The incredibly scenic Chandratal lake

Chandratal lake or the Moon Lake is a gem studded in the heart of the Himalayas. Call it a poet’s fantasy, a traveler’s expedition, or a wanderlust marvel, this crescent-shaped lake is truly a heavenly delight.

Chandratal or Chandar taal got its name because of its resemblance to a half-moon. It looks like an azure jewel, meticulously placed at the centre of barren, deserted, and snow capped mountains making it a perfect place for camping.

Once a part of ancient glaciers, the expansive grasslands around the lake are a quintessential trekking location.

The lake is famously quoted for its cerulean waters that reflect its magical surroundings in the most enchanting mirror image which leaves every visitor spellbound for a lifetime!

No wonder, why it is on top of Spiti’s travel bucket list!

As a day progresses and the Sun changes its direction, the loch waters reflect a myriad of hues from blue to green to crystal clear.

By night, the Moon casts its spell on the pristine water as if a mysterious connection lies between the lake and the Moon.

We have heard several stories from locals about this elusive lake.

Everyone who has visited this enigmatic jewel of nature’s treasure, has had a unique experience.

One lake many names-

Chandratal Lake is also known by other names like Tso Chikgma, Chandrataal Lake, Chandra Lake, Chandra Taal, Chandra Tal, Chander Taal and the Lake of the Moon.

Chandratal lake – Notable mentions

‘Chander Taal’ was recently mentioned in a 2013 Bollywood movie Lootera.

In a beautiful scene from the movie, Varun (Ranvir Singh) shares his last wish with Pakhi (Sonakshi Sinha) – that he wants to visit Chandratal before he dies. He describes it as a serene blue-green lake, in the midst of Himalayas, far far away from Manali. A tranquil lake…

 

Though the movie was set in 1947, post Independence era, it was not until late 1990s, that a road was constructed to reach the lake. Till then trekking was the only option to reach Chandratal Lake. This is a validated fact about Chandratal that our driver told us on the way while driving cautiously through the only rough, patchy and narrow road.

Chandratal lake location

Chandratal is geographically located in Lahaul part of the Lahaul & Spiti district in Himachal Pradesh but it is very much a part of Spiti Valley Tours. A trekker’s delight, this lake is situated near the source of Chandra River on the Samudra Tapu plateau.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1sJSGfqbvtdZSlOOyrM3kYdeAMRA9yhl1&usp=sharing

Altitude:4,250 m (13,940 ft)

Coordinates:32°28’N 77°36’E

Chandratal temperature & weather conditions

Chandratal lake is on every traveller’s list who wants to visit Lahaul & Spiti region. One must plan to visit the lake after a thorough preparation.

Chandratal weather

High altitude, extreme cold at night, very low temperature and low oxygen level.

During summers, as the Sun Rays fall on the snow, it melts and drains down to the lake, creating several creeks, paths and trails.

Chandratal lake temperature

The average temperature between June to September is 15-18 degree celsius.

During winters, the lake mostly remains closed for the visitors as the roads to Spiti valley remain closed for almost 7-8 months in a calendar year due to extreme cold and very heavy snowfall.

Best time to visit Chandratal lake

The best season for Chandratal lake trek is between June to September. 

The road to Chandratal is opened in the 3rd week of June and remains open till first week of November but this is not the fixed rule as the administrative authorities of the region can change the visiting rules anytime owing to the weather conditions and travelers’ safety.

July is the best month as by July the snow melts up and roads become cleaner, less muddier, and drier. It is also the best time for driving on roads and for trekking. Travelers from plain terrains find this season the most suitable.

By August, clouds and rain can affect the journey if one is travelling from Kinnaur region. 

Spiti valley is a high altitude desert land so there is no or scanty rainfall. Clouds are there and so are the snowy peaks. The air is dry and the Sun is bright during the day.

How to reach Chandratal lake?

It is a high altitude wetland of national importance and reaching there is not a cake walk. 

Hiring a taxi with a local driver is the most recommended mode to travel to Chandratal from Shimla, Manali, or Kaza.

Shimla to Chandratal

If you plan to go to Chandratal via Shimla route, then it takes around 3 days. You can opt for the Shimla route only if you want to cover the entire circuit of Spiti from Shimla and reach Manali to take a diversion for Chandratal. There is no fixed no. of kms from Shimla to Chandratal as it depends on your choice of places that you want to cover, the journey can take several days.

Shimla > Rekong Peo > Nako > Tabo > Kaza > Chandratal

You can start for Reckong Peo from Shimla. Spend a night there, then leave for Kaza, spend a night at Kaza and then you can go from Kaza to Chandratal.

Taking an HPTC bus to cover some part of the route/ a private taxi/ your own car (with good ground clearance)/ a bike / a mountain bike can be your choice but do your homework for whichever mode of transport you opt for.

