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Have you ever imagined a place where the sky is so clear that the Milky Way can be seen floating by with the naked eye? A lake whose water changes its color at different times of the day, sometimes deep blue, sometimes emerald green, and sometimes bright like silver. In the lap of the Himalayas, at an altitude of about 14,100 feet above sea level, one such wonder is hidden, which the world knows by the name of ‘Chandratal Lake’. Seeing this lake shaped like a half moon is no less than magic. But reaching this paradise is not that easy. This journey is as beautiful as it is full of adventure and thrill. If you too want to enthrall this mysterious lake in the mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life this year, then this complete travel guide is just for you.

Why is this ‘Moon Lake’ special?

Any journey to the Himalayas is incomplete without stories and folklore. There are many beliefs among the local people regarding Chandratal. ‘Chandra’ means moon and ‘Taal’ means lake. Due to its unique shape it is also called ‘Moon Lake’. According to local folklore, this is the same holy place where during the Mahabharata period, Lord Indra’s chariot landed to take Yudhishthir physically to heaven. At the same time, local Gaddi shepherds believe that fairies descend in this lake at night. This lake is situated on the ‘Samudra Tapu’ plateau of Spiti Valley in Lahaul and Spiti district. The most interesting thing is that there is no visible source of water coming into this lake, rather the water comes from under the ground. At the same time, a small stream coming out of it later takes the form of Chandra River.

How to reach Chandratal?

Reaching Chandratal is a big adventure in itself because the roads here are unpaved, rocky and full of ‘water crossings’. There are two main ways to reach Chandratal:

1. Via Manali

If you are coming from Delhi or UP, then the Manali route is the shortest and exciting.

Manali to Atal Tunnel: First you will reach Sissu and Koksar from Manali via Atal Tunnel.

Gramphu to Batal: After Koksar the route changes from Gramphu. From here you will have to say goodbye to paved roads. The road from Gramphu to Batal is no less than a test for ‘off-roading’ lovers.

Batal to Chandratal: After reaching Batal, you can take some rest, ‘Chacha-Chachi’ dhaba is very famous here. Chandratal is just 14 kilometers away from Batal, but the road is very narrow and unpaved.

2. Via Shimla-Kaja

If you want to avoid ‘Altitude Sickness’ (AMS), then you can reach Chandratal via Shimla, Kinnaur and Kaza. This route is long but gives your body full opportunity to adapt to the weather of the mountains. From Kaza via Losar you will reach Kunjum Pass and from there the road to Chandratal intersects.

Note: The vehicle can go only up to the official parking lot of Chandratal. To reach the main lake from the parking, you have to do an easy and beautiful walk/trek of about 1 to 1.5 kilometers.

Strict rules and precautions for visiting Chandratal

Since Chandratal is a highly sensitive and eco-sensitive zone, the government and local administration have made some strict rules keeping in mind the environment and your safety:

1. Complete ban on camping near the lake

As per the orders of the High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), it is strictly prohibited to set up tents or camps on the banks of Chandratal Lake or within a radius of 4-5 kilometers of it. All commercial campsites are built at the ‘camping site’ about 4 to 5 kilometers before the lake. There is a provision for heavy fine for causing harm to the environment.

2. ‘No Plastic’ and Waste Management Rules

Chandratal has been declared a ‘Ramsar site’, which means it is a wetland of international importance. It is a legal offense to throw plastic bottles, chip packets or any kind of garbage near the lake. Whatever items you carry, return them to your bag.

3. It is prohibited to enter or bathe in the lake water

Local people consider Chandratal to be very sacred. It is completely prohibited to dip one’s feet in the lake water, take bath or wash clothes. Local people and administration can take strict action if this rule is violated.

4. Inner Line Permit

Indian citizens do not require any special inner line permit to visit Chandratal or Spiti Valley. However, if you are going via Manali by vehicle, bike or car, then you will have to take care of the rules and green tax of Rohtang Pass/Atal Tunnel route. It is mandatory for foreign tourists to obtain Inner Line Permit from Kaza or Rekong Peo.

Best time to visit Chandratal

Chandratal is accessible only for hardly 4 to 5 months of the year. Due to heavy snowfall in winter, the roads to Kunjum Pass and Batal are completely closed.

June to September (best time): This route opens when the snow is removed in mid-June. In June and July you may see high walls of snow on the way. In August and September the weather is clear and the water of the lake appears the most beautiful blue.

October to May (closed): From the beginning of October, severe cold and snowfall starts here, due to which the roads are closed.

Secret Tips from a Pro-Traveler

If you are planning a trip to Chandratal, then as a professional traveller, note down these things in your diary:

• Since this lake is at an altitude of more than 14,000 feet, going there suddenly can cause headache, vomiting or difficulty in breathing (AMS). Proceed only after spending at least one or two nights in Manali or Kaza. Keep camphor, ORS and essential medicines with you.
• There can be strong sunlight during the day in Chandratal, but as soon as the sun sets the temperature drops to zero or even below. So, dress in layers (thermal, t-shirt, sweater and then a windproof jacket) instead of a heavy jacket.
• If you are driving yourself, take a vehicle with high ground clearance (4×4 is best). Vehicles with hatchbacks or low clearance can get stuck in the stones and water channels between Gramphu and Batal.
• After crossing the threshold, your mobile network, be it Jio, Airtel or BSNL, will disappear completely. Therefore, inform your family in advance that you are going to be ‘out of reach’ for some time. Keep cash with you, because online payment (UPI) will not work there.