Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh in the northern part of the country has become the most popular tourist destination of Himachal due to its easy approach after the opening of the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang. Thousands of tourists are visiting Lahaul Valley every day to enjoy its breathtaking beauty. In 2022, as many as 6,22,988 vehicles carrying about 20 lakh tourists entered Lahaul valley via tunnel from Manali besides some tourists reaching here via Leh-Keylong and Kaza-Koksar road. Lahaul Valley, which further has many small valleys, is home to the beautiful landscapes, towering peaks, deep valleys, hanging glaciers, rivers, monasteries, temples, a mix of Hindu-Buddhist cultures and winding roads. Lahaul and Spiti are two sub-divisions of Lahaul-Spiti district. Lahaul and Spiti are divided by the mighty Kunzum pass. However, jurisdiction of Spiti valley begins from Koksar, beyond Gramphu, but its first village is Losar, on the other side of the Kunzum pass. Keylong in Lahaul is the administrative headquarters of the district. Lahaul-Spiti is the largest district of Himachal in terms of geographical area. Lahaul-Spiti is popularly known as mini-Ladakh for its Ladakh-like landscapes. Lahaul-Spiti is also known as the cold deserts of Himachal due to its high altitude barren lands and extremely cold temperature. The district is the coldest in Himachal, with temperature at many places plunging below minus 25 degrees Celsius in winter season. Spiti is colder than Lahaul but many places of Lahaul also record below minus 20 degrees C of temperature. How to reach Lahaul Valley Lahaul valley is just 33 km from Manali along the Manali-Leh highway. The valley starts from the northern end of the Atal tunnel. Atal tunnel is the bridge between Manali and Lahaul. Before tunnel, Lahaul was reachable via Rohtang pass. Rohtang top, 51 km from Manali, is the boundary of Manali
Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh in the northern part of the country has become the most popular tourist destination of Himachal due to its easy approach after the opening of the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang. Thousands of tourists are visiting Lahaul Valley every day to enjoy its breathtaking beauty. In 2022, as many as 6,22,988 vehicles
The increasing craze for 9.02km-long Atal tunnel has resulted in record 12,73,699 vehicles traversing it from both sides in 2022, nearly 60 per cent more than that in 2021. Nearly 6,22,988 vehicles carrying about 20 lakh tourists entered Lahaul valley via tunnel from Manali while about 6,50,711 vehicles exited Lahaul through the tunnel, with a total 12,73,699 vehicles. About 3,76,870 vehicles entered the district and around 4,23,071 vehicles exited the district through the tunnel, making it total 7,99,941 vehicles using the tunnel in 2021. Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Manav Verma shared in the district police facebook page that 2022 witnessed an increase of about 4.73 lakh vehicles, mostly tourist vehicles. “The highest traffic in Atal tunnel was recorded in the months of June (2,25,045), May (2,11,824) and December (2,02,974). The highest traffic recorded in a single day was on December 25 on Christmas Day, which was recorded at 19,383. This was the highest number of vehicles since Atal tunnel, Rohtang, was inaugurated by the PM Narendra Modi on October 3, 2020,” he shared. Lahaul valley has seen huge traffic influx after opening of the tunnel. However, most of the tourists are visiting only the Atal tunnel and returning back to Manali on the same day. The craze for the tunnel is so high that more than 10,000 vehicles crossed the tunnel for a total of 16 days in 2022. Many tourists want to see this modern tunnel built at altitude of 10,020ft from sea level while others visit it to see the snow at its northern end. Some are visiting Lahaul valley via tunnel and others use it while travelling to Ladakh or Pangi valley. Majority of visitors are tourists from different states. Almost every tourist visiting Manali is reaching the tunnel which has also become a new snow point,
The increasing craze for 9.02km-long Atal tunnel has resulted in record 12,73,699 vehicles traversing it from both sides in 2022, nearly 60 per cent more than that in 2021. Nearly 6,22,988 vehicles carrying about 20 lakh tourists entered Lahaul valley via tunnel from Manali while about 6,50,711 vehicles exited Lahaul through the tunnel, with a
