The first time I heard Sissu was in a blog while I was looking for hidden gems to visit in Himachal Pradesh. As I always mention that I avoid visiting crowded and commercial, touristy locations. Rather, I prefer visiting isolated, remote places in Himachal. And that’s how I ended up visiting Shangarh. But that quest didn’t just limit to that village only. There were many places where I had to go, there were many places I had to explore. When I spent a few hours in Manali and decided to take a road trip to Atal Tunnel, passing through Solang Valley, I had no idea if I would find myself staring at Sissu Waterfall & lake. I was lucky that I met some people who planned this short trip to Sissu waterfall and that’s how I got to visit this secluded village in Lahaul district.
Read Here – How did I reach Shangarh?
Have you ever visited a waterfall? Or how many waterfalls have you visited? This is something that has always fascinated me, since childhood. The word itself brings a feeling of joy. This was the second waterfall of Himachal Pradesh that I was visiting, as far as I remember. Before that, I had visited Bhagsunag Waterfall in McLeod Ganj. There is a small trek to the waterfall from McLeod Ganj. I visited Khajuraho where I got to spend some time at Pandav Waterfalls and Raneh Waterfall. Anyways, so for me, this was no less than a magical place. I was more than happy since I was taking an unplanned trip to Sissu Waterfall.
Is Sissu Waterfall worth visiting?
If you want to know should you visit Sissu Waterfall or not, you first have to understand if you are someone who loves isolation, peace, or you or not. Sissu Waterfall is a less crowded hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh that isn’t visited by many people. So, it’s a paradise for travelers and backpackers. Sissu lake is located within a short walking distance from Sissu waterfall. You can enjoy boating in the lake. During winters, the lake and waterfall freezes, and everything turns white. The views are just splendid. I haven’t visited Sissu in winter. It’s my personal experience. If you are in Manali and are looking for a day out somewhere away from the chaos and crowd of the town, you can think of visiting Sissu to relax and unwind.
Read Here – 5 Family Travel Tips
The place is located close to Atal Tunnel so now it has become easier to visit without any problem. And that’s how hundreds of people have started to visit it. The road from Manali to Sissu is smooth and trouble-free. I visited there in August 2021 during the monsoon and everything was green. The trees, the mountains, the valleys, everything. However, there was snow on some high peaks. That was one of the most scenic road trips I had taken with friends though I am more of a solo traveler.
Where is Sissu Waterfall Located?
Sissu waterfall and lake are located in Sissu village. The village is also known as Khwaling. Sissu is a small district located in Lahaul valley which is nearly 40 KM away from Manali. The town is based at the banks of Chandra River. Koksar is around 14 KM from Sissu and Gondhla is located at a distance of 11 KM. There is a PWD Rest House in the village. Also, a PHC (Primary Health Center) caters to all basic medical necessities and a high school. There are small shops for quick bites, tea snacks, etc. The views are breathtaking if you see Sissu Waterfall across the river and on the other side of the town which is also called Palden Lhamo Dhar in the local language.
Read Here – 5 Reasons Why You Should Travel Alone
Sissu serves are an important center for its nearby villages i.e., Ropsang-Khangser-Gyungling, Gomathang, Yangling, Jagdang, Sarkhang, Shurthang, and Labrang. There are several stay options in Sissu such as luxury camps, and a few other hotels. However, since it’s close to Manali, so one can even choose to stay in Manali and visit Sissu waterfall from there.
How to Reach Sissu Waterfall and Lake?
As mentioned above, Sissu waterfall is 40 KM away from Manali. The easiest way to reach Sissu Waterfall from Manali is by bus. You can get a bus to Sissu from the Manali bus stand (Manali-Leh bus) and this should take nearly one hour to reach Sissu from Manali. You can also rent a cab from Manali to Sissu. The mountains and the valleys that you will get to witness on the way to the waterfall will just leave you surprised.
There are a lot of things to do in Sissu. Most tourists visit this place for the waterfall. Sissu waterfall can be seen from a distance when you are on your way here. The lake is small and manmade, just close to the waterfall where you can sit by the banks, or even try paddle boating. Gypan Lake is located near Sissu which is based on height. And there is a rough trek to reach there.
The weather of Sissu is almost the same as Manali. However, Sissu experiences more snow than Manali. Located in Lahaul Valley, you will experience different geography here. Kullu Manali Valley stretches till Solang. You cross Atal Tunnel and you enter a different place. The panoramic views of Sissu Waterfall and the mountains look like a painting. There is a helipad also near the waterfall which was used frequently earlier when the place used to be cut off from Manali due to snow. It comes under the army. Now after the tunnel’s construction, Sissu valley remains open.
After spending a few hours at the waterfall and the lake, we made our way back to Manali. It was rainy and it even rained on the way and we reached our place by the dark. I am yet to take a solo trip to Sissu waterfall and that too by local bus. I got to know more about this place through a fellow traveler’s blog. This place deserves a solo trip and at least a day. And all I am all eager to do this. If you have been to Sissu, do drop your recommendations of things I must do in Sissu.
