Chandratal: Where the Sky Kisses the Lake in Himalayan Silence

Where it is Located

Chandratal Lake is a serene lake situated on the Samudra Tal plateau in the center of Spiti Valley. Travelers from all over the world flock to this breathtaking freshwater lake, which is 2.5 kilometers wide, to take in its unadulterated beauty.

Chandratal Lake, which is located in the Spiti Valley at 14,100 feet above sea level, is only 9 kilometers from the well-known Kunzum Pass. This peaceful lake, which was formerly a trading hub for traders from Tibet and Ladakh, is surrounded by expansive grassy meadows that were formerly a portion of an old glacier.

Trekkers love the lake because of its striking scenery, which reflects Spiti's untamed and secluded beauty. Because of its moderate complexity, it appeals to both novice and experienced adventurers seeking a memorable experience.

Chandratal is easily accessible and remains a must-visit location for both tourists and environment enthusiasts because of its relative proximity to Manali,one of Himachal's most well-known hill towns or via Narkanda for stargazing night at Narkanda Stay

The Story Behind Chandratal Lake

Chandratal has profound spiritual meaning in addition to being a stunning sight. Considered one of the holiest lakes in Hinduism, it attracts a lot of devotees who come to enjoy the peace and purity of its waters. The Chandra River, which eventually joins the Bhaga River to form the powerful Chenab, one of the main rivers of the Himalayas, originates from the lake as well.

The most well-known story is about the divine romance between the Sun God's son Bhaga and the Moon God's daughter Chandra. The two chose to flee together because they were much in love but their celestial parents forbade it. They eventually got back together and performed a celestial union even though they were unable to meet at Baralacha La, the pass where their paths initially crossed. The Chandrabhaga River is thought to have originated where they met, signifying their unbreakable connection. The essence of their relationship may still be heard in their separate works, Suraj Tal (by Bhaga) and Chandratal (by Chandra).

Lord Indra, the God of Rain, is the subject of another Hindu mythological legend. The eldest Pandava, Yudhishthir, is claimed to have been taken to heaven by his celestial chariot, which dropped here, further enhancing the lake's already divine aura.

Another local legend tells of a shepherd from Hansa Village who fell in love with a lakeside mermaid. Locals speak about their strange love tale, and some people think that shepherds still stop by the lake to look for the companion they lost to its ethereal depths.

By Road

Driving yourself or using public transportation are your two primary alternatives while traveling to Chandratal by road, which is an adventure in and of itself.

Self-Drive or Biking Adventure

Yes, you can drive all the way to this enchanted lake! You're going to have an amazing time if you're a skilled driver or an avid motorcyclist. Even the most experienced road travelers will find the route difficult due to its many tight turns, rough terrain, nerve-racking loops, and treacherous river crossings. It's a difficult drive, particularly by vehicle, SUV, or bicycle, so being prepared and exercising caution are essential. However, the excitement and the views are well worth the effort if you're game.

By Bus

Do you prefer public transportation? Here, too, you have choices. You can either take the Delhi–Manali route or the Shimla–Kinnaur–Spiti Valley route to get to Chandratal, depending on your trek itinerary.

• Delhi to Chandratal covers around 680 km,
• While Manali to Chandratal is roughly 140 km.

You can begin your journey to the lake from specified drop-off locations and board connected local buses from these locations.

Delhi–Manali Route to Chandratal Lake

Although it's one of the quickest routes to Chandratal Lake, the Delhi–Manali route isn't the most physically taxing. It can be difficult for many tourists to ascend from about 8,000 feet to over 14,000 feet in just two days, and if you are not adequately acclimated, you may develop altitude sickness, you can rest at Hill Top Resort Narkanda

The route typically goes:

Or

(You can also explore Himachal through the Delhi → Narkanda → Manali → Atal Tunnel → Batal → Chandratal route, which is shorter and filled with stunning sights. Spend a night in Narkanda Himachal for a beautiful stargazing experience at Boonies Villa, visit Hatu Peak for a 360° panoramic sunrise view, and then continue your drive toward the breathtaking Chandratal Lake via Manali for an unforgettable journey.)

Or

(You can travel the Himachal circuit through this shorter and scenic route: Delhi → Ambala → Solan → Narkanda → Kalpa → Kaza → Chandratal , Stop at Solan for cozy mountain-view cafés, then stay overnight Cottages in Narkanda to rest in a comfy bed and enjoy stargazing at Boonies Villa. Wake up to a peaceful sunrise at Hatu Peak before continuing your beautiful drive towards Kalpa and finally Chandratal).

Regular state transport buses from Delhi or Chandigarh can easily take you to Manali, or you can opt for more comfortable AC/Non-AC deluxe buses. Depending on weather, the Manali–Spiti road typically opens by June.

Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses travel via Manali from Kullu to Batal. At the Chandratal diversion point, disembark from the bus once it has crossed Batal. From there, it's a 14-kilometer hike to the lake, which is beautiful but relatively difficult. The journey rewards you with strange scenery along the way.

OR

Shimla–Kinnaur–Spiti Valley Route to Chandratal Lake

Starting from Shimla or Narkanda, this lengthier but far more picturesque route travels via Kinnaur, Kaza, Losar, and Kunzum Pass before arriving at Chandratal. This path is better for acclimatization, allowing your body to gradually adjust to the high elevations, even though it takes longer. This makes the trip safer and more pleasurable overall. You can stay at narkanda resorts for rest and enjoy the cafes.