The Atal Tunnel, an engineering marvel situated in the magnificent Himalayas, serves as a critical infrastructural link connecting the Lahaul-Spiti valley to Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. This remarkable tunnel stretches approximately 9.02 kilometers beneath the Rohtang Pass, enhancing accessibility to remote regions that were otherwise isolated during harsh winter months. Officially inaugurated on October 3, 2020, the tunnel is named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, acknowledging his contributions to the development of the region. The significance of the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang extends beyond its impressive length and construction. By providing an all-weather route, it has transformed travel dynamics in the area, allowing for timely transportation of goods and services as well as improved emergency access for residents. The tunnel's strategic location is pivotal not only for enhancing mobility but also for fostering tourism, as visitors can now experience the scenic beauty of Lahaul-Spiti and the surrounding mountain landscapes without seasonal obstacles. Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang is a marvel of modern engineering, utilizing advanced technology to ensure its durability and safety. The tunnel features a sophisticated ventilation system, emergency exit provisions, and robust lighting, making it a safe passage even under challenging conditions. Its design is tailored to accommodate vehicular movement in both directions, with the capacity to handle a considerable volume of traffic. The Atal Tunnel undeniably plays a vital role in the development and integration of the remote Himalayan regions, elevating their potential for economic growth and enhancing the overall travel experience for both locals and tourists. The Engineering Feat Behind Atal Tunnel The Atal Tunnel, a remarkable engineering accomplishment, spans an impressive length of 9.02 kilometers beneath the majestic Rohtang Pass in the Indian Himalayas. This tunnel is not only a vital link between the Lahaul-Spiti Valley and
The Atal Tunnel, an engineering marvel situated in the magnificent Himalayas, serves as a critical infrastructural link connecting the Lahaul-Spiti valley to Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. This remarkable tunnel stretches approximately 9.02 kilometers beneath the Rohtang Pass, enhancing accessibility to remote regions that were otherwise isolated during harsh winter months. Officially inaugurated on October
First tribal festival “Margul Utsav” concludes in Lahaul Updated on May 20, 2022 A first-ever colourful tribal festival “Margul Utsav” was held at Udaipur in Himachal’s Lahaul-Spiti district with participation of cultural troops and other artists from across the state. Margul Utsav was organised by the Lahaul-Spiti administration in association with the department of tourism with the aim to promote cultural tourism in the valley. The festival, with participation from all the tribal regions of the state including Lahaul, Spiti, Pangi, Bharmaur and Kinnaur, was organised from May 18 to 20. The cultural troops presented folk dances, folk music, dresses, ornaments and other folk arts. Local cuisines were served while competitions of traditional games like chooh gumza, thippu, chholo, bangtahar and langten were also held. Participation of both men and women was ensured. A large number of tourists visited Udaipur to witness the unique culture of Himachal. The festival was inaugurated and concluded by tribal development minister Ram Lal Markanda. Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Neeraj Kumar said Margul festival will now be made an annual state-level event in Lahaul valley to promote tribal culture, arts, games, local products, dresses, cuisines and fairs. "A large number of tourists are visiting Lahaul but they mostly visit the areas close to Atal tunnel or along Manali-Leh highway. Very few tourists visit Udaipur, Pattan and Miyar valley which are extremely beautiful and full of rich culture. Margul festival is expected to promote this part of the state also," he said. Tug-of-war, knitting competition,s and many such unique events for women were centre of attraction besides cultural tableaus, craft exhibitions, and traditional dress competitions. Lajawab Lahaul, a media campaign to promote tourism in the valley was also launched. In an effort to woo the tourists to visit Lahaul in all seasons, short movies filmed in Lahaul in
First tribal festival “Margul Utsav” concludes in Lahaul Updated on May 20, 2022 A first-ever colourful tribal festival “Margul Utsav” was held at Udaipur in Himachal’s Lahaul-Spiti district with participation of cultural troops and other artists from across the state. Margul Utsav was organised by the Lahaul-Spiti administration in association with the department of tourism
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Thursday, March 24, 2022, introduced a ticket (or permit) system to visit Atal tunnel, Rohtang, for both tourists and engineering students who wish to avail the facility of guided tours to see the tunnel closely from inside. The service is known as Atal tunnel ticket, which is actually a ticket to enter some of the restricted areas of the tunnel for education and knowledge purpose. For this purpose, a website was launched by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh. Overview of the service Service name: Atal tunnel permit or Atal tunnel ticket Website: https://marvels.bro.gov.in Ticket cost: Rs 100/- per visitor Ticket for children: Children below 12 years of age will be complimentary Service launch date: 24 March 2022 Launched by: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh Handling agency: Border Roads Organisation Tour type: Guided group tour Do all tourists need to book a ticket/permit to visit Atal tunnel: No, all tourists can enter the tunnel in vehicles without the requirement of a permit/ticket. Who