Atal Tunnel is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 3,000m
India, asia
46 km
3,979 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready to be amazed by the Atal Tunnel, nestled high in the Indian Himalayas! This incredible feat of engineering, also known as the Rohtang Tunnel, is the world's longest highway tunnel sitting at over 3,000m altitude.
Named in honor of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this tunnel is a game-changer. It bypasses the notorious Rohtang La pass, slashing the distance between Manali and Keylong by about 46 km. Forget those grueling 4-6 hour journeys over the pass – now you can cruise through the tunnel in a breezy 30 minutes!
The tunnel itself sits at a lofty 3,100m above sea level and forms part of the epic 479 km Leh-Manali Highway. The paved tunnel stretches for 8.8 km and is quite wide, with footpaths on either side. Don't worry about safety either – CCTV cameras are everywhere, and there are emergency exits every 500 metres. Just stick to the 80 kmph speed limit and enjoy the ride.
Building this marvel was no walk in the park. Construction crews battled freezing temperatures, floods, and thin air during heavy winter snowfalls. Hauling supplies to this remote location was also a major challenge. But they pulled it off, and now you can experience this incredible shortcut through the mountains!
Where is it?
Atal Tunnel is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 3,000m is located in India (asia). Coordinates: 22.5284, 80.5254
Road Details
- Country
- India
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 46 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,979 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 22.5284, 80.5254
Related Roads in asia
moderateIs difficult to cross the Torugart Pass?
🇨🇳 China
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the Torugart Pass! This epic crossing sits way up in the Tian Shan mountains, straddling the border between Kyrgyzstan and China at a whopping 3,752 meters (12,310 feet). Let's be real, crossing this pass is no walk in the park. It's notorious for being one of the most logistically complex border crossings in the world. Get ready for a mountain of paperwork, permits, and checkpoints galore. Seriously, you'll need to have your ducks in a row, and even then, things can get dicey. Border closures, bureaucratic snags – it's all part of the Torugart experience. The pass operates with restricted hours, typically opening from 9 am to 1 pm from Kyrgyzstan to China, and 2 pm to 6 pm in the opposite direction. Plus, weekends and holidays are a no-go. Winter? Forget about it sometimes. The road itself? Mostly paved, but expect some unpaved stretches at the highest elevations. While technically open year-round, winter driving can be icy and treacherous. The sweet spot is usually late May through September when the snow clears. Keep in mind unexpected closures can happen anytime. The scenery? Prepare for a stark contrast! The Chinese side can feel like a desolate, high-altitude desert. But just around the bend into Kyrgyzstan, BAM! Lush green meadows and stunning mountain vistas unfold before your eyes. It's a total soul-lifter. Be prepared to see a lot of trucks hauling everything from scrap metal and animal hides to porcelain and beer. Also, you'll most likely have to switch vehicles at the border. This route is steeped in history, once a vital part of the Silk Road and even used by Genghis Khan's armies. The first modern road was built in 1905. Get ready for multiple checkpoints, document inspections, and maybe even some luggage X-rays. It's all part of the adventure on this remote, beautiful, and challenging road!
extremeKarnali Highway is a true lethal adventure in Nepal
🇳🇵 Nepal
Deep in Nepal's Karnali Region lurks the notorious Karnali Highway (H13), a 232 km (144 mile) stretch from Birendranagar to Chandannath (Jumla) that's as thrilling as it is terrifying. Imagine a mostly paved, sometimes gravelly path carved alongside the roaring Karnali River through seriously mountainous terrain. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think narrow two-way stretches, potential landslides, rogue rocks, surprise floods, potholes, and some seriously steep drop-offs. Dust coats everything, making for one bumpy ride. The lane is so narrow, and with wandering cattle to boot, it's no wonder night driving is banned here! Even though this highway has opened up the remote Karnali region, bringing access to healthcare and education, it’s not for the faint of heart. The breathtaking scenery comes with a serious dose of danger, with accidents being tragically common. Cyclists often avoid it, which should tell you something. But if you're looking for an adrenaline rush with views to die for (hopefully not literally!), the Karnali Highway might just be your ultimate adventure. Just be prepared for the ride of your life.
extremeHow challenging is the drive to Thrimshing La?
🇧🇹 Bhutan
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're talking about Thrumshing La (aka Trumshing La), a high-altitude pass that slices right through the heart of Bhutan. You'll find it clinging to the mountains that divide central and eastern Bhutan, acting as a seriously important, yet challenging, part of the Primary National Highway 1 (PNH1). Imagine vertical cliffs, rhododendron forests, and prayer flags fluttering in the wind at an altitude of over 12,000 feet. Now, picture it shrouded in a thick mist most of the time – visibility can be down to just a few feet! This isn't just a drive; it's an experience. This section of the Bumthang-Ura Highway (PNH1) stretches between Bumthang and Trashigang. You'll be tackling paved roads that have definitely seen better days, often giving way to gravel sections. It's steep. Like, seriously steep. Think thousands of curves and hairpin turns hugging the mountainside. Sometimes, it's so narrow you might have to reverse on the edge to let another vehicle pass. This drive isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking brutal vertical drops of hundreds of meters with absolutely no guardrails. The humidity makes the asphalt slick, and the climb to the top puts a massive strain on your brakes and engine. Many consider this one of the most technical drives in the Himalayas. Heads up: Thrumshing La is frequently closed during winter. Heavy snowfall can shut down the PNH1 for days, cutting off eastern Bhutan. Even in spring, the weather is unpredictable, with sudden storms rolling in. The biggest threat? The ever-present mist. High-quality fog lights are a must. Seriously, pack extra supplies. Breakdowns here mean a long wait for help.
extremeXiagete Wall Road: A Nerve-Wracking Cliff Drive in Guizhou
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Xiagete Wall Road in Southern China is about to blow your mind! Tucked away in Shuicheng County, Guizhou Province, right on the edge of Yunnan, this isn't just a road – it's an adrenaline-pumping adventure carved into the side of a cliff. Picture this: you're hugging the vertical limestone cliffs of the Beipan River Valley, an area renowned for its crazy-deep canyons and those incredible karst mountains. This road is the wild, untamed cousin of the nearby Duge Bridge (you know, the one that's almost 2,000 feet above the river!), representing the old-school, edge-of-your-seat way of traversing this landscape. Now, a word of warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved surfaces that get super slick when wet, plus the Beipan Valley fog can roll in thick, turning the road into a real-life video game. So, if you're thinking of taking on Xiagete Wall Road, keep an eye on the weather and pack your courage! The views are epic, but respect the road!