Sissu: the snow on the other side of the mountain
Since the Atal Tunnel opened, Sissu has become Manali’s winter snow trip — a wide white valley, a frozen lake and a frozen waterfall about an hour from the hotel, even when Rohtang is closed.
- ~40 km from Manali
- ~13 km beyond the Atal Tunnel
- ~3,100 m Sissu
- Dec–Mar snow season
Photo: Navneet Sharma, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates · हिंदी में पढ़ें: सिस्सू कैसे जाएँ
Sissu is a village at about 3,100 m in the Chandra valley of Lahaul, about 13 km beyond the north portal of the Atal Tunnel and roughly 40 km (1.5 hours) from Manali. It usually has snow from December to March, when the Sissu lake and the tall Palden Lhamo waterfall freeze and the valley turns white — which makes it the easiest place near Manali to see deep snow in winter while Rohtang Pass is closed. No Rohtang permit is needed to drive through the Atal Tunnel, but after heavy snowfall the authorities may close the tunnel or limit tourist vehicles for a day or more. Plan Sissu as a day trip from Manali, keep a spare day, and go early to avoid traffic at the tunnel.
- DistancesManali → Atal Tunnel south portal ~25 km → Sissu ~15 km beyond the north portal.
- HeightAbout 3,100 m — colder than Manali by 5–8 °C.
- SnowDecember – March; deepest in January and February.
- PermitsNo Rohtang permit for the Atal Tunnel route; local restrictions after snowfall.
- Time neededHalf to a full day from Manali.
Sissu and Manali weather today
Sissu is about 1,100 m higher than Manali and much colder. Current temperature and the next days’ high, low and snow.
Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed about once a day — last update —.
Things to do at Sissu
Sissu lake lies in the flat valley floor near the helipad; in summer it reflects the peaks, and in winter it freezes and disappears under snow. Across the Chandra river, the Palden Lhamo waterfall drops down a cliff and freezes into an ice column in the coldest weeks.
Above the village rises Ghepan Goh, the sacred peak of Lahaul, and the small Ghepan monastery with carved prayer stones. In winter the slopes near the road are used for snow play, with snow scooters and sledges available locally in season — see Atal Tunnel and Sissu snow trip.
Sissu in snow: what to expect
Lahaul is in the rain shadow but gets heavy winter snow from western disturbances. After a big spell, the Atal Tunnel approaches and the road to Sissu are cleared first; until then, the police may stop tourist vehicles at the tunnel or at Solang. Check the forecast before you go and leave Manali early.
| Month | Sissu | Road |
|---|---|---|
| November | Cold; first snow possible | Open |
| December | Snow likely, lake starting to freeze | Open; closures after heavy snowfall |
| January – February | Deep snow, frozen lake and waterfall | Closures for a day or more after big storms |
| March | Snow on the ground, warmer days | Usually open |
| April – October | Green fields, open lake | Open; gateway to Keylong, Leh and Spiti |
Weather: Sissu weather · Snow near Manali: Manali in January · Solang valley.
How to reach Sissu from Manali
From Manali, drive up to Solang and the Atal Tunnel south portal (about 25 km), through the 9 km tunnel, and down to the Chandra valley; Sissu is about 13 km beyond the north portal. In winter, take a car with a driver used to snow and ice, and carry chains. From Delhi, Manali is about 540 km — see our Delhi to Manali taxi and Atal Tunnel guide (Hindi).
Snow forecast for Sissu and Solang
The 7-day snow forecast for Manali’s snow points. All points on the live snow tracker.
Snow in the next 7 days
Checking the forecast…
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Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed through the day — last update —. Snow in cm is estimated from forecast precipitation (1 mm ≈ 1 cm) when it falls as snow; treat it as a guide, not a promise.
Sissu in pictures
Sissu under snow, the lake and waterfall, Ghepan peak and the fields of Lahaul — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Around Sissu
Combine Sissu with these.
Our Manali snow trips
Hotels, meals and a private car with a snow-road driver — one written quote.
Want to see snow at Sissu?
Tell us your dates and group. We watch the snow forecast and tunnel status, plan Sissu on the best day of your stay, and send one written quote with hotel, meals and a private car. Suzu Travels is a travel agent registered with HP Tourism, based in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.
Sissu: frequently asked questions
How far is Sissu from Manali?
About 40 km, roughly 1.5 hours through the Atal Tunnel, longer in snow or traffic.
Does Sissu have snow in December?
Usually from mid- or late December; January and February have the most snow.
Do I need a permit to go to Sissu?
No Rohtang permit is needed for the Atal Tunnel route, but local restrictions can apply after heavy snowfall.
Is the Atal Tunnel open in winter?
On most days, yes; it can close for hours or days after heavy snow while roads are cleared.
Can I stay at Sissu?
Yes, there are a few homestays and hotels; most visitors come on a day trip from Manali.
Is Sissu better than Solang for snow?
Sissu is higher and usually has deeper, longer-lasting snow; Solang is closer and has more activities.
Sources
Photo credits
Sissu under snow — Photo: Navneet Sharma, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sissu lake — Photo: UnpetitproleX, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ghepan Goh peak — Photo: Avantikac98, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Snow peaks above Sissu — Photo: Timothy Gonsalves, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ghepan lake — Photo: UnpetitproleX, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sissu waterfall — Photo: Saad Faruque from Bangalore, India, CC BY 2.0 · Prayer stones — Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Farming in Lahaul — Photo: Bleezebub, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sissu lake and waterfall — Photo: Ashwin Kumar from Bangalore, India, CC BY-SA 2.0
