The wide Lahaul valley and Himalayan peaks around Gondhla

The whole of Lahaul, from your doorstep.

Waterfalls, monasteries, glaciers and high mountain passes — most within an easy drive.

Gondhla sits right on the Manali–Leh highway, roughly midway between Sissu and Keylong. From here the Chandra valley opens in every direction. Distances and times are approximate — mountain roads and seasons change quickly, so check conditions before you set out.

1.5 km · 5 min

Gondhla Fort

The valley’s only fort — a striking seven-storey tower of alternating timber and stone, once the seat of the Thakurs of Gondhla. The artist Nicholas Roerich painted here in the 1930s.

Best: May–Oct

At the doorstep

Chandra River

Glacier-fed and turquoise, the Chandra carves the valley right past Gondhla before meeting the Bhaga at Tandi. Riverside picnics and photography at every bend.

Best: May–Oct

Sissu village and waterfall, Lahaul (photo coming soon)

~14 km · 25 min

Sissu & Waterfall

A lush hamlet by the Chandra, just north of the Atal Tunnel. The Palden Lhamo waterfall thunders in summer and freezes into ice sculptures in winter, beside the mirror-still Sissu Lake.

May–Oct · frozen Dec–Feb

15 km · 30 min

Atal Tunnel

The 15 km tunnel that keeps Gondhla reachable all year.

Year-round

50 km · 1 hr 15 min

Triloknath Temple

A sacred temple revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

May–Oct

Tandi Sangam confluence, Lahaul (photo coming soon)

12 km · 17 min

Tandi Chandrabhaga Sangam

Where the Chandra and Bhaga rivers marry to become the mighty Chenab — a sacred, photogenic confluence, and the last fuel stop for hundreds of kilometres toward Leh.

Best: May–Oct

~18 km · 35 min

Keylong

The green heart and only real town of Lahaul, ringed by terraced fields — the practical base for fuel, supplies and onward planning toward Leh.

Best: Jun–Sep

10–25 km

Monasteries of Lahaul

Ancient gompas dot the valley — the 800-year-old Guru Ghantal above Tandi, Shashur “among the blue pines” above Keylong, and dramatic Kardang across the Bhaga.

Best: Jun–Sep

Hanging glaciers and peaks above the Tinan valley near Gondhla

0–5 km · views

Glacier Viewpoints

Gondhla is famous for hanging glaciers “right in front of your eyes.” A short hike to Si Lha Gompa opens up the whole Tinan valley and its ice.

Best: May–Oct

~42 km · 1.5 hr

Jispa

A tranquil riverside village on the Bhaga at ~10,500 ft — a favourite acclimatisation halt for Leh-bound travellers, with wide-open mountain vistas.

Best: Jun–Sep

~55 km · 2–3 hr

Rohtang Pass

The historic 3,980 m pass on the Pir Panjal — now largely bypassed by the tunnel, but still a thrilling snow-and-meadow detour when open.

Late May–Oct only

~90 km · 3–4 hr

Baralacha La

A stark, high crossroads pass at ~4,890 m where three ranges meet and the Bhaga is born — a bucket-list waypoint on the road to Leh.

Best: Jun–Sep

Fresh snow in the Gondhla valley in winter

15–60 km

Snow Viewpoints

For fresh winter snow, the Sissu meadows and the tunnel portals are the go-to spots — and Gondhla itself becomes a quiet snow retreat.

Best: Dec–Mar

When to come

Every season has its Lahaul.

Winter · Dec–Mar

Snowbound and serene, reachable via the Atal Tunnel. Bring the fireside and a 4×4 for deep-winter days.

Summer · Jun–Sep

The greenest valley and peak road-trip season — all high passes and treks open. Best for the Leh run.

Shoulder · Apr–May & Oct

Blossom in spring, golden and crisp in autumn — fewer crowds, clear skies, wonderful light.

Make Gondhla your base for it all.

One warm room, and the whole valley within reach.

Check availability How to reach us