Chandratal Lake, Spiti | Chandra Taal Trek, Camping, Weather, Height

Chandratal Lake, Spiti Valley Overview

Chandratal Lake is often referred to as one of the most beautiful lakes located at an altitude of about 4300 m in the mighty Himalayas. The stunning lake is situated on the Samudra Tapu plateau in the Lahaul region of the Lahaul and Spiti district and is the source of the Chandra River.

The name "Chandra Taal" (Lake of the Moon) comes from its crescent shape. This lake is also one of two high-altitude wetlands of India that have been designated as Ramsar sites. Once a tentative residence for Tibetan traders travelling to Spiti and the Kullu valley, it attracts thousands of adventure enthusiasts. The colour of the water of this holy lake keeps changing from reddish to orange to blue to emerald green as the day ends. Vast stretches of green meadows house the best camping sites and an array of different wildflowers during springtime.

Legend has that the Chandratal Lake lies in the vicinity of a place from where God Indra's chariot picked up Yudhishthira, the eldest of Pandava brothers in Mahabharata. This fact renders the lake sacred and thus, is flocked by a lot of Hindu devotees. The trek from Batal to Chandratal can be quite a tedious trail, but the captivating views and charm of the place will be worth it. The sun's light reflecting on the surface of the astounding Chandratal Lake makes it seem crystal clear.

Must Know Before You Visit Chandratal Lake

Note :

Chandratal Lake was earlier a popular camping site but camping is now forbidden within 3km of the lake.
It is best to avoid going for the trek in the monsoon as the water levels of the rivers and lake are unusually high which may create restrictions on your movements,

Chandratal Lake Highlights

1. Chandratal Lake Trek

The Chandratal Baralacha trek goes through a scenic route with a panoramic view of the Lahaul rang (Read More)e with snow-clad peaks of Minar, Talagiri, Tara Pahar, and Mulkila are over 6000 meters high in the sky. The trek eventually takes you to the point that is 5000 meters up in the air. What a thrill! It does not require you to be a pro at it, and the difficulty level is quite moderate. However, high fitness levels and good stamina are a must when you're walking at such a high altitude. The only times the trek becomes a little challenging is during river crossings but that can be managed.

Best Time: The trek to Chandratal Lake is organized in June and October.

Read More on Chandratal Lake

Chandratal Lake at Night

Chandratal Lake is named after the moon not only because of its shape but also because of the way it reflects the moon. The pristine lake appears deep aquatic blue in the morning, turns greenish as the evening starts approaching, and looks like a vast pit of pitch-black metal as the darkness of the night sets it.

How to Reach Chandratal Lake

The nearest motorable road to Chandratal is the Kunzum Pass, which is accessible by road up to the parking lot about 2 kms away from the lake. Earlier the route from Kunzum Pass to Chandratal Lake was accessible only by foot, but can now be travelled on a motorbike or car in about 2 hours. Chandra Taal is also accessible from Batal on foot and from Suraj Tal, around 30 kms away.

Alternatively, cars can be hired from Manali to Chandratal. However, this will be expensive. Another option is to take a bus to Kaza in Spiti Valley and get down at Batal. From Batal, Chandratal lake is a 14 km trek. Those who are not willing to trek can hitch-hike.

Things to carry on the trek

1. Snow and waterproof shoes with a good grip that allows you to walk on slippery surfaces and rocky landscapes.
2. A wooden stick or walking stick gives you support you during the trek and a good grip in the snow.
3. Jackets, thermal wear, sweaters, snow caps, gloves, heavy woollens.
4. Flashlight
5. Heavy woollen socks and 2 extra pairs, you don't want to keep on socks that may have become wet from the river crossing or the snow- it can lead to frostbites and contraction of hypothermia.
6. A small towel. Always make sure each part of your body is dry.
7. Water, snacks, medicines- your basic travel kit.

Spiti Valley Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

5 Days / 4 Nights

Spiti Valley Tour from Manali

Manali(0N) → Chandertal(1N) → Kaza(1N) → Tabo(1N) → Kaza(1N)

₹23,000/person

7 Days / 6 Nights

Winter Spiti Valley: October to May Package

Tabo(1N) → Kalpa(1N) → Kaza(2N) → Sangla(1N) → Sarahan(1N)

₹ 17,500

5% off

₹16,500/person

8 Days / 7 Nights

Unforgettable Spiti Tour Package

Delhi(0N) → Kufri(1N) → Kalpa(1N) → Kaza(2N) → Tabo(1N) → Sangla(1N) → Shimla(1N)

₹14,000/person

6 Days / 5 Nights

Unforgettable Honeymoon Tour to Kaza, Chandrata...

Manali (1N) → Kaza (2N) → Chandrataal (1N) → Tabo (1N)

₹ 25,200

9% off

₹22,720/person

9 Days / 8 Nights

Kinnaur Spiti Tour Package: Short Trek to Kamru...

Chandigarh(0N) → Narkanda(1N) → Sangla(1N) → Kalpa(1N) → Tabo(1N) → Kaza(2N) → Chandertal(1N) → Manali(1N)

₹ 55,000

5% off

₹51,900/person

5 Days / 4 Nights

Best Spiti Valley Tour Packages - Budget Friendly

Manali(0N) → Kaza(4N)

₹22,599/person

View All Packages For Spiti Valley

Top Hotel Collections

Homestays

Top Hotels Near Chandratal Lake

Tethys Himalayan DEN - Chicham

9.1 (75 reviews)

38 kms

₹ 4,000 onwards

Zostel Spiti

8.5 (49 reviews)

53 kms

₹ 1,398 onwards

Echor Mud Huts Tabo, Spiti Valley

7.6 (28 reviews)

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₹ 6,500 onwards

Chandratal Lake Reviews

Your rating

Jai Meena

on Chandratal Lake 6 years ago

You can combine Chandratal visit with Hampta Pass or Spiti Tour that is the best way to see this real gem hidden in the barren area of Lahaul and Spiti.