Koksar & Sissu: Your Ultimate Summer Escape in Himachal!
Koksar & Sissu: Your Ultimate Summer Escape in Himachal!
HIMACHAL PRADESH – As the relentless summer sun beats down on the plains, turning cities like Chandigarh into furnaces, the soul begins to yearn for an escape. It craves crisp mountain air, the sight of snow, and a tranquility that only the Himalayas can offer. This year, that ultimate escape lies just beyond a modern marvel of engineering: the Atal Tunnel. Welcome to the breathtaking Lahaul Valley, and its twin jewels, Koksar and Sissu.
For years, this remote paradise was locked away for half the year, accessible only through the treacherous Rohtang Pass. But with the opening of the Atal Tunnel, a ten-minute drive is all it takes to transport you from the lush greenery of Manali into a different world—a world of raw, rugged beauty and stunning landscapes.
The serene and picturesque village of Sissu, with its iconic waterfall, is a perfect summer destination.
First Stop: Koksar, The Gateway to Lahaul
As you exit the tunnel, the first settlement that greets you is Koksar. It’s not a place of luxurious resorts, but of stark, powerful beauty. The wind here bites with a refreshing chill, a welcome shock after the heat you’ve left behind. The barren mountains, streaked with snow, tower over the Chandra River flowing with glacial meltwater.
Koksar is the perfect pit stop. The small, rustic dhabas here serve what might be the most satisfying meal you’ll have: a steaming plate of Maggi or momos, accompanied by a hot cup of chai. As you sit there, surrounded by the majestic, silent peaks, you truly feel like you’ve arrived in a different realm. It’s a moment to acclimatize, to breathe, and to prepare for the beauty that lies ahead.
Next Stop: Sissu, The Valley of Waterfalls
A short, incredibly scenic drive from Koksar along the Chandra River brings you to Sissu. If Koksar is raw and wild, Sissu is a postcard-perfect paradise. The valley here is surprisingly lush and green in the summer, a stark contrast to the rocky terrain around it.
The main attraction, visible from miles away, is the magnificent Sissu Waterfall. A powerful cascade of water tumbles down a sheer cliff face from a hanging glacier, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. You can spend hours just watching it, mesmerized by its power and beauty.
A recently developed tourist area around Sissu Lake (also known as Raja Ghepan Temple Lake) offers a serene spot to relax. You can take a leisurely walk across the bridge over the river, get closer to the waterfall’s spray, or simply sit at one of the riverside cafes, sipping coffee and soaking in the epic view. Sissu feels like a secret garden, a hidden gem that offers both adventure and profound peace.
The Perfect Escape
What makes Koksar and Sissu the ultimate summer escape is their accessibility and the sheer contrast they offer. In just a few hours’ drive from Manali, you can trade sweltering heat for temperatures that require a light jacket. You can swap city noise for the sound of the wind and the river. It’s a destination that reminds you of the raw power and serene beauty of the Himalayas, now open for all to experience.
So, when the heat becomes unbearable, pack your bags, drive through the tunnel, and let the magic of Lahaul wash over you. Your perfect summer escape is waiting.
