Travel Guide to Chandratal Lake Trek: A Safe Journey Via Air, Train, and Road

It hit hard and evoked curiosity when Ranveer Singh said, “Marne se Phle Main Chandratal Dekhna Chahta Hoon,” right? Chandratal Lake is also known as the “Lake of the Moon.” This stunning and mirror-like lake is in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. 

Settled at an altitude of approx. 14,100 feet, Chandratal Lake offers a breathtaking scene and soothing environment. Chandratal Lake welcomes you with cold winds and shiny sunlight from mid-June to September. The beauty of Chandratal makes it one of the perfect places to visit in India before you turn 30.

Already created a picture? Let’s turn this picture into reality with TripzyGo and find out the best time to visit Chandratal, how to reach it, trekking paths, activities, and preparation tips to maximize your experience. 

First, let’s take a quick look at the beauty of Chandratal Lake!

The Beauty of Chandratal Lake

Chandratal Lake, a hidden gem of India, is located in the Himalayas at a height of approximately 14,100 feet. This masterpiece of nature is also famous as the “Lake of the Moon.” What makes Chandratal Lake truly magical is its crystal clear water, which reflects the mood swings of the sky.

During the summertime, May to September, Spiti Chandratal Lake becomes heaven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can imagine the beauty of camping under a star-filled sky, surrounded by the magical Chandra Bhaga mountain range.

Chandratal Lake is the perfect place to feel natural beauty for:

1. Couple: Experience romantic camping, a perfect sunset picture, and gaze at the stars at night.
2. Backpacker: You can explore budget-friendly camping options and off-beat locations and interact with strangers at basic dhabas. 
3. Solo traveler: Feel peaceful meditation spots, photography opportunities, and a calm place to connect with yourself. 

Best Time to Visit Chandratal Lake

Before heading to Chandratal Lake, you require careful timing–after all, you won’t like to face snow-blocked roads. The best time to visit Chandratal Lake is from mid-June to September to create unforgettable memories.

For a better understanding of Spiti’s weather, this month-by-month table will help:

Month	Average temperature (°C)	Weather condition
January	-1 to -19	Snow and very cold
February	-2 to -19	Snow and very cold
March	-5 to -12	Cold and possible snow
April	4 to -12	Cold and snow melting
May	5 to 17	Mild weather
June	19 to 25	Pleasant and starting of summer
July	25 to 10	Warm and rain possibility
August	24 to 9	Warm and monsoon season
September	23 to -2	Mild and beginning of autumn
October	17 to -9	Cold and starting of winter
November	14 to -24	Cold and starting of snowfall
December	-7 to -6	Very cold and heavy snowfall

It is crystal clear that discovering Spiti Valley in May is the best time to visit Chandratal Lake. But during the monsoon, there are chances of land sliding and water crossing on the Manali-Kaza routes, making your journey to Chandratal Lake unsafe. 

So, for the best experience at Chandratal Lake, you can always choose a travel companion like TripzyGo, which offers tour packages under 15000. 

How to Reach Spiti Chandratal Lake

The first question that comes to mind when we plan a trip to Chandratal Lake is how to reach it. The journey is really difficult, as reaching a height of 14,100 feet requires a lot of effort and planning. 

It may seem a difficult task, but a companion like TripzyGo can help you plan your adventure with ease and answer your query, “How to reach Spiti Valley.”. Let’s explore the best ways to reach Chandratal Lake and witness this wonder:

1. By Road

1. How to reach Chandratal Lake from Manali: You can start early in the morning from Manali to avoid traffic at Rohtang. Follow the Manali-Leh highway, get a Rohtang Pass permit (a must), and turn right at Gramphu. You will find a challenging 14 km tour from Batal to the lake, which can take 6-8 hours. 
2. How to reach Chandratal Lake from Delhi: You should plan a 2-day journey through Manali. Day 1: Delhi to Manali (12-14 hours), day 2: Manali to Chandratal Lake (8 hours). Stay in Manali for a night of relaxation. 
3. How to reach Chandratal Lake from Shimla: Witha 530 km distance, it is a longer but stable and safe route via the beautiful Kinnaur Valley. Your route will be like: Shimla→Reckong Peo→Pooh→Kaza→Batal→Chandratal Lake. 
4. How to reach Chandratal Lake from Kaza: With a 115 km distance, it is perfect for Spiti Valley exploration. A 5-6 hour journey includes Kaza→Losar(broken road) →Kunzum Pass→Chandratal Lake. Taxis from trusted partners like TripzyGo can work best for this.  

