Important Details
About Chandratal Lake
Contrary to popular belief, Chandratal lake is not located in the Spiti Valley, rather it is located in the Lahaul Valley. Unguided wanderlust often leads to misinterpretation of geographical facts. It is regarded as one of the hidden gems of Himachal Pradesh and is situated at a vertical elevation of 4300 mt or 14100 feet. The name ‘Chandratal’ emanates from the love story of “Chandra” the daughter of Moon deity and “Bhaga” the son of Sun god. Chandra River presents the tranquil azure water alongside the route after leaving Manali and after crossing the Rohtang Pass. The source of this river is replenished with the support of melt-water from the nearby glaciers. Bizarre claims circulate in neighboring villages where some residents spotted UFOs around Chandratal. However, the crystal clear lake is a sight to behold, and time seems to slow down when you are around this lake. You can enjoy tip-toeing around the circumference of the lake with your friends or alone. Silence and the enormity of this lake unravels a calm that rejuvenates the day’s exhaust. Personally, time spent at this lake satiates the connection with nature and the epic beauty of it always urges you to come back for more.
How to reach Chandratal
The nearest airport to Chandratal lake is Bhuntar, Kullu which is 180KM, and Shimla airport is 375 KM away. Many taxis and buses are available from here towards Manali, from where you can further your journey.
Kaza-Chandratal
Kaza to Kiato(42 KM) |
via Rangrik(Left bank of Spiti River)
Through Rangrik and Pangmo by crosssing Rangrik bridge to the left of spiti river,
via Kaza-Kee-Kibber(Right bank of Spiti river)
Kaza-Kiato:42KM
Kaza-Kee:15KM
Kee-Kibber:7KM
Kibber-Chicham:6KM
Chicham-Kiato:21KM
Spiti valley view point located ahead of chorten of chicham,
Kibber to Pinjoor has a mini lake like thing,Ladarcha grounds near kibber where old fair was celebrated which has now moved to kaza in the third week of august.
Kiato -Losar-Kunzum-Bifurcation 2km before Batal-Chandrataal
Manali-Chandratal
If you are travelling from Delhi then the fastest way to reach Chandratal is through manali via Rohtang pass unless you are coming from Shimla or Leh. On the way you see a lot of beautiful places once you cross Rohtang Pass you enter the grand Chandra valley of Lahaul and drive alongside the Chandra River at Gramphoo the road bifurcates into two one going towards Spiti valley and another going Ladakh on the Leh-Manali highway.You continue on the one going towards Spiti Valley.
DISTANCE
Manali-Chandratal:124KM
Gramphoo to Chandratal Lake: 70KM
Keylong to Chandratal lake:120KM
Leh-Chandratal
In most cases people choose this route when coming from Leh,usually bikers take this route and stay the night in camps at Chandratal.This route passes through Keylong.
DISTANCE
Leh-Chandratal Lake: 186KM
Keylong-Chandratal Lake: 120KM
Shimla to Chandratal
You can reach Chandratal from Shimla through the Hindustan-Tibet Road which passes from Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.This is an all season all weather road that is operational till Kaza for the most part of the Winters. If you are visiting Spiti Valley from the Shimla side then this is the route you will be on , exiting the from Manali via Rohtang Pass after visiting Chandratal will the the most sensible way to go.
Modes of Transport
Airport
The nearest airport to Chandratal lake is Bhuntar, Kullu which is 180KM, and Shimla airport is 375 KM away. Many taxis and buses are available from here towards Manali, from where you can further your journey.
Railway
Chandigarh Railway station is a great suggestion because Chandigarh is very well connected through buses. However, Joginder Nagar is the nearest railway station from Chandratal which is 290 KM away.
Chandratal by Car
There are two options to reach Chandratal by car; one route is from Manali (you will have to take the permit for Rohtang pass from the authorities), and another route is from the Kinnaur side where you can reach Shimla and begin your travel towards Kinnaur. Take the Hindustan-Tibet road to reach Kaza and further, continue your journey towards Chandratal lake.
