Chandratal Lake, also known as Moon Lake, is a high-altitude lake in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) above sea level, the lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and barren landscapes, making it a popular destination for trekkers, hikers, and nature lovers.
The lake is believed to have been formed by a meteor impact, and its crystal-clear water changes colour throughout the day, ranging from shades of blue to green. The lake is also home to various aquatic life, including the Himalayan snow trout. Its surrounding areas are frequented by wildlife such as the Tibetan wolf, snow leopard, and Himalayan griffon.
Chandratal Lake is only accessible during the summer months (from June to September) when the snow melts, and the roads are open. Visitors can reach the lake by trekking from Batal or taking a four-wheel-drive vehicle from Manali or Kaza. There are several camping sites near the lake where visitors can spend the night and enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings.
Places To Visit Near Chandratal Lake:
There are several places to visit near Chandratal Lake in Himachal Pradesh. Some of the popular ones are:
Kunzum Pass is a high-altitude mountain at 4,551 meters (14,931 feet) above sea level. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and is a popular trekking spot.
Key Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the Spiti Valley. It is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the region and houses several ancient murals, paintings, and scriptures.
Baralacha La:
Baralacha La is a high-altitude mountain pass at 4,890 meters (16,040 feet) above sea level. It is a popular spot for adventure enthusiasts as it offers trekking, mountain biking, and camping opportunities.
Pin Valley National Park is a protected area located in the Spiti Valley. It is home to several endangered species, such as the snow leopard, Siberian ibex, and Tibetan gazelle.
Manali is a popular hill station located at a distance of approximately 140 kilometres from Chandratal Lake. It is known for its scenic beauty, adventure sports, and ancient temples.
Rohtang Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located 3,978 meters (13,050 feet) above sea level. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for adventure sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
Things To Do In Chandratal Lake:
There are several exciting things to do in Chandratal Lake and its surrounding areas. Here are some of the popular activities:
Chandratal Lake is a popular trekking destination, and visitors can choose from several trekking routes, such as the Batal to Chandratal trek and the Kunzum Pass trek.
There are several campsites near the lake where visitors can spend the night and enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings.
Photography:
The lake and its surrounding landscape offer excellent opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Wildlife spotting:
The region around Chandratal Lake is home to several endangered species, such as the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, and Himalayan griffon. Visitors can go on wildlife safaris to spot these animals.
Stargazing:
The clear night sky above Chandratal Lake is perfect for stargazing, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the cosmos on a clear night.
Road trip:
The road to Chandratal Lake from Manali or Kaza is one of the most scenic drives in India, and visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Visit nearby attractions:
Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Key Monastery, Pin Valley National Park, and Rohtang Pass.