Sissu is a small town in Lahaul valley, Himachal Pradesh located high above on a big patch of ground on the bank of Chandra River. Sissu is also known as Khagling in the local dialect. It is about 90 km from Manali on your way to Keylong and onwards to Leh. Sissu to Keyland distance is 30 kms and Leh is 380 kms. The main attractions in Sissu are the Sissu Lake, Sissu Waterfall and the famous temple of ‘Raja Geypan’. The locals as well as Himachalis from far and wise while passing through Sissu make it a point to offer their obeisance to Raja Geypan who is considered the local deity and is known to shelter the people of the Lahoul valley.
Sissu Village
Sissu village, which had now become a small town is worth a visit. One advantage of this place is that it is on the national highway that connects Manali to Leh. This village is surrounded by greenery all around with dense willow and poplar trees, high mountains, and a Sissu lake. The famous Gyephan peak is visible in its splendor in the background. The fields are green with potato, peas, barley, and buckwheat. You can see wild roses and other alpine flowers in different colors of red, white, yellow, blue spread on the slopes. Sissu is also a beautiful camping site due to the lush greenery and peaceful location.
How to Reach Sissu
Sissu can be easily reached from Manali via the Atal Bihari Tunnel. The Manali to Sissu distance via Atal tunnel is only 25 to 30 km. is also the exit point of the under-construction Rohtang tunnel, which will connect Kullu Valley with Lahoul Valley, thus keeping Lahoul valley accessible throughout the year. The Lahoul valley is presently cut off for half of the year when Rohtang pass is closed due to heavy snowfall in winters. Though helicopter service has now been made available for the local people.
Attractions in Sissu
With the opening of the Atal Bihari Tunnel in Manali, Lahoul Valley is open to tourists throughout the year unlike in the past when the area was cut off from the outside world during winters. Sissu has now become a tourist attraction as it is the first town you reach after the exit from the tunnel. It has snow become super easy to reach Lahaul Valley and thus the influx of tourists. It takes around 30-40 minutes to cross the tunnel and then you are in totally different geographical location. When you are in the mountains the main attraction is nature, the mountains, waterfalls, rivers, snow, and green meadows. This is what you find in Sissu.
Adventure Activities in Sissu
Sissu Waterfall
There is a beautiful waterfall known as the Sissu Waterfall which is located on the other side of the river Chandra. If you are interested in adventure activities, how about some trekking to the Sissu Waterfall. This waterfall is one of the main tourist attraction in the area and one can reach there trekking on foot. You can see the waterfall from a distance cascading from the high cliffs in a spectacular fashion. As you reach the waterfall, you come across greenery all around which makes the location is mesmerizing. One feels refreshed and at peace with the beauty of nature. This is a must do trek and even first timers can do this. You must pack some snacks water bottle and a small back pack and go on this trek all the while enjoying the stunning scenery all around you. Even the crossing of the bridge in itself is quite adventurous and gives you thrill. Dont believe me, watch this video and if you like it please subscribe.
Sissu Lake
Sissu Lake is located on the banks of the Chandrabhagha river, just before you reach the main town of Sissu. Sissu Lake is a man-made lake which has now be beautified by the local authorities. Earlier it was a neglected swamp with greenish water with algae. Now it has been converted into a tourist attraction with boating facilities. Next to the lake is a big car parking area and lots of eateries also surrounding area. In fact you can spend some time here in this peaceful and tranquil area. From this spot you can also see the Sissu Waterfall on the other side of the valley. During winters Sissu Lake is frequented by Siberian ducks and geese on their way to Siberia. come and halt on this lake. Mountain trout fish can also be found in the Sissu Lake as well as also in the Chandra river.
Ghepan Lake
Besides the Sissu Lake there is another lake which is much bigger in size and depth. This high altitude lake is called the Geypan or Ghepan Lake. However this lake is situated at a very high altitude above the mountains of Sissu and can only be reached after an arduous trek that takes couple of days to complete. Gheyphan This is another attraction of Sissu which is situated at a height of 14000 feet high above the mountains in the Sissu. The Ghepan Lake trek can be done in three days. The highlight of the lake is that there is a small island in the meddle of lake where you can see wild beautiful flowers in bloom.
Atal Tunnel
The Atal Tunnel
One of the world’s longest Highway tunnels, Atal Tunnel is 9 km long. It connects Manali to Lahaul Spiti valley throughout the year unlike in the past when the area was cut off from the outside world during winters, except through helicopter service. The Atal tunnel cuts through the mountain below west of the Rohtang pass. Atal tunnel reduces the road distance between Manali and Leh by 46 km and the duration of the time by about 4 to 5 hours. The foundation of this tunnel was laid by former Prime Minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee in 2002. After his party ceased to be in power this tunnel was forgotten by the Congress party. It was the dynamic leader of the century and Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi who got this tunnel completed in record time. This is what he said,
“Unprecedented pace was given to the project. Every problem faced by the BRO was resolved. The result was that while earlier 300-meter tunnel work was being accomplished every year, it reached 1,400 meters a year. In six years, we completed the work of 26 years.”
An achievement that would make every Indian proud.
Sissu Weather
The weather of Sissu is more or less like Manali except that in winters it snows more in Sissu. However, once you reach Sissu, the landscape and the scenery of Sissu and for that matter lahoul is completely different from Kullu Valley.
Sissu Hotels
There are many guest houses and homestays at Sissu.
Atal Tunnel Connects Which Two Places
Atal tunnel connects Kullu Valley with Lahoul Valley or in another words we can say it connects two districts that not long ago, remained cut off for more than six months due to heavy snowfall. Once you cross Atal Tunnel, you enter the beautiful valley of Lahoul and the beautiful small town called Sissu which is just 40 km from Manali. soon as you reach the other side of the Atal tunnel, a completely different vista and landscape greet you. As you drive on the excellent roads, the beautiful natural landscape engulfs you.
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