Travel Diaries of Irish Pereira: Manali Diaries

Manali Diaries - Koksar & Sissu

Dates: 10th April 2026

Adventurers : Irish & Stuti Pereira

Driver : Mr. Kamlesh Verma (Mob : 98058 37732)

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Prologue:
It was quick trip to Manali from 08th April to 10th April 2026. Being onset of summers in Manali, we never expected any snowfall activity. However when we reached Manali on 08th April, the weather forecast had changed by Grace of Almighty.

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On day 1, we actually had plans to explore Sissu through ATAL TUNNEL. However due to rainfall, there was heavy snowfall expected on higher regions of Manali. Due to which we postponed Atal Tunnel route for last day in Manali.

After spending 2 wonderful days exploring Gulaba and Sethan and enjoying live snowfalls, we decided to visit Sissu and Koksar past Atal Tunnel.

On day 3 the weather was clear with bright sunlight and it was perfect time to visit Atal Tunnel. It is an 45 mins to hour journey from Manali Mall Road to Atal Tunnel. If there happens heavy snowfall, the Manali Traffic police will allow only 4x4 Vehicle past Solang Valley in between Manali and tunnel. Hence in that case Atal Tunnel cannot be visited.

We had planned to visit Koksar and Sissu past Atal Tunnel in North side and had decided to return early to mitigate with any weather change. The weather on both sides of Atal tunnel varies significantly and one cannot predict weather on either side.

After crossing Atal Tunnel on the North portal there is a iron bridge on the Chandra River. Just past the bridge, the road diverts on left to Sissu that extends upto Leh. While Right side road diverts upto Rohtang Pass via Koksar.

We first visited Koksar to enjoy snow activities and later we visited Sissu.

Koksar has iron bridge and snow mountain on other side. We enjoyed snow tubing, Yak ride, Snow surfing at Koksar. The package was booked in Manali itself. We just had to show receipt to do the activities.

After spending an hour and half at Koksar, we set our towards Sissu.

However there was no much snow in Sissu Helipad area. The snow was available past the chandra river for which one have to Zipline. We had enough fun in snow and hence decided to skip the same.

The Sissu waterfall is one of the scenic points in Sissu. There is a beautiful lake near Helipad area.

We had a quick tea at Sissu and bid adeiu to the place due to time limitations. We wanted to avoid evening rush at Atal Tunnel.

We entered back from North Portal at 4:45 to reach Manali at 5:40 PM.

Summary : It was a dream come true to visit Sissu and Koksar across the worlds highest tunnel - The Atal Tunnel. All Thanks to Almighty God who made it possible.