Introduction
Tucked away in the rugged mountains of Lahaul-Spiti, Chandratal Lake is a surreal crescent-shaped body of water that gleams like a sapphire under the Himalayan sky. Nicknamed the “Moon Lake”, Chandratal sits at an altitude of 14,100 feet, drawing trekkers, campers, and dreamers to its sacred shores.
This blog takes you through everything you need to plan an unforgettable experience at Chandratal Lake — Spiti’s jewel of serenity and starlight.
Location & Access
- 📌 Altitude: 4,300 m (14,100 ft)
- 🗺️ Located in Spiti Valley, near Kunzum Pass
- 🌄 Distance from Kaza: ~70 km
- 🛻 Closest road ends 2 km before the lake — short trek required
- 🚫 Vehicles are not allowed up to the lake to preserve its ecosystem
How to Reach Chandratal Lake
🔹 From Manali:
- Route: Manali → Atal Tunnel → Batal → Chandratal
- Total Distance: ~140 km
- Drive Time: 6–8 hrs (via Gramphu)
- Open: Only June to October
🔹 From Kaza:
- Route: Kaza → Losar → Kunzum Pass → Chandratal
- Total Distance: ~70 km
- Scenic route through barren mountains and riverbeds
🛑 Avoid monsoon season (mid-July to mid-August) — landslides are common
The Trek to Chandratal Lake
Even if you drive most of the way, the last 1.5–2 km must be walked — and it’s a gentle yet magical approach.
🌟 What to Expect:
- Easy, flat terrain
- Stunning views of snow-clad peaks
- Surreal silence
- Wildflowers in bloom (June–July)
- Shepherds with goats and yaks
📸 Tip: The first view of the lake appears suddenly — have your camera ready!
Camping at Chandratal Lake
You can’t pitch a tent right beside the lake — but official camping areas are 2–3 km before the lake in Chandratal Base Camp.
🔹 Camp Features:
- Tents with mattresses, warm blankets
- Basic food: dal, rice, Maggi, tea
- Shared dry toilets
- No electricity or mobile network
🏕️ Recommended Camps:
| Camp Name | Booking Info |
|---|---|
| Parasol Camps | [Online Booking Platforms] |
| Jamaica’s Camp | Popular with bikers |
| Nomad’s Cottage | Local-run eco camp |
✅ Carry your own sleeping bag or liner if you’re sensitive to hygiene
❄️ Nights can drop to -5°C even in summer — dress in layers
The Spiritual Side of Chandratal
- Considered sacred by locals and Tibetan Buddhists
- Believed to be the place where Indra (King of Gods) took Yudhishthira to heaven in a mythological chariot
- The lake changes color from blue to green to turquoise during the day
“You don’t just see Chandratal — you feel it.”
— Local Shepherd
Best Photography Spots & Times
| Time of Day | What to Capture |
|---|---|
| Sunrise | Calm reflection of mountains on water |
| Afternoon | Deep turquoise color of lake |
| Evening | Golden light and flaring peaks |
| Night | Milky Way and stars (no light pollution!) |
✅ Bring tripod & spare batteries — no charging points available
What to Pack
- Warm clothes (thermals, gloves, jacket, socks)
- Trekking shoes or sturdy sneakers
- Power bank, headlamp
- First aid, Diamox (altitude med), sunscreen
- Water bottle, energy bars, dry fruits
- Identity card (for checkpoints)
Best Time to Visit Chandratal Lake
| Month | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| June | Snow melting, green meadows |
| July | Flowers, active wildlife, mild weather |
| August | Risk of rain, but lushest views |
| September | Clear skies, fewer tourists |
| October | Cold, icy — lake may begin freezing |
❄️ November to May: Completely inaccessible due to snow
Travel Tips & Warnings
- Avoid Chandratal as a day trip from Manali — too hectic, too risky
- Always acclimatize for 1–2 days in Kaza or Batal
- Don’t litter — carry all waste back with you
- No swimming or boating allowed (strictly protected)
- Inform someone of your plan — no signal or emergency services available
- Fuel up in Kaza or Manali — no fuel stations near Chandratal
Summary
With its perfect crescent shape, shifting hues, and spiritual stillness, Chandratal Lake is not just another travel destination — it’s a revelation. One that rewards the patient, the curious, and the respectful traveler.
It’s a place to slow down, to breathe deeper, and to look up — at the stars, the silence, and yourself.
Planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh? Don’t miss our other posts on amazing places in the Lahaul-Spiti District.
Planning to Camp at Chandratal?
Respect the land. Leave no trace. Capture the moon lake, but more importantly — let it capture you.
📸 Share your stories with #ChandratalChronicles!