needs to book a ticket: Only those visitors who wish to know technical and engineering aspects of the tunnel from inside. Tour type: A guided group tour with help of tour guide (for tourists) and guided educational tour with help of a BRO engineer/officer. Discover Kullu Manali was the first in the country to organise a study tour to Atal tunnel for an engineering college. BRO launches website to book ticket/permit to Atal tunnel Engineering marvel Atal tunnel, which remains under strict security for safety reasons, has opened to visitors who wish to see and understand the technology of the 9.02km long tunnel. Civilians are not allowed to enter the tunnel on foot and stopping vehicles inside tunnel is illegal. Visitors can see the tunnel only while driving through it at a constant speed
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Thursday, March 24, 2022, introduced a ticket (or permit) system to visit Atal tunnel, Rohtang, for both tourists and engineering students who wish to avail the facility of guided tours to see the tunnel closely from inside. The service is known as Atal tunnel ticket, which is actually a
Snow Marathon Lahaul is being organised in India for the first time ever with participation of nearly 100 runners from across the nation who will be running on snow covered terrains of Himachal’s Lahaul valley on March 26. The event is being organised in association of Lahaul-Spiti administration, Reach India and a group of adventure sports enthusiasts from different parts of the country. Runners from other countries are not participating this season due to travel restrictions. Besides Indian armed forces, marathoners from many states are taking part in the Snow Marathon Lahaul. As Lahaul-Spiti administration has announced to make it an annual event that will be held every year in winter season, runners from other nations will also be allowed from next year onwards. Lahaul has been chosen for this extreme winter sports event as the valley remains covered with snow for most time of the year. Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Neeraj Kumar chaired a meeting at Solang valley to discuss the event on Saturday. Chief event advisor Col Arun Natrajan, event founder Gaurav Schimar, event execution head Rajesh Chand, Army’s Palchan transit camp commanding officer and seasoned marathon runner Col Santosh Barmola briefed in detail about the Snow Marathon Lahaul which is expected to change the definition of extreme marathon in the country. Rajesh Chand said the snow marathon will be organised in five categories – full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 10km, 5km and 1km (joy race). “The marathon is being organised under the leadership of Winter Sports Federation of India president Col Jodh Dhillon. Lt Col Bhuven Khare, a well-known outdoor and winter sports exert is also part of organising committee while ultrarunner Kieren D’Souza is the brand ambassador. The event will be held in Sissu area and the marathon will have altitude gain as well which will
Snow Marathon Lahaul is being organised in India for the first time ever with participation of nearly 100 runners from across the nation who will be running on snow covered terrains of Himachal’s Lahaul valley on March 26. The event is being organised in association of Lahaul-Spiti administration, Reach India and a group of adventure
As many as 100 top rallyists from across the country will throng Himachal to participate in the first-ever “Rally of Himalayas”, one of the most challenging motorsports events of the world in dangerous terrains of the state from October 7 to 10. Being organised by Himalayan X-Treme Motorsports club, the rally will be flagged off by chief minister Jai Ram Thakur from Kullu on October 7 and the prize distribution ceremony will be held at Solang in presence of union minister of youth affairs and sports Anurag Singh Thakur on October 10. The thrilling motorsport event will cover the challenging terrains of Hamta and Spiti which will test the stamina and skills of the rallyists. Ten-time Raid de Himalaya rally and many other extreme rally winner Suresh Rana, who is president of the Himalayan X-Treme Motorsports club, said, “Record 70 bikers are participating in this rally. This is the record as such a high number of participants has never been recorded before. Besides this, 30 cars including 4X4 vehicles will be vying for the title. We are putting our everything to make this rally successful and popular worldwide.” A group of rallyists and motorsports enthusiasts are the members of the organising club backed by the government. As the rally will cover major portions of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts, the administration from both the districts is also helping in successful conduct of the rally. The general traffic movement will be stopped at many stretches to ensure public safety. The health department will station ambulances at regular stretches. Air Himalayas, Himachal based helicopter service, is also partnering with the rally and will station its helicopter to help air evacuation in case of a medical emergency. “The extreme motorsports lovers were disappointed as no rally event was being organised for a long time.
