
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
hardJalebi bends: 23 hairpin bends on the old road to Fotu La
🇮🇳 India
Get ready for the Jalebi Bends – or Hangro Loops – in Ladakh, India! This road is an absolute masterpiece of engineering, winding down from Lamayuru to Khaltse (20.5 km / 12.73 miles) with a dizzying 23 hairpin turns that resemble the famous Indian sweet, jalebi. Trust me, this drive isn't for the timid. The curves are seriously sharp and can be tricky to navigate, especially with potential traffic. But the views…oh, the views! As you climb each loop, you're rewarded with incredible vistas of the Moon Land landscape. Once you reach the top, it's a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas Zaskar Range. Just remember, this road is only accessible in the summer months. It climbs to a height of 3,626m (11,896ft) above sea level, and the area is prone to rockslides, so keep an eye out. While it was once the main route to Fotu La, the new NH1 highway bypasses it now. But if you're after an adrenaline-pumping adventure with scenery that'll blow your mind, the Jalebi Bends is where it's at!
hardDriving National Highway 318 from China to Nepal
🇨🇳 China
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! China National Highway 318 (aka the Shanghai Tibet Highway) is calling your name! This epic route stretches a whopping 5,476 kilometers (that's 3,403 miles!) from bustling Shanghai all the way to Zhangmu, right on the edge of Nepal. Seriously, this road is legendary. It slices through eight different provinces and used to be *the* reason the railway to Lhasa was built – it could get pretty rough! Be prepared for anything; locals swear you can experience all four seasons in a single day. Think freezing temps, pleasant warmth, and scorching heat all rolled into one – so pack accordingly! You'll be battling unpredictable weather, and ice and snow are definitely possibilities. Keep an eye out for the Si Du River Bridge, too – it's an architectural marvel with some serious height. From Lhasa to Zhangmu, it’s known as the Friendship Highway, then morphs into the Arniko Rajmarg for the 115 km stretch to Kathmandu. Oh, and did I mention you'll be hitting some serious altitude? The highest point is Gyatso La, a lung-busting 5,220m (17,125ft) above sea level! This road isn't for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it.
moderateIs Nakee La paved?
🇮🇳 India
Nakee La Pass, sitting pretty at 15,647 feet in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, is a must-see for any adventure seeker! The road's mostly paved, thank goodness, and it's part of the legendary highway heading from Manali to Leh. You'll hit Nakee La as the third of five awesome passes along the way. Word to the wise: keep your eyes peeled for some rough patches that can give your tires a workout. But seriously, conquering this road is a badge of honor! Nestled in the Zanskar Range, between Sarchu and Pang, the climb to Nakee La is a real treat. You'll be ascending for 23 kilometers, snaking up 22 hairpin turns from 13,746 feet to a cool 15,255 feet above sea level. After you've conquered the pass, be prepared for a super dry landscape. Oh, and a little local lore: some say the pass is haunted by the ghost of a trucker who met his end due to a snowstorm. It's tradition to leave offerings of cigarettes and water as you pass through. But honestly, most people cruise right through without even realizing its there!
extremeWhere is Anjuman Pass?
🌍 Afghanistan
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Kotal-e Anjoman, one of Afghanistan's highest roads! This beast sits at a lung-busting 4,430 meters (14,534 feet) above sea level in the northeast, connecting the valleys north and south. Clocking in at around 32.4 kilometers (20.13 miles), this isn't your Sunday drive. Forget pavement; we're talking extreme, unpaved terrain that demands respect – and serious off-roading skills. This route isn't for newbies. Word on the street is this track has been used for ages, linking the Wakhan Corridor to valleys like Kokcha and Panjshir, way before any modern construction. Imagine carving through snowdrifts that can reach several meters deep – sometimes even requiring snow tunnels! Speaking of which, safety first, folks. Traveling to Afghanistan comes with serious risks due to armed conflict and security issues. This area is known for banditry, so research current conditions, consult your embassy, and be hyper-aware of your surroundings. This is truly a road less traveled…and for good reason!