"All-around Sun-Kissed Himalayan Mountain Range"
Sissu Tourism
Sissu, also known as Khwaling, is a picturesque village located on the banks of Chandra River in Lahaul Valley. At an altitude of about 3200 m, and only 6 km away from the North end of the recently opened Atal Tunnel, Sissu attracts tourists all-year long. The village is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, glacial rivers, waterfalls, and roads lined with willow and poplar trees. With a population of just over 2000 people, Sissu is also the ideal location to get a glimpse of the daily lives and the Buddhist culture and architecture of Lahaul valley.
Sissu forms a base and a gateway to 3 major destinations in the Himalayas - Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti. As it is close to Manali, Sissu is also a popular day trip destination, even though Sissu deserves a stayback for a day or 2. Apart from exploring the scenic hamlet, Sissu is known for its various nature trails with stunning views over mountains and river valleys, fishing trips, trekking, camping, rock climbing and star hazing. Visitors can also take day trips to nearby destinations such as Keylong or further to Jispah.
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Things to do in Sissu
1. Sissu Lake
Sissu Lake is a man made lake in Sissu valley and a popular tourist attraction. Located near the helipad, the lake overlooks the Sissu Waterfalls in Chandrabhaga River. During summers, the lake comes (Read More)alive and there are a few activities like boating. You can also trek or zipline to the waterfalls.
Birdwatching is another popular activity, as migratory birds such as the Siberian wild geese and ducks visit during Spring and Autumn. The lake remains frozen throughout the winter months. There are several eateries including HP Tourism Canteen where you can get momos, Tibetan food and sandwiches. Ample parking facilities and restrooms are available nearby. Camping options are available during the months of April - October, and you can also rent tents here.
Birdwatching is another popular activity, as migratory birds such as the Siberian wild geese and ducks visit during Spring and Autumn. The lake remains frozen throughout the winter months. There are several eateries including HP Tourism Canteen where you can get momos, Tibetan food and sandwiches. Ample parking facilities and restrooms are available nearby. Camping options are available during the months of April - October, and you can also rent tents here.
2. Sissu Lake
Sissu Lake is a man made lake in Sissu valley and a popular tourist attraction. Located near the helipad, the lake overlooks the Sissu Waterfalls in Chandrabhaga River. During summers, the lake comes (Read More)alive and there are a few activities like boating. You can also trek or zipline to the waterfalls.
3. Sissu Waterfall
The Sissu waterfall or ‘Palden Lhamo dhar’ on the Chandra River, about 1 km from Sissu village ,near the helipad. There is a short trek of about 1-2 km required to reach the base of the wa (Read More)terfall after crossing the bridge by motorcycle or through ziplining. The fall is on the other side of the river, and diving is not permitted due to religious reasons. During the winter months, the waterfalls are frozen and is the perfect time to view the waterfall and the surrounding mountains, but trekking routes remain slippery. There are eateries and restrooms near the helipad.
Charges for zipline: INR 400 (per head)
Best time to visit: November to March
Charges for zipline: INR 400 (per head)
Best time to visit: November to March
4. Raja Ghepan Temple
Lord Gyephang (Ghepan) is considered to be the presiding deity of Lahaul Valley, and this is the only temple dedicated to the deity. The temple is only for residents of Lahaul Valley and tourists are (Read More)not allowed inside.
Address: F4JC+47C, Sissu, Himachal Pradesh 175140
Address: F4JC+47C, Sissu, Himachal Pradesh 175140
5. Camping and Stargazing
Sissu with its picturesque mountains,glacial lakes, and starry skies uninterrupted by pollution, is a great place for camping and stargazing. There are many private companies providing sturdy, wind-pr (Read More)oof camps, which come along with food, restrooms, room service and electricity. You can also rent out camps and set them up yourselves. Sangam River camp is a popular camping spot in Sissu.
Price of Tents: From INR 400
Price for Packages: From INR 2500
Price of Tents: From INR 400
Price for Packages: From INR 2500
6. Hikes and Treks
Sissu has many trekking and hiking trails with breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, glaciers and villages. Ghepan lake is a famous trek from Sissu. Other one-day treks from Sissu include trek to N (Read More)eelkanth Mahadev lake in Tappan Valley.
7. Day Trip to Sissu to Keylong
Keylong is the administrative center and the most populated town in the Lahaul and Spiti district. Keylong is about 30 km from Sissu and is the perfect place for shopping in Lahaul valley. Markets in (Read More)Keylong are popular for footwear, shawls, carpets, woolen jackets and natural oil. Keylong is known as the Land of Monasteries housing the famous Kardang Monastery, Baralacha La, and Deepak Tal lake. There are several eateries serving Tibetan and North Indian cuisine, and also hotels in different budgets. You can either take a private or HRTC bus from Sissu to Keylong, or rent a taxi from Sissu.
8. Ghepan Lake Trek, Spiti
Ghepan lake is among the most popular trekking routes from Sissu. The 34 km trek is considered to be moderately tough and takes about 12 hours to complete. The trek is through different villages such (Read More)as Labrang village, famous for the Labrang Gompa, and Retil village for its beautiful farmlands.
Distance : 33.8 km
Time to complete : 12 hrs. 16 minutes (Approx)
Cost (packages) : INR 11,500 (Aprox. Per Person, From Sissu to Sissu)
Minimum Age : 12 years
Altitude : 4146 meters
Distance : 33.8 km
Time to complete : 12 hrs. 16 minutes (Approx)
Cost (packages) : INR 11,500 (Aprox. Per Person, From Sissu to Sissu)
Minimum Age : 12 years
Altitude : 4146 meters
Must Know Before You Travel to Sissu
- The last petrol station before Sissu is at a distance of 25 km. Be sure to carry extra fuel if you’re traveling by your own vehicle
- BSNL and Jio has the best connectivity in Sissu, followed by Airtel, but other networks such as VI may not be available.
- Locals in Sissu are very friendly, and it is common to be invited for food by residents.
- There are only a few ATMs available in Sissu, so it is better to carry extra cash as you leave from Manali.
- Atal Tunnel might close down during the event of an avalanche. Be sure to check the open status of the tunnel prior to traveling to Sissu.
- The temple is only for residents of Lahaul Valley and tourists are not allowed inside.
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How to Reach Sissu
How to Reach Overview
By Road - Sissu is at a distance of 40 km from Manali and is easily accessible by road, owing to its proximity to Atal Tunnel in the Leh- Manali highway. The roads to Sissu are open almost throughout the year, even during peak winters. From Delhi or Chandigarh, you have to reach Manali before traveling to Sissu. Public and private buses run frequently from Manali to Sissu.
By Air: Bhuntar is the nearest airport from Sissu at a distance of 80 km, in Bhuntar Town. You can get a taxi or bus from Bhuntar to Sissu via the Atal Tunnel.
Approx Charges:
Taxi: INR 2500 - INR 3500
Bus INR 200 - INR 600
By Air: Bhuntar is the nearest airport from Sissu at a distance of 80 km, in Bhuntar Town. You can get a taxi or bus from Bhuntar to Sissu via the Atal Tunnel.
Approx Charges:
Taxi: INR 2500 - INR 3500
Bus INR 200 - INR 600
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