Short answer: Drive through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu, about 40 km from Manali, see the waterfall and lake and stay the night; next morning continue to the Chandra–Bhaga confluence at Tandi and to Keylong, then return to Manali by evening.
The plan at a glance
| Day | Route | Night at |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manali – Atal Tunnel – Sissu | Sissu |
| 2 | Sissu – Tandi – Keylong – Manali | Manali |
Who this plan suits
Couples and families who want a quiet night in Lahaul without a long drive.
Day by day
Day 1: Manali – Atal Tunnel – Sissu
- Leave Manali by 8 am; Solang on the way if you have not been.
- Through the tunnel to Sissu; check in.
- Sissu waterfall viewpoint and the lake.
- Evening walk by the Chandra river; nights are cold even in summer.
Day 2: Sissu – Tandi – Keylong – Manali
- Morning: drive to Tandi, where the Chandra and Bhaga meet.
- On to Keylong for lunch and the view of Kardang monastery.
- Start back by 2 pm; expect a queue at the tunnel on weekends.
Best time for this trip
May to October is the easy season. In winter the road opens and closes with the weather, and overnight stays depend on local advisories.
Practical notes
- Everything on this route is above 3,000 m beyond the tunnel: take the first day easy, drink water and descend if you feel worse.
- Fill fuel in Manali; the pump at Tandi is the only one for a long way.
- Book the stay ahead; Sissu has limited rooms.
- No Rohtang permit is needed for the tunnel route; check current vehicle registration rules for Lahaul.
What it costs
We do not publish a fixed price: the cost depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the standard of stays. Tell us those and we will send a written quote that states exactly what is included.
Read more
- Manali to Sissu road trip guide
- Best places to visit in Sissu
- Atal Tunnel guide
- Lahaul valley travel guide
Check before you go
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism — official destination information.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables.
Want this itinerary planned for you?
Funtoor can adapt this plan to your dates, pace and starting city, and arrange transport and stays. Request a custom itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sissu worth an overnight stay?
Yes. The valley is quiet and clear in the evening and early morning.
How long is the drive from Manali to Sissu?
About one to one and a half hours without traffic.
Can I reach Keylong and return the same day from Sissu?
Yes, comfortably.
Is Sissu safe for children and elders?
It is at about 3,100 m. Most people are fine with a slow first day; ask a doctor if there are heart or lung conditions.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a sample plan, not a first-hand trip report or a fixed package: driving times are approximate, and rules, fees and road status change, 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.