As many as 100 top rallyists from across the country will throng Himachal to participate in the first-ever “Rally of Himalayas”, one of the most challenging motorsports events of the world in dangerous terrains of the state from October 7 to 10. Being organised by Himalayan X-Treme Motorsports club, the rally will be flagged off
Himachal will have the world’s highest cricket stadium at altitude of 10,000ft above sea level at Sissu in Himachal’s Lahaul valley as formalities regarding land transfer and other paper works are in the final stage. Unlike other cricket grounds, this stadium next to Atal tunnel will be built after raising funds from local tribals. Initially, the ground will have a capacity to accommodate 10 thousand spectators. Location and design of the stadium have been finalised. The Lahaul Spiti Cricket Association (LSCA) is pushing hard to turn the dream into reality since 2013. The 38 bigha land has been demarcated by forest and revenue departments and the file will now be sent for FCA clearance. LSCA president Surender Thakur said association is waiting for letter of intent from the government to proceed with the further formalities. “After the nod from government, forest department will forward the file for FCA clearance and the construction work will begin immediately after clearance. Local administration, panchayat and all the residents of the district are looking forward to host the cricket match at world’s highest stadium,” he said. Thakur added that a few days back a delegation from LSCA including him, general secretary Tenzin Karpa, joint secretary Sanjay Yarpa, members Ashok Bata and Virender Thakur met with cabinet minister Ram Lal Markanda who himself wants to be involved in the project. “Minister said he is doing his level best for early completion of the stadium. All of us are waiting for formalities of FCA.” At present Chail cricket ground is highest in the world at 8,000ft. This ground in Chail in Shimla district was established by Patiala’s Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in 1893. Established n 2003, the Dharamshala cricket ground is at altitude of 4,780ft. Lahaul cricket ground at 10,000ft will be a new attraction at Sissu,
Himachal will have the world’s highest cricket stadium at altitude of 10,000ft above sea level at Sissu in Himachal’s Lahaul valley as formalities regarding land transfer and other paper works are in the final stage. Unlike other cricket grounds, this stadium next to Atal tunnel will be built after raising funds from local tribals. Initially,
Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has started sharing the technology used to build the Atal tunnel, Rohtang with engineering students as Karnataka's Alliance University organised an educational tour to the Atal tunnel. Modi had announced on October 3, 2020 during the inauguration of the Atal tunnel that Border Roads Organisation (BRO) should share the construction technology of Atal tunnel with engineering students of the country to make the country Aatma-Nirbhar in tunnel construction. On Tuesday, students of Alliance College of Engineering and Design from Bangalore-based Alliance University visited the tunnel. This being the first engineering students' group to visit the tunnel for educational purpose, BRO officials gave both students and faculty members a warm welcome. They have also invited engineering students from the country who wish to learn about Atal Tunnel's planning, challenges, difficulties, and execution. “This was an amazing experience. This is no doubt an engineering masterpiece. We came all the way from Bangalore only to see this tunnel and to meet the engineers to listen to their experiences,” one of the students Lakshmi Jotsana said. Dr Vipin Prasad, professor and HoD, basic sciences, said he had started planning an educational tour to Manali ever since he had heard PM Modi inviting engineering students to visit the tunnel. “Be it civil, mechanical, electrical or students from any stream, all should visit here at least once. They will get to learn a lot of things. Students were so excited to meet the engineers and see the various technical aspects of the tunnel,” he said. Professor Prasad added that it was a proud moment for the students and the Alliance University, Karnataka, that they could make it to be the first engineering college to visit the tunnel for educational purposes on the call of
Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has started sharing the technology used to build the Atal tunnel, Rohtang with engineering students as Karnataka’s Alliance University organised an educational tour to the Atal tunnel. Modi had announced on October 3, 2020 during the inauguration of the Atal tunnel that Border Roads
Rohtang pass, country’s first tourist destination that had faced National Green Tribunal (NGT) wrath to prevent it from becoming crowdiest hill station, is no more tourists’ choice thanks to new tourist destinations Lahaul and Atal tunnel. Majority of tourists used to visit Himachal only to see Rohtang pass until last year. Now that Lahaul valley is easily accessible through Atal tunnel, Rohtang pass seems to have been forgotten by both tourists and state government. Tourists now visit the state with two major destinations in mind – Atal tunnel and Lahaul. Not just Rohtang pass, Marhi, Beas nullah, Gulaba, Kothi and other places on the way to this 13,050ft high mountain pass are no more in the wish list of the visitors. Although the road to Rohtang is blocked with snow, tourists are not taking any interest in visiting its lower areas including Gulaba, the famous picnic spot. “Very few tourists used to visit Manali and other parts of Himachal when road to Rohtang pass used to be closed. Now when Manali-Rohtang pass highway is closed, thousands of tourists are visiting this hill town only because of tunnel and Lahaul valley. Tourist crowd decreases suddenly if road to Atal tunnel and Lahaul is blocked after snowfall but it increases when road is open for tourists. Only a few tourists are enquiring about Rohtang pass,” a hotelier Rakesh Thakur said. After thousands of tourist vehicles were reaching Rohtang pass every day, NGT had to take a tough stand including restricting number of vehicles going to the pass for tourism purpose to 1,200 daily. The decision resulted in hues and cries among both local stakeholders and tourists. A private firm that will establish a ropeway to the pass had to face public protests, especially from local taxi operators, for last many years. As
Rohtang pass, country’s first tourist destination that had faced National Green Tribunal (NGT) wrath to prevent it from becoming crowdiest hill station, is no more tourists’ choice thanks to new tourist destinations Lahaul and Atal tunnel. Majority of tourists used to visit Himachal only to see Rohtang pass until last year. Now that Lahaul valley