Manali to Chandratal

Manali to Chandratal distance by road  is approximately 140 KMS which is not less! So first acclimatize yourself in Manali for at least 1 day then travel from Manali to a village on the route to Chandratal.
On route, you need to cross Chhatru and Batal. Here, there are a couple of dhabas where you can have meals. Toilets are also there at Batal.

Manali > Rohtang> Chhatru > Batal > Chandratal

Why is the Manali to Chandratal route recommended?

• Less travel time: If you are planning to travel from Delhi then there are direct HPTC buses to Manali. Going to Shimla and then going to Manali is not recommended unless you want to visit the Kinnaur region which is full of bad roads. 
• Very low chances of Landslides – The Manali region is at low risk of landslides as compared to the Shimla- Kinnaur region. 
• Better roads than Kinnaur regions.
• Public transport is available for Kaza.
• Delightful views enroute Kaza via Rohtang Pass.

Losar to Chandratal

Losar village is most recommended to reach Chandratal. You can start from Losar early in the morning, spend a few hours at Chandratal and come back to Losar by evening. This is what most of the local guides, homestay owners, and taxi drivers suggest.

Kaza to Chandratal

Kaza > Batal > Chandratal

You can take a Bus from Kaza to Batal. Distance from Batal to Chandratal is around 15 Kms. This option is recommended only if you want to trek (with all the trekking gears) and some experienced trekkers or a guide is there with you. You can enjoy the majestic mountains and the breathtaking views. There are several trekking expedition groups to explore.

Reaching Chandratal

By Road

There was no road to Chandratal until the 1990s and people only used to trek. Thankfully, there is a road now and you can easily reach there. The road is very narrow at certain curves so it is advisable to hire an experienced local driver who knows the roads. 

The taxi/car should be preferably an SUV with all things intact as there are no repair shops. There is a parking point for vehicles beyond which you need to hike for approx 2 kms.

Public Transport – not available as this is not a common sight to visit.

Private Transport (taxi) – the most sought after and convenient option to travel. Negotiate well with drivers.

Hike- Once you reach the parking point of the lake, there is a 2 kms hike.

Mountain Bike– You need to park it and then hike.

By Air

The nearest airport is Bhuntar in the Kullu Valley. The airport is almost 52 Kms from Manali. Soone can plan a route from Bhuntar > Manali > Rohtang> Chhatru > Batal > Chandratal.

By Rail – The nearest connection rail station is at Joginder Nagar near Mandi district. It is a small railway station with limited connectivity. The Mandi to Manali road distance is 105 Kms. 

By any means of transport one needs to reach Manali to further plan the road trip or trek to Chandratal.

Some websites offering packages for Spiti valley display at least 6 nights and 5 days to travel to Chandratal lake. Keep almost 6-7 days free to visit the Chandra lake as taking rest and acclimatizing is very important to enjoy the trip.

Chandratal lake trek

The Chandratal lake trek is one of the most picturesque treks in the Spiti valley. There are snow capped mountain peaks and the Chandra river flowing aside that make every trekker awestruck by the view.

 

Some of the peaks to witness on the trek route are:

Minar – 6,172 M

Talagiri – 6,279 M

Tara Pahar – 6,227 M

Mulkila – 6,517

Though there are several trek plans that people opt from Leh and also from Spiti, the popular one is via

Batal > Kunzum Pass > Chandratal or via Kunzum Pass > Chandratal > Batal.

Chandratal lake trek distance is around 22kms. 

As there is a road, Chandratal lake trek difficulty level is moderate. One can find several trek operators in Shimla and Manali who can help with their Chandratal trek packages along with accommodation and meals.

Chandratal Baralacha trek is often on the list of trekkers as the Chandra river originates from the Baralacha glacier.

How to plan your trip to Chandratal?

Besides courage, it takes impeccable planning to reach Chandratal. After all, it’s a high altitude lake, so you need to take extra care.
The unpredictable curves on the only treacherous road not just test a driver’s patience and alertness, but also every traveler’s fitness level.

The lake is preserved in its natural form and there are no man made structures nearby.