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Exploring the captivating Spiti Valley, particularly the quaint town of Kaza, before continuing on toward the lake is one of the greatest ways to enjoy this journey.

From Delhi or Chandigarh, you can take an AC or non-AC bus to Shimla to start your trip. Take a bus to Reckong Peo, Kinnaur's district headquarters, from Shimla or Narkanda. Take a different bus to Kaza from there. Since there isn't a motorable road past Kunzum Pass, you will have to disembark from the bus and hike about 9 km to reach Chandratal.

Adventurers and nature lovers alike will adore this trip from Kunzum Pass to the lake, which offers breathtaking vistas and is an experience in and of itself.

By Air

If you want to take a plane, there are three airports close to Chandratal: Bhuntar (near Manali), Shimla, or Chandigarh. The closest of these is Bhuntar Airport, which is roughly 180 kilometers from the lake. If you wish to shorten your trip time and then continue your journey by road, this is a practical choice.

By Rail

With frequent trains from all of India's main towns, Chandigarh is the most easily accessible and well-connected railway station.

Nevertheless, Joginder Nagar, which is around 290 kilometers from the lake and close to Mandi, is the closest train station to Chandratal. The majority of passengers, however, prefer to arrive in Chandigarh and go by road from there because it's a smaller station with fewer train services.

Camping at Chandratal Lake

Since the lake has been designated a protected wetland by the Forest Department, camping directly adjacent to it is prohibited in order to maintain the delicate ecosystem surrounding Chandratal. For future generations, this helps maintain the area's purity and undisturbed state.

Don't worry, though; you can still experience the place's enchantment! A little distance from the lake are lovely campsites with the spectacular backdrop of the high Himalayas. It takes roughly one and a half hours to hike from Batal, where the closest camping is, to Chandratal.

This is a sensory-rich place to camp. During the day, vibrant wildflowers abound in the meadows, forming a striking contrast to the untamed mountains. The sky turns into a dazzling blanket of stars at night, which is ideal for stargazing and simply enjoying the peace and quiet of the natural world. Long after you've left, you're still thinking about that kind of event.

The scenery is colorful and surreal, and you have to enjoy the event to believe it!

Temperature and Chandratal Weather

Situated in the isolated areas of the Himalayas, the glacier lake remains chilly throughout the year.

Summer at Chandratal

With nice moderate daytime temperatures between 12°C and 20°C, summer is the ideal season to visit Chandratal. But be ready for cold nights—temperatures might drop as low as -6°C. It's important to layer, particularly after sunset.

Winter at Chandratal

However, winter is not the best time to go. Temperatures in the area might dip as low as -20°C, making it bitterly cold. Heavy snowfall renders the lake inaccessible, and most roads are closed during this period.

Kunzum Pass

This high mountain pass, which connects Spiti Valley and Lahaul, provides sweeping views and a meditative atmosphere. Only reachable on foot, the lake is roughly 9 km from Kunzum Pass and makes for a serene and picturesque hike. The breathtaking views of the Bara Shigri Glacier from the summit are not to be missed!

Baralacha La Pass

Baralacha La is one of the tallest and most striking passes in the area, rising to a height of 16,040 feet. It is 35.7 km from Chandratal and is often reached via a 2–3 day hike. The scenery is utterly untamed and unvarnished, and this pass is the meeting point of several trekking routes.

Suraj Tal

The third-highest lake in India, Suraj Tal, also called the Lake of the Sun God, is located directly beneath Baralacha La Pass. A two to three-day day from Chandratal will take you to this quiet and holy location, which is frequently frozen or shimmering turquoise, if you're prepared for the challenge.

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass, a popular tourist destination that links Manali and Lahaul, is located approximately 36.7 km from Chandratal. Known for its snowy landscapes, towering peaks, and striking glaciers, it's a fantastic side trip if you're traveling from or toward Manali.

Bara Shigri Glacier

This enormous glacier is the biggest in Himachal Pradesh, measuring 25 km in length and 3 km in width. It is thought to be the source of Chandratal Lake itself and is located in Chandra Valley close to Batal. It's a hidden gem for people seeking icy beauty, surrounded by well-known peaks like White Sail, Indrasen, and Kullu Makalu.

Chicham Village & Bridge

Chicham Village, approximately 37.8 miles from Chandratal, is a distinctive Himalayan community situated atop a deep gorge. It was once totally isolated because of its hazardous location, but in 2017 the Chicham Bridge—the tallest bridge in Asia—connected it. It is now a must-see for anybody interested in architecture and alpine living.

Hampta Pass

At 14,010 feet and roughly 34.5 kilometers from the lake, Hampta Pass is a popular destination for hikers. The Hampta Pass trek is the ideal balance of excitement and tranquility because many hikers extend their journey by one or two days to include a visit to Chandratal.

Key Monastery

One of the most famous Tibetan monasteries in Spiti is Key Monastery, which is 42.5 kilometers away. Perched at 13,688 feet on a hill, it provides a tranquil haven with stunning views of the Spiti River. Enjoy herbal tea, learn about the monastery's lengthy history, and perhaps even attend a chanting session—it's a spiritual experience.