2. By Train

The nearest train station to Chandratal Lake is Joginder Nagar Railway Station. First, take a train from Delhi to Pathankot. After reaching Pathankot, take a train to Jogindar Nagar. It covers approximately 153 km. After reaching Jogindar Nagar, hire a cab or taxi to reach Chandratal Lake. 

3. By air

1. Bhuntar Airport, Kullu, is the closest airport to Chandratal Lake, located approximately 180 km away, and it is well connected to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. 
2. Shimla Airport, located about 350 km from Chandratal, can serve as an alternative.
3. Chandigarh Airport, approximately 300 km from Manali and about 112 km away from Shimla, can be your best option as it is connected to various parts of India. 

4. By Trek

1. You can reach Chandratal Lake by trekking via Kunzum Pass, which is 22 km in length and takes 4-5 hours to reach.
2. Via Batal village, you can start trekking on an approximately 18 km long path. 

Remember, the Chandratal Lake Trek is accessible from mid-June to September!

Trekking Plan to Reach Chandratal Lake

The Chandratal Lake trek is an interesting journey through the beautiful landscape of Himachal Pradesh. This small trekking plan gives a short and day-to-day breakdown to help you understand and experience the beauty of trek:

Day 1: Manali to Keylong

Your journey starts from Manali to Keylong through Rohtang Pass. After covering approximately 115 km, take short hikes around Keylong, have food, and get ready for Batal.

Day 2: Keylong to Batal

After an early breakfast, you will go to Batal, a remote and peaceful spot. After reaching, you can go for a small hike that will make you ready for the upcoming trek to higher altitudes. 

Day 3: Batal to Chandratal

This is the core trekking area. Have breakfast and then start on an 18 km trek from Batal to Chandratal. This trek takes about 5-6 hours and is filled with mesmerizing views of the Lahaul range and peaks like Minar, Talagiri, Tara Pahar, and Mulkila.  

Day 4: Explore Chandratal

After reaching Chandratal Lake, you will have a full day to explore its beautiful surroundings. You can spend your time taking a nature walk, taking pictures, or simply soaking in the lake’s serenity. 

Day 5: Return to Manali

The next morning, drive back to Manali after collecting all the beautiful memories of Chandratal Lake. This is the end of your Chandratal trek, leaving behind the natural beauty and experiencing trekking in the Himalayas. 

Things to Do in Spiti Chandratal Lake

Spiti Valley in Winter is a paradise on earth for nature admirers and adventure lovers. Whether you are there in peak season or exploring Chandratal Lake in winter with its chilly ice and low Chandratal Lake temperature, there are various ways to enjoy this hidden gem:

1. Camping: Set up your tent near Chandratal Lake for a night under a star-studded sky. The peaceful and magical surroundings make your camping experience unforgettable. 
2. Photography: Snow-capped mountains and pure blue water make Chandratal Lake a dream spot for photographers. Capture beautiful moments that reflect the untouched beauty. 
3. Feel nature: Spend a peaceful time along its shore, take a nature walk, or dip your feet in cold water and absorb the energy of nature that heals. 
4. Hike on other hills: Climb up nearby hilltops for an upper view of the lake and distant mountains. These short hikes are easy and gift you a stunning experience. 

Preparation Tips Before and After Reaching Chandratal Lake

Heading to Chandratal Lake is a stunning experience, but due to its remote location and high altitude, a few preparation tips can make your trip enjoyable and smooth. Here are some tips that you want to know:

1. Visiting Spiti Chandratal Lake is absolutely free, and there is no requirement for any permit, but you should keep your passport or ID for police checking.
2. Always wear comfortable clothes and shoes if you want to explore Chandratal Lake and its surroundings. 
3. There is no phone signal or Wi-Fi, so download maps first and bring your power bank with you.
4. Temperature can drop rapidly at night, so while packing, add thermals, gloves, and waterproof jackets. 
5. Always pack basic things like medications, sunscreen, and sunglasses for protection. 

With these essentials, your time at Chandratal Lake will become easier and more memorable. You can make it more affordable and beautiful with a travel partner like TripzyGo. 

Feel the Beauty of Chandratal Lake with TripzyGo

Chandratal Lake, with its restful blue water and mesmerizing landscapes, is a must-visit for nature lovers and trekkers. Always plan a trip between mid-June and September for the best weather, and choose your ideal route. Whether by road from Manali, trek from Kunzum pass, or air and train options. 

Prepare carefully with essentials like warm clothes and offline maps for the remote area, as there is no network. For a fully enjoyable and memorable experience, let TripzyGo handle your logistics. 
Explore nature, capture moments, and meet yourself in the lap of nature with TripzyGo!