It is advisable to keep a bit of packaged food and essential spare parts with you as there are patches where there is no connectivity.
Like it or not, Chandratal lake is set to become the next Pangong Tso. I hope it doesn’t. Different camps are available in the vicinity of the lake. At least, three camping sites are there where you can get comfortable accommodation. Availability is mostly not a problem.
It is advised to carry extras because there are no shops at Chandratal.
Chandratal Altitude
Chandratal lake is situated at a vertical elevation of 4300 mt or 14100 feet.Given its elevation, you are advised to carry Diamox with a high intake of drinking water during your journey. Physical activity at this altitude can result in Altitude Mountain Sickness.
Weather conditions at Chandratal
During the summer season, the temperature remains in single-digits during the day hours, and at night the temperature might drop till -10C or lower. In winters, the daytime temperature might go down -10℃ to -15℃, and during nighttime, the temperature easily drops below -30℃. At the time, when I was writing this article, the temperature at ChandraTal lake swooped down to -23℃. Wind chill is another factor to be taken into account, so windcheaters are an important addition to your essentials during your trip.
When to visit Chandratal
Chandratal lake is accessible throughout the summer months. However, it experiences a thick snowfall in winters and is pretty much indistinguishable from the surroundings.
Chandratal in April-June
At this time of the year, the Chandratal route is blocked due to heavy snowfall. Clearing of snow is a continuous process, but roads till Kunzum Pass and ChandraTal usually open by the second week of June.
Chandratal in June- September
Roads stay open at this time of the year and attract a lot of tourist flocks to Chandratal. You will find foreigners and the local crowd visiting ChandraTal as the weather stays cold throughout. Usually, most of the snowmelt by the end of June and is only visible at mountain tops. The lush vegetation starts to grow and the valley exploits its beauty like none other.
Chandratal in October-December
In these particular months, Spiti Valley experiences freezing temperatures and during the night time temperatures become inhabitable for an individual to live in a tent. Also, most of the campsites around ChandraTal lake pack up by this time as the weather starts becoming harsh. A day trip to ChandraTal lake is still possible during this period. These regions are among the first places to get snowfall. By November end, the entire place decorates with galloping views of snow which presents a beautiful spectrum that nature offers in terms of landscapes.
Chandratal in December-March
In this period, the lake is accessible for people who are experienced in mountaineering and extreme winter snow. The only way to the Chandratal lake is on foot and it is visible from the Baralacha Pass. The night time temperatures dip beyond negative 30C and one has to be self-sufficient.
FAQ's
Where does Chandratal lake trek start from ?
If you are on a bus.The trek will start from Kunzum Pass,Otherwise you can go till the campsites on a car.
How to reach from Chandratal to kaza on a bus ?
The Manali -Kaza bus reaches Kunzum afternoon.So you can hop in that bus and reach Kaza.
How long does it take to reach from Chandratal to Manali ?
It takes 7-8 hours to reach Manali from Chandratal because of the road conditions and rush at Rohtang.
What is the Chandratal to Manali Distance?
The distance between Chandratal and Manali is 133 kilometers.
What is the Chandratal lake height?
Chandratal is situated at a height of 14100 feet.
Is accommodation available at Chandratal?
Yes accommodation is available at Chandratal in the form of tents.
How much time does it take to cover Chandratal and suraj tal?
Usually it takes 4 days to do the trek. However it can be done in 3 days too.
How to do chandratal baralacha trek?
Hiring a guide is the best way to proceed for this trek if you don’t have much experience on high altitude trekking.Trekking companies must be avoided.
Can I pitch tent at chandratal campsite?
Yes, you can pitch your tent 1 kilometre away from Chandratal,but if you see any shepherds nearby,make sure you take their permission.
How is the chandratal camp stay?
The stay at campsites is nice if you don’t go with very high expectations.
How to do chandratal camps booking?
Camps have to be booked on the spot as there is no network there.
What is the chandratal camping cost?
The cost of camping at Chandratal is Rs.1200 per person. You can add Rs.300 more if you want to include the food along with the stay.
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