CHANDRATAL LAKE

Popularly known as the trekker's paradise, Chandratal Lake is reckoned as the most charismatic lake situated in the laps of Himalayas. This enticing lake is perched on the Samudra Tapu plateau which lies in close proximity to Chandra river. Situated at an altitude of 4300 meters, Chandratal offers the most splendid views of the Spiti region. If you're planning a trip to the Himalayas, don't miss out on including Chandratal Lake in your Spiti Valley Tour.

The lake is crescent-shaped, and that is how it got its name. If you are looking for a perfect blend of adventure and laidback holidays, there could not be a better site to kickstart your journey than Chandratal. The road to Chandratal lake takes you through treacherous trails of Batal which will set your adrenaline pumping.

Discover the beauty of Spiti on a trip from Delhi, where you'll find the stunning Chandratal Lake, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the mountains. With a Spiti tour package from Delhi, cherish unforgettable moments by the tranquil shores of Chandratal Lake.

On your way, you will also get to climb the glaciers between Kunzum pass and Rohtang Pass. This mesmerizing site has much folklore attached to itself but what lures its visitors is its turquoise blue water, majestic mountains and serene surroundings which make it an apt place for camping. Sprawled over an area of 2.5 kilometers, Chandratal sees a massive influx of travelers during the summer months.

In the winter months, this place majorly remains in the bucket list of adventure enthusiasts who want to push past their limits.

Chandratal Lake Highlights

• Discover the serene beauty of Chandratal Lake, nestled in the Himalayas at an altitude of 4,250 metres.
• Admire the lake’s crescent shape, which gives it the name "Lake of the Moon."
• Trek through challenging terrains and glaciers to reach this pristine lake for a journey complete with breathtaking views.
• Take some time to photograph the surrounding Chandra Bhaga mountains as they reflect in the lake’s crystal-clear waters. 
• Embrace the unique experience of camping near Chandratal, under a blanket of stars, amidst the Himalayan wilderness.
• Capture the ever-changing hues of the lake, from turquoise to emerald green, as sunlight dances across its surface.
• Witness the rich fauna around the lake, including rare Himalayan birds like Snow Partridge and Golden Eagle.
• Soak in the tranquil ambience of Chandratal's surroundings, a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

How To Reach Chandratal Lake

There are two viable routes from Delhi to Chandratal Lake by road. While the first route takes you through Manali, the other one passes through Shimla and then leads you to Spiti Valley. 

- Routes from Shimla: This route begins from Delhi and leads to Narkanda. From here, one can move to Kalpa, and then further travel to Kaza and Nako. After taking a halt at Spiti valley, head towards Chandratal Lake from Kaza. While following this route, it is advisable to travel from Shimla to Kinnaur and then head towards Spiti Valley. Once you exit Spiti Valley, you can visit Chandratal Lake.

- Routes from Manali: If you wish to follow a shorter way to Chandratal Lake, the Manali route is your best bet. It is a small journey where you will kickstart your trip from Delhi, pass through Mandi, Kullu, Rohtang La, Battal, Gramphoo, and finally reach Chandratal Lake.

1. By Public transport: While traveling through public transport, there are the following two routes to Chandratal which you can opt for.

- Manali to Chandratal: There are two buses that traverse between Manali and Kaza early in the morning. The bus starts from Kullu at 4:30 AM and takes you to Manali. From here, the ticket to Kaza barely costs Rs 250 per person. Once you get down at Chandratal diversion point by the evening, you can hike your way to Chandratal Lake.

-Shimla to Chandratal: There are two non-ac buses that travel from Shimla to Reckong Peo. Once you reach Reckong Peo, board on a 7:00 AM HRTC bus to reach Kaza. From Kaza, board a bus for Manali and get down at the Chandratal Lake diversion point. From this point, you can cover the remaining distance by hiking.

2. Road Conditions: Once you divert off the Manali-Leh highway, the road conditions get unfavorable. The track from Gramphu to Batal is just a rough dirty route with several water crossings throughout the way. Even if you have opted for Kaza-Chandratal route, you will not see any significant improvement in the road conditions. There are many troublesome spots on the entire route due to the presence of rocky formations.

Best Time To Visit Chandratal Lake

Winter is not considered as an ideal time to plan your Chandratal Lake visit as the entire way is blocked with snow. The snow starts clearing up in the May month, but the routes beyond Losar will still be blocked. The best time to visit Chandratal Lake is in June month when the snow clearance operation is complete.

During this time, you can reach the lake by trekking the 14 km long road from Batal. You can also plan your visit between July to September as the roads remain open and the weather turned pleasant. But one should definitely avoid monsoon of August due to wet roads and landslides.