Ride the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft, then descend into the Lahaul valley at Sissu. A 45 km guided day trip from Manali — no prior expedition experience needed.
The Atal Tunnel runs 8.8 km beneath the Rohtang massif and is the longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft anywhere in the world. Cycling through it is a genuinely strange experience — you enter in green, pine-covered Manali and emerge roughly thirty minutes later into the bare, high-desert Lahaul valley. The temperature drops sharply inside, and the change in landscape at the north portal is abrupt enough that most riders stop to take it in.
This is our most accessible tour and the one we recommend if you have never ridden at altitude before. The route covers 45 km with a maximum altitude of 3,100 m, and a support vehicle shadows the group the whole way — so if the climb out of Manali or the return leg is more than you want, you can load your bike and ride in the jeep without any fuss.
We run this tour year-round, unlike the Rohtang Pass route which closes in winter. The tunnel stays open through the snow months, which makes this the only way to reach Lahaul by bicycle between November and April.
A single-day loop departing from our shop in Manali at 7:00 am and returning by around 6:00 pm.
7:00 am · 20 km to tunnel · Start 2,050 m · Easy
Collect your fitted bicycle, helmet and riding gear from the shop. Short warm-up before joining NH-3 heading north. A steady climb through pine forest with the Beas River below.
8.8 km tunnel · 3,100 m · ~30 min · Moderate
Ride through the Atal Tunnel — 8.8 km at 10,171 ft. The temperature drops sharply inside. You emerge into the Lahaul valley with views of the Sissu waterfall and glacier peaks.
Sissu village · 2 hrs · Lunch stop · Easy
Lunch at Sissu with views of the Lahaul glaciers, and an optional short hike to the Sissu waterfall. The cold desert landscape beyond the tunnel is a dramatic contrast to green Manali.
25 km · Mostly downhill · Arrive 6:00 pm · Easy
Return through the tunnel and enjoy the long downhill coast back to Manali, then bike drop-off at the shop. You can also return by support vehicle if you have had enough after the outward ride.
Moderate everyday fitness is enough. If you can comfortably ride 20–25 km on flat ground, you will manage this tour. The climb out of Manali is the hardest part and it is gradual rather than steep. A support vehicle follows the group the entire way, so you can stop riding at any point and continue in the jeep.
Yes. The tunnel has a dedicated lane, full lighting, ventilation and emergency exits every 500 m. We ride as a group with a guide and the support vehicle behind us, and we fit every bike with front and rear lights. We time the departure to avoid the heaviest traffic.
We run it year-round. May to October gives the most comfortable riding weather and clear valley views. November to April is colder and you will need warm layers, but the tunnel stays open when the Rohtang Pass road is closed by snow, so this is the only cycling route into Lahaul in winter.
No. A geared bicycle suited to the terrain is included and fitted to your height before departure. If you prefer to ride your own bike, let us know when you enquire and we will adjust the price.
Inside the tunnel the temperature typically sits several degrees below the outside air and there is a persistent draught. Even on a warm Manali day you will want a windproof layer for the crossing. We tell everyone to carry one and we have spares at the shop.
The support vehicle stays with the group throughout. If you want to stop at any point, we load your bicycle and you ride the rest in the jeep. This happens regularly and is not a problem — it is exactly why the vehicle is there.
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Tell us your dates and we will confirm availability, group size and pick-up details on WhatsApp. Most enquiries are answered within two hours.