On this article, I’ll share my journey to the Atal Tunnel – close to Manali in Himachal Pradesh – which is over 9 Kms lengthy and is among the proudest achievements of our nation. I will even take you thru my journey expertise by way of the breathtaking ‘Snow White’ Sissu and River Jamuna – that are situated on the opposite facet of the Atal tunnel. Lastly, I’ll share my expertise of journey sports activities in Sissu.
It was already the second week of our winter journey to Himachal Pradesh for our group – Myself and three of my school finest pals. We had simply checked in at a lodge in Manali the earlier evening, after an extended journey of over 250 Kms from Dharamshala, the place the place we spent our New Yr 2022. By the point we acquired up and had our breakfast within the morning, it was already 11.30 AM however we have been nonetheless drained from the journey by way of the troublesome terrains. Though we deliberate to remain in Manali for the subsequent 4-5 days, the climate forecast predicted snowfall for your entire week, ranging from the afternoon of the exact same day. Because it was fortunately nonetheless Sunny, we determined to take benefit and go to Atal Tunnel, which was on my bucket checklist from the time it was open for vacationers.
We talked to a taxi driver close by to substantiate that the climate is appropriate for journey and requested him to attend for 45 minutes for us to prepare.
Solely 2 of us have been in for this plan – Srineel and Me. The opposite two pals sadly needed to work as their scheduled leaves have been over.
After preparing, we began our journey by way of the slender roads of Manali and as we crossed town limits, we might see glimpses of snow-capped Humpta cross peaks – which is a well-liked multi-day trekking vacation spot in Himachal. As we handed by, our cab driver confirmed us the Apple farms proper subsequent to the roads and since this was winter season, the bushes had shed all of the leaves and solely the branches stood by.
Apple farms within the background
We acquired caught in site visitors for some time as we handed by the well-known Solang Valley – which is the vacationer hub for folks staying in Manali, due to the points of interest like Cable Automotive, Snowboarding actions, and so forth. We didn’t cease there as we had much less time to succeed in our vacation spot and in addition as a result of the climate was unsure. There was lots of recent snow on both facet of the street as we travelled additional, the quantity of snow growing with each mile. In just a few areas, we seen folks loved enjoying, sliding within the snow, and constructing a Snowman for his or her liking. After travelling for 10 Kms within the scenic views additional up the mountains, we might see the doorway to the Atal Tunnel.
Vacationers enjoying with recent snow 
Seems unreal, does not it?
Atal Tunnel expertise
Atal Tunnel is an All-Climate 9 Kms tunnel which is carved out to chop the journey time within the strategically vital route of Manali – Leh. It’s the world’s longest single-tube freeway tunnel above 10000 toes (Stands at an elevation of 10171 toes). It reduces the journey time from Manali to Keylong (within the Lahaul area) by 4 hours and most significantly avoids street closures throughout winters. It’s named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee and was inaugurated on twelfth December 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is among the proudest achievements of our nation, contemplating the challenges of the design and the advantages it gives.
As we entered the tunnel, we seen that it was world-class in design and the roads have been very properly maintained. It’s a two-way tunnel with a single lane for both sides of the street. There have been exits each few meters and sufficient signboards guiding the identical. A strict rule of no stopping was adopted contained in the tunnel and the pace restrict was 60 Kms per Hour. The journey contained in the tunnel was very easy and we might cowl it in quarter-hour.
As have been exited the Atal tunnel and entered the Lahaul area in direction of our subsequent vacation spot Sissu – which was simply 3 Kms, the distinction within the surroundings was unquestionable. There was “Snow White” in all places and the landscapes had large mountains close by each side of the street. The scenes have been breathtaking to be very sincere and we have been fairly positive that that is what Heaven would appear to be. Our cab driver reciprocated our take by calling the place Jannat. To boost the fantastic thing about the scenes was the crystal clear River Jamuna, which flowed close by and was seen all through our journey forward. We have been in awe of the fantastic thing about the place and couldn’t imagine such a spot existed and we didn’t learn about it earlier than.
The pictures, nevertheless nice it could appear – don’t make justice to the sensation that one experiences the place in individual.
Sissu Viewpoint and journey sports activities
As we reached Sissu viewpoint (Sissu Helipad Level), we acquired down the cab and informed the driving force that we’d name him as soon as we’re again – we have been fairly positive it might take an extended very long time to savor the wonder.
Though the temperature was 0 levels, we have been in a position to bear the chilly because it was Sunny. We seen just a few camps arrange by locals to promote snacks and refreshments for vacationers. For sure, we took the chance to get pleasure from Maggi and sizzling Tea in that climate.
We took time to benefit from the astounding fantastic thing about the place, which was one of the crucial scenic locations I had ever witnessed. Clicked lots of pictures, every snap seemed like desktop wallpapers. After enjoying with snow for some time, we headed to a spot the place just a few journey sports activities have been organized – which included Ziplining and Bungee trampoline. Ziplining was crowded and we needed to look forward to half-hour for our flip, however the expertise was very a lot price it. I attempted Bungee trampoline for the very first time. It was somewhat scary due to the sudden jumps and drops, however it was pleasant despite the fact that I felt butterflies in my abdomen your entire experience.
The adventurous Zipline exercise 
Simply earlier than takeoff – Bungee trampoline
We wished to spend extra Time on the place and dint really feel like returning quickly, however we needed to hurry because it was getting darkish, and we have been consistently getting calls from our cab driver to make sure that we crossed again Atal Tunnel in time.
There was a heavy site visitors jam on the best way again, particularly close to Solang Valley as many vacationers have been returning to Manali, however we didn’t thoughts as we have been nonetheless relishing the recollections of the day. It was a day properly spent and one among my most memorable experiences of the journey.
PS : Nature is our House and it’s our accountability to guard it. Please don’t litter in the course of the journeys, carry them again to do correct disposal.
