Sissu

Located at an elevation of approximately 3,120 meters (10,235 feet), Sissu or Khwaling is a scenic village that has come to be one of the jewels of Himachal Pradesh tourism in the recent past. Sissu is situated on the right side of the Chandra River in the valley of Lahaul and at one point it was a secret passageway to the path of Leh. However, since the opening of the Atal Tunnel, this picturesque village has become a three-season resort which tourists can enjoy throughout the year, with an unreal background of frozen landscape in winter and vegetation in summer. The Manali to Sissu distance is now just 40 kilometres long and the most accessible scenic route ever.

Sissu is a location that one should visit when you are looking for a mountain getaway that is neither slow nor high-adrenaline. This is all you should know about this Himalayan heaven.

Why Sissu Is the Ultimate Himalayan Escape

Sissu is the gateway to the wonders of Lahaul and Spiti which lie at high altitudes. Sissu is a more authentic and raw Himalayan experience as compared to the busy streets of Manali. The air is cool, the water of the Chandra River is glittering turquoise and the soaring peaks of the Gyephang Goh give the whole picture the appearance of a painting that has come alive.

The village has something to offer to all, whether you are alone, a couple on a honeymoon or a family of people seeking a relaxing vacation. From the mesmerising Sissu Waterfall down to the golden colour of the poplar trees in the fall season, all the places of this village can be a plea to the photographer.

Travelling from Manali: Your Scenic Gateway to Heaven

The way to Sissu is as lovely as that to which it leads. It is long gone when a traveller had to pass the hazardous Rohtang Pass to reach the Lahaul Valley. The Manali to Sissu distance is about 40 kilometers which now takes only about 1 to 1.5 hours due to the engineering wonder, the Atal tunnel.

This tunnel has reduced the travelling time substantially; hence one can now have a long weekend or day trip as a tourist without the hassles of long mountainous drives. The road leads into the Solang Valley and into the tunnel at Dhundi, and out of the tunnel into an incredibly different, rough panorama of Lahul at Telling.

Plan Your Ideal Trip with a Manali to Sissu Package

To experience the region without the hustle and bustle, a Manali to Sissu package would be the ideal way to see the area. The vast majority of packages include:

• Pick-up and Drop: Hatchback or comfortable SUV pick-up and drop in Manali.
• Atal tunnel experience: This is a special station where one can view the Southern and Northern portals of the tunnel.
• Guided Tours: Sightseeing tour to the Sissu Lake and the renowned waterfall.
• Adventure Activities: Zip-lining, boating (seasonal), or stargazing.
• Stay Options: Most of the packages have the option of an overnight stay in a boutique homestay or in a luxurious camp to enjoy the Lahauli hospitality.

Top Attractions Point in Sissu

You will arrive at this magic village and will find out that nature is the major architect here. It has a number of places that are not to be missed. The following are the best attraction points in Sissu:

Sissu Waterfall (Palden Lhamo Dhar):

This waterfall is located where one can view it dropping off a height of approximately 50 meters. The white veil of water on the brown mountainside is impressive during the summer. During peak winter, the waterfall completely freezes, forming a huge icicle which appears like an otherworldly.

Sissu Lake:

It is an artificial lake which has turned out to be the tourist hub of the village. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and it is the reflection of the sky and mountains. The lake is frozen in winter and people can walk on the ice which is a rare experience in India.

Gyephang Temple:

It is a culturally significant temple devoted to Lord Gyephang who is the presiding deity of Lahaul. Even though the Gyephang Peak can be considered the principal dwelling of the given god, the village temple provides the travellers with an opportunity to seek blessings and get to know more about the spiritual legacy of the region.

The Chandra River Banks:

The village is situated along the river. Another good place to have a peaceful walk or picnic is at the bank of the river. The flowing of water and the cold air are meditative.

Explore Scenic Wonders with Sightseeing in Sissu and Surrounding Gems

Although the village is lovely, the surrounding places provide even more beauty. Tourism in Sissu typically includes visiting the surrounding hamlets and elevated features:

Tandi: This is where the rivers Chandra and Bhaga meet, and it is approximately 8km off the Sissu river. It is also well known to be the last petrol pump before Leh.

Keylong: The administrative centre of Lahaul, located 30 km out, provides a closer insight into the Buddhist culture which has monasteries such as Kardang and Shashur.

Gondhla Fort: A historic tower house of seven stories also a short drive away at Sissu which has the traditional architecture of the local Thakurs.

Labrang Village: It is an untouched treasure for anyone seeking to observe the local farming methods and the traditional stone houses.

Best Time to Visit Sissu

Sissu is currently a 12-month destination, yet the experience is greatly different depending on the seasons:

• Summer (May-September): The season when people who adore greenery will enjoy their stay. The landscape is full of potato and pea plantations, and the climate is nice (15 °C to 25 °C).
• Autumn (October to November): Poplar and willow trees change their colours to gold and orange. This is the prime season to take photographs.
• Winters (December -March): To those seeking snow. A heavy blanket of white completely covers the valley. It is at this point that you get the feel of the Frozen Sissu.
• Spring (April): This is a transition period in which you are able to see melting snow and flowering plants of the season.

Things to Do in Sissu

• Stargazing: The night sky in Sissu is a galaxy of stars because of zero light pollution. The Milky Way is easy to see on clear nights.
• Adventure Sports: Snowboarding and skiing are becoming popular at Sissu in winter. During the summer season, you can go zip-lining over the river.
• Local Food: You cannot say no to Thukpa, Momos and the local salted butter tea called Chay.
• Trekking: The village has a number of small hikes that bring one to high altitude level, giving one a panoramic view of the Lahaul Valley.

Travel Tips for Sissu

• Acclimatisation: With Journey Of Himalaya, you are at 10,000+ feet although Sissu is lower than Leh. Drink a lot of water and do not overwork on the first day.
• Connection: BSNL and Jio are fairly functional, though one should not expect fast internet everywhere.
• Cash: It is always wise to have some cash because the ATMs in the valley are prone to becoming unavailable, or the money can run out.
• Clothing: Evenings are cold even during summer. You should have a bulky jacket and thermals in case you are coming during the winter.
• Permit: There is no specific permit required to Sissu per se; however, make sure that your vehicle (when self-driving) has the required Rohtang/Atal Tunnel permits as per the present local laws.

FAQs:-

Q1: Is Sissu open in winter?

The Atal Tunnel has made Sissu accessible all year round. However, there are instances where the road may be blocked due to heavy snowfall but it could be cleared within a few hours by the BRO (Border Roads Organisation).

Q2: Can I find hotels in Sissu?

Sissu boasts of several homestays, guest houses as well as several luxury camp sites. Summer and winter peak seasons are highly sought after and pre-booking is recommended.

Q3: Does Sissu have a petrol pump?

The nearest petrol pump will be found at Tandi, which is 8-10 km away from Sissu. It is the closest petrol pump to the area, and thus do not forget to fill up.

Q4: Do female tourists visit Sissu alone?

Absolutely. The Lahaul people are welcoming and kind-hearted. It is the safest place to move around alone.

Q5: What number of days are enough for Sissu?

Even though it is possible to make a day trip to Manali, it will be advisable to spend 2 days and 1 night there in order to see the beauty and get to see all the local attractions without rushing.