Chandratal, the Lake of the Moon, is a crescent-shaped lake in the Lahaul valley, just beyond Kunzum Pass. It is one of the most visited places on a Spiti trip, and one that is open only in summer.
Chandratal Lake at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | About 4,300 m |
| Where | Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh, near Batal |
| Size | About 1.8 km long and under half a kilometre wide |
| Status | A protected wetland, designated a Ramsar site in 2005 |
| Open | Usually June to September; frozen and closed by snow in winter |
| From Kaza | About 100 km, 6 to 7 hours on our route via Key, Kibber and Kunzum Pass |
| To Manali | About 120 km, 6 to 7 hours via Batal and the Atal Tunnel |
How to reach Chandratal
The road leaves the Kaza to Manali route near Batal, beyond Kunzum Pass. You do not need a long trek: vehicles go to the camps near the lake, and from there it is a short walk to the water.
Camping at Chandratal
On our summer Spiti tour and the Spiti bike trip, the night after Kaza is spent in a camp by the lake. Camps are basic and cold, even in summer, so carry warm layers. The sky is very dark, which is why people go for the stars.
- Pack thermals, a warm jacket and a woolen cap
- Expect little or no mobile network
- Keep to the paths and carry your litter out, because the lake is a protected wetland
Best time to visit Chandratal
June to September, when the road over Kunzum Pass is open. The exact opening date depends on snow each year, so the Chandratal leg of our trips comes near the end of the ride, which gives the snow more time to clear. The lake freezes in winter and cannot be reached.
Trips that visit Chandratal
The summer Spiti backpacking tour and the Spiti bike trip both include the camp night. The winter 4x4 expedition does not, because the road is closed.
Questions
How high is Chandratal Lake?
About 4,300 m, or about 14,100 ft, above sea level.
Where is Chandratal Lake?
In Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, near Batal, on the Lahaul side of Kunzum Pass.
Can you camp at Chandratal?
Yes. Our summer Spiti tour and the Spiti bike trip stay one night in camps by the lake.
Do you have to trek to Chandratal?
No long trek. Vehicles reach the camps, and it is a short walk to the lake.
When is Chandratal open?
Usually from June to September. The road is closed by snow in winter.
How far is Chandratal from Kaza?
About 100 km on our route, around 6 to 7 hours with stops at Key, Kibber and Kunzum Pass.
Why is it called the Lake of the Moon?
Chandratal means Lake of the Moon, after its crescent shape.
