high lakes.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a planning guide, not a first-hand trip report; distances, fees, rules and timetables change and sources differ, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