Here’s how you can plan your trip to Chandratal:

• Acclimatize yourself. As there are direct routes to Spiti from Shimla and Manali, you can reach either of these cities > spend at least a day there > then move for Spiti. Spent at least 1-2 days in a Spiti village beforehand. Your body will gradually become accustomed to the high altitude and to low oxygen. Never plan your trip directly to Chandratal from a low altitude place!
• Keep a buffer day to meet any unforeseen circumstances.
• Sleep early and start early – Our cab’s tyre got punctured while on the way back to Manali from Batal. Our bus to Delhi was at 6PM from Manali. As we started at 7AM, despite getting late by 3 hours, we were able to board our bus on time.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Walking/Running shoes.
• Carry medicines for mountain sickness and motion sickness, cold, etc.
• Carry heavy woolens (thermals, socks, caps, mufflers, gloves and windcheaters) to keep your body completely warm in minus degrees. Do check the region’s weather and temperature for the next few days before you start your trip. 
• Keep an extra pair of socks in case they become wet while crossing a water body. 
• Carry water, food, and other essentials.
• You will only find a parking place near the lake. 
• If you plan to camp near Chandratal, your guide will give you a complete camping itinerary. The camps are located at some distance from the lake and there only you can find some sort of toilets.
• Go for a digital detox.There is no Mobile Network near the lake.
• Solar lanterns, flashlights, and torches. 
• Toilet kit.
• Waterproof backpack.
• Walking stick, if you plan to trek.
• Waterproof shoes with good grip for the trek.

Nearby options for Stay

Spending a night by the lake is a splendid experience.

For a day trip you generally don’t need an option to stay. Plan your day trip in the early morning from Losar village as it is the nearest point to stay. It takes around 2 hours from one side. Driving towards the dusk is very risky, so make sure that you drive back safely to your place before sunset. 

Camping near Chandratal

For a night stay, camping is the easiest option to stay near Chandrataal. There are several camping sites where you can get professional and experienced camping guides. You can book your entire trip in advance for a comfortable and safe stay.
We won’t recommend camping all by yourself if you are inexperienced!

As of July 2019, a local panchayat has banned camping near the lake citing reasons like ecological disturbance, kitchen waste, and other garbage.

Though camping has been banned for quite some time, there is still a hope that if every traveler thinks about preserving this ‘gem of a lake’, the ban might get lifted up.

Places to visit near Chandratal

• Baralacha Pass
• Kunzum Pass
• Hampta Pass
• Suraj Tal
• Rohtang Pass
• Keylong (Key) Monastery

Saga of Chandratal – the Moon lake

Well, there is no wonder why people keep on telling their own versions of the time they have visited the lake. The Chandratal lake mystery has many versions.

The beauty of this crystal clear loch (lake) has been mystifying its visitors since the time unknown. The lake is surrounded by grasslands that were once a part of the glaciers. 

Its pristine water changes color with every movement of the Sun and clouds.

No wonder if you click two pics of the lake a few minutes apart, its water reflects a different shade of blue or green.

If you read about the folklore, excerpts from mythological books, and ancient texts on this enigmatic lake.

Some locals say that fairies visit the lake during the night. The lake is believed to be as mysterious as the stories woven around it.

The lovebirds Chandra and Bhaga

A folklore is famously quoted by many locals about the love story of Chandra, the daughter of Moon and Bhaga, the son of Sun. They first met at Baralacha. Their parents did not approve of their love though they were madly in love. Destiny did not favor them, so they escaped from the Baralacha (modern day Baralacha Pass). The lovers had a celestial wedding at the point where the ChandraBhaga river flows today. The lakes Chandratal and Surajtal are also believed to be created by them to resonate their true love.

The Mahabharats link

There is also a Chandratal lake legend from Mahabharat that Chandra taal is situated near a place from where the eldest son of Pandavas – Yudhishthir was taken to heaven in Lord Indra’s chariot, with a human body!

The Tibetan link

Another version is that in ancient times, the Chandratal was a resting point for Tibetan traders who used to travel all the way from Leh and Spiti to different regions of Himachal to sell their artifacts, precious stones, items of meditation, and decor.

Flora and Fauna around Chandratal

Chandratal supports CITES and IUCN Red Listed Snow Leopard.

It is also a home to many species like-

• Snow Cock
• Chukor
• Black Ring Stilt
• Kestrel
• Golden Eagle
• Chough
• Red Fox
• Himalayan Ibex
• Blue Sheep

These species have adapted themselves to the extreme weather and oxygen deficiency in the region, still it is very challenging for them to survive due to threatening factors like littering waste, trekking, and camping activities.  

Finding a Snow Leopard is a very rare sight. Sometimes in the early morning around sunrise, one can find Himalayan Ibex. We spotted a family of Himalayan Ibex on the route and our driver called it a lucky sight. 

 

Facts about Chandratal

• Country: India
• Administrative Region: Himachal Pradesh State
• Ramsar Site number: 1569
• Area: 49 ha
• Designation date: 08-11-2005
• Coordinates: 32°28’N 77°36’E
• Chandratal lake was declared a Ramsar site of nationally important wetland in 199. The authorities have been providing funds for ecotourism facilities. Spiti Forest Department is the custodian and State Council of Science, Technology and Environment is coordinating conservation management.

Information source: https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/1569