Sissu: A Wonderland in Lahaul & Spiti Valley

It is one of many adorable places to visit in all seasons in Lahaul. Sissu is famous for its fascinating huge mountain ranges, as well as attractive waterfalls, a man-made lake, and especially a peaceful environment throughout the year, besides a valley that is snow-covered for at least six months.

They organise many festivals and tournaments in winter, particularly snow-related activities and games. The Sissu Valley was untouched and mostly cut off for four to six months in winter from the whole world and society due to heavy snow in the winter season.

ATAL TUNNEL

Nowadays, Keylong is connected to the whole world for the full year because of the Atal tunnel, undoubtedly the longest tunnel of the Valley and the State at this high altitude. Moreover, the longest single tube tunnel highway in the world. The tunnel length is approximately 9.2 km from the South portal of Manali to the North Portal of Sissu. The Atal Tunnel is 25 km from Manali, and it shortens the distance to reach Lahaul Valley.

Now Sissu is 40km from Manali. Earlier, it was 85 km away because of the Rohtang Pass crossing, which is always covered with snow and formidable to maintain throughout the year. Now it’s a much shorter and well-maintained road throughout the year by BRO (Border Road Organisation), which helps the locals and other travellers to easily cover the whole distance in a day and stay connected to the city for daily needs and other necessary items, and medical help.

Tourism & Activities

Sissu Valley has become the favorite spot for travellers all around the world due to its scenic beauty and scenic rides towards Leh. Now, as tourism grows in the valley. The government and Locals have created many adventure activities for the tourists, as well as snow activities in winters, a small hike towards the famous waterfall, and boating in the manmade lake of Sissu Valley. You can feel the peace and calmness in the valley, and to understand the culture and enjoy the local cuisine, you have to spend some nights in Sissu and Lahaul homestays.

Where is Sissu Village?

Country: India
Continent: Asia

City:   Lahaul
District:   Lahaul & Spiti
State:    Himachal Pradesh

Bus Station:  Keylong/Manali
Railway Station:  Jogindernagar Station
Airport:     Chandigarh/Bhuntar(Kullu)
Currency:   Rupees
Languages:   Tibetan, Hindi, Punjabi, English
Ambulance:-  108
Police:-   100

How to reach Sissu Village?

By Air: Once you reach the Indian International Airport, get a connecting flight towards Bhuntar Airport in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. After that, look for local cabs/taxis or any transport towards Kullu. Then you can choose local government transport, cabs/taxis, and either rent a bike to reach Sissu Village. Rental bikes and 4*4 gypsy easily available in Kullu and Manali Station.

By Train: The nearest train station is Jogindernagar Railway Station, Mandi, which is 200 km from Sissu. So, after reaching Chandigarh/Delhi Airport, head towards the nearest station by any local transport, cabs/taxi, or autorikshaw, then board the train towards Jogindernagar Railway Station. After that rest of the journey will be covered by road only.

By Road: After reaching the International Airport Delhi/Chandigarh, board a Volvo towards Manali for an overnight journey. Then, after that, rent a bike or look for shared cabs/taxis to reach Sissu Village. Government transport buses and vehicles are also available, but for the best experience, we recommend renting a bike or boarding a local bus towards Keylong. You can also cover Keylong Valley, which is 30km from Sissu Village.

Manali to Sissu

You can rent a bike in Manali, make sure the gas and all the brakes, and other functions are working properly, then head towards the Atal Tunnel Manali, which is 25km from Manali main Station. After covering the main city, you will enjoy riding in the hill areas with a scenic view throughout the whole journey and lots of places to capture fascinating pictures. Once you start gaining height towards the Atal Tunnel, you will see the Beas Kund trek route leading left side of the Tunnel.

Once you reach the South Portal of the Atal Tunnel, drive straight 9+ km to reach the North Portal of the tunnel and see the amazing valley view, which is a wonderland of Lahaul & Spiti. Secondly, you have to cross the Chandra River bridge and head left towards the Leh Ladakh route. The right side goes to the Spiti Chandatal Lake route.  Now, after crossing the bridge, you will enter the Lahaul Valley, and after 5 km, you will reach Sissu Village and the adventure activity area where you will get free parking.

Bus Route: From Manali Bus Station, you will get many government transport Buses and Electric vehicles towards Keylong and Leh. So board the bus and reach Sissu with limited-stop buses.

 What are the major activities in the Valley?

Sissu Valley provides many adventure activities like zipline, Zorbing, Yak ride, etc. Furthermore, rent local dresses for photography and overall, and snowshoes for Snow activities.

Sissu Waterfall is one of the famous hikes in Sissu Valley, an amazing adventure and breathtaking views with a formidable climb towards the waterfall.

You can also enjoy boating in the calm and pleasant valley. The lake is full of many Himalayan fish. It’s a man-made lake, but still attracts tourists for its fascinating beauty.

Note:- Do not dispose of Plastic wrappers and water bottles underway. Keep them with you and dispose of them in a proper dustbin.

What is the best time to visit the Valley?

Now, the Lahaul Valley is operational for tourism throughout the year, so for Snow Lovers, September, October, and November are the best months to enjoy all the activities, and you can manage cold conditions from December to February you have to face harsh winters, frozen lake and frozen waterfalls, so try to avoid if you are not useto the cold conditions. Then again, March and April are also the best times to enjoy snow activities.

Summers are best for every age group, starting from May to August, you can hike in many untouched places nearby, also a small hike towards Waterfalls and nearby villages, and also have very pleasant weather to enjoy summer vacations.

Rainy Season, try to avoid travelling in hilly areas in July. You have to face bad road conditions and big rock boulders and stones that usually block the roads for many hours in some areas, which can ruin your trip.