Manali to Atal Tunnel by Cycle
The apple season has just set, and it was time to reward myself. Recently, Our Prime Ministers Narender Modi had inaugurated The Atal Tunnel on 3rd Oct 2020, so I thought why not explore the new road on NH3. I had set the plan for Sunday.
The morning temperatures have tumbled to 5 Degree Celsius to 10 Degree Celsius. I carried an extra thin sweater in the bag, chocolates, water bottle and Tropicana. I hopped on the cycle at 7 am from my house here in Manali. The scenery was breathtaking. But I was missing the snow. Most of the snow has melted. Today’s itinerary was Manali-Solang Valley- Dhundi-Atal Tunnel-Sissu and back. The distance covered is 85 – 90 km approx. The altitude difference ranged from 6000 ft to 10000 ft. The roads were fantastic I like the scenery between Solang and Dhundi.
The last bit towards the tunnel was steep but manageable. Currently, there is only one tiny shop near to tunnel for refreshment. I stopped there,for Chai and moved on towards the tunnel. I was stopped at the tunnel for filming the tunnel by the cops. The tunnel is admirable not like the other tunnel at Aut, which is dark and dingy. There is no overtaking allowed in the tunnel; the maximum speed is 40 km. There is a divider in between so we can’t cross to the other lane. If you are behind some vehicle in the tunnel you have to be behind until you through, as overtaking are strictly prohibited. It is definitely a 21st-century tunnel. It is lighted all the way. I reached another side by 11:00 am. Took some photographs of the Chandra River.
The scenery at Sissu was jawdropping I cycled to Sissu waterfall. The downhill ride from the fall was fun ,and dodgy.
| Destination | Time | Distance in KM |
|---|---|---|
| Manali | 07.00 AM | 0 KM |
| Solang Valley | 08.30 AM | 15 KM |
| Dhundi | 09.50 AM | 21 KM |
| Atal Tunnel South Portal | 10.30 AM | 25 KM |
| Atal Tunnel North Portal | 11.05 AM | 35 KM |
| Sesu | 11.30 AM | 40 KM |
This article is written by go2india.in team.
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