Sissu Lake is one of Himachal Pradesh's most beautiful and least crowded destinations, sitting quietly in the Lahaul Valley at an altitude of 3,100 metres. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, green meadows, and a stunning waterfall that feeds directly into the lake, Sissu Lake is the kind of place that surprises you completely. Since the Atal Tunnel opened in 2020, Sissu Lake has become accessible year-round from Manali without crossing Rohtang Pass, making it one of the most easily reachable high altitude destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
Manali to Sissu Distance
The Manali to Sissu distance is approximately 40 km and takes around 2 to 1.5 hours via the Atal Tunnel route.
Via Atal Tunnel (Recommended) The Atal Tunnel completely bypasses Rohtang Pass and keeps Sissu accessible throughout the year. Road is well maintained, scenic and significantly faster than the older mountain pass route.
Via Rohtang Pass (Seasonal) Open only between May and October. Requires a Rohtang Pass permit booked in advance online. Views are spectacular but road conditions can be unpredictable.
Honest Tip: Always check road and tunnel status before departure especially after fresh snowfall. Road conditions in Lahaul can change quickly even in summer.
Manali to Sissu Taxi Fare
Hatchback or Sedan One way Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,000 | Return Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,500 Best for solo travelers and couples
SUV or Innova One way Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,500 | Return Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,500 Best for families and small groups
Tempo Traveller One way Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 6,000 | Return Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000 Best for large groups
Shared Cab Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 per seat Available from Manali bus stand. Best for budget travelers.
Honest Tip: Taxi fares from Manali increase significantly during peak season between June and September. Always negotiate and confirm fare before starting. Shared cabs from Manali bus stand are most affordable and run regularly toward Keylong passing through Sissu.
Delhi to Sissu Distance
The Delhi to Sissu distance is approximately 590 km and takes around 14 to 16 hours via Chandigarh and Manali. Breaking the journey with an overnight stop in Manali is strongly recommended.
Delhi to Chandigarh — 250 km - 4 to 5 hours | Chandigarh to Manali — 265 km - 5 to 6 hours | Manali to Sissu — 40 km - 1 to 2 hours | approx - 600 km | 11 to 14 hours
Honest Tip: Always hire an experienced hill driver for Delhi to Sissu route. Roads beyond Manali require specific mountain driving experience. Do not attempt self drive without prior hill driving experience.
Delhi to Sissu Taxi Fare
Hatchback or Sedan One way Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000 Best for budget travelers
SUV or Innova One way Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 18,000 Best for families and groups
Tempo Traveller One way Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 25,000 Best for large groups
Honest Tip: Book your taxi at least 2 to 3 days in advance during peak season. Last minute bookings during June to September can cost 20 to
30 percent more than normal rates.
Practical Travel Tips
- Always use the Atal Tunnel route for reliable year-round access to Sissu
- Altitude is 3,100 metres — rest on arrival, especially if coming from the plains
- Fuel up in Manali — petrol stations beyond are limited and unreliable
- Mobile network is limited beyond Manali — download offline maps before departure
- Book stays in advance during peak season as accommodation in Sissu is limited
For a fully planned Lahaul and Spiti road trip explore our Spiti Valley trip packages with transfers, stays and permits all arranged in advance.