The source of the Chandra River is known as Chandrataal Lake. Although it is just another beautiful lake in the holy lands of Himachal Pradesh but it has its religious and cultural importance, which makes it one of the most visited places in the Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Many people believe that the Chadrataal Lake is located in the Spiti Valley but actually, it is a part of the Lahaul Valley. One can reach the lake through two different routes. One route will take you through the breathtaking and dangerous routes of the Kinaaur District. The second route is considered as road less traveled and it diverts from the National Highway 21 near Gramphu and takes the traveler on an awe-inspiring journey.
The Lake Moon – Birthplace of one half of the Chenab River
Chandra Basin
The Chadnrataal Lake is situated at a height of 4270 meters above the sea level and is clear water and still surroundings make it known as ‘Lake of the Moon’. The lake shines like full moon on a sunny day and it looks as if the lake has absorbed all the sunlight and it is spreading the photons in the surroundings, making everything look tranquil and blissful. One the periphery of the lake, one can find many small temples built by the ancient commuters and natives of the Spiti Valley to please the local deities. The temples are in the form of idols and people still worship and believe in their powers. The lake remains frozen in the winters. The trekking route also starts from Chandrataal Lake, which connects the two famous passes of the valley namely Baralacha La and Kunzum La.
Road Less Traveled – Towards Chandrataal Lake.
White House- The Comfort Zone @ Batal
In nature’s lap @ Chandrataal Lake
How to go there:
The Manali Route
One starts from Manali towards Rohhtang (52 Km) and then starts moving towards Keylong on National Highway-21. Just after 14 KM, you reach the diversion point (Gramphu), where you can see the milestones. Move into the valley and enjoy the roads that look like roads and at times, you feel like driving on a water body. After you have traveled 17 KM, you reach a Chhatrru, where you can relax, eat food, pack yourself with biscuits, chocolates and cigarettes. One can find a PWD rest house and Mr. Sood’s guesthouse where people get cheap and comfortable accommodation.
Travel another 25 KM and you reach at Batal, which is a famous place among the trekkers and travelers. The Chandra Dhaba at Batal is a great place to eat, drink and sleep. There is another PWD rest house in between at Chota Darra but it’s better to move towards Batal and avoid halt at Chota Darra. From Batal, one can go through the road, which is just 14 KM’s towards Chandrataal Lake. Once you have reached at the lake, get down from your vehicle, walk for 500 meters and you know it when you see it, that you have found heavenly beauty on Earth known as Chandrataal Lake.
Dhaba @ Chatrru
Just close to the Chandrataal Lake, you will see colorful tents. The place is overwhelming and it can be termed as a luxurious place in the Himalayas. The charges are, however, much more than the Batal and Chatrru.
Batal is a windy place and cool, bone-chilling winds blow there throughout the year. One can stay inside a enclosed structure, which they call a White House and it is actually a safe place to stay.
Charges: 50 INR per night stay @ Batal and Chatrru
@ Chandrataal Camp: 500 INR per night.
Important Information:
The road towards Chandrataal Lake is not in a great condition, so even if there is slight hint of rain or snow, do not move from your base position. If your vehicle breaks down there, or if you are stuck, you will find no mechanic for at least two days because it takes two days from Batal to go and come back from Manali or Kaza. Manali is 108 KM from Batal and Kaza is 88 KM from the same place.
State transport runs two buses each in either direction. One bus starts at 5 AM from Manali/Kaza and the other one starts at 6 Am from Manali/Kaza. However, depending upon the weather, the buses change their timings, so it’s better to give half an hour buffer time yourself, if you are planning to travel via bus.
You said I can reach in the lakeside by two different path.But which path is easy for me? The less danger and risk.I am now living in Nepal.So I need more information about that.
Thank you.
Dear, rainy season has decided to stay here in Himachal for a long time this year. CTG will advise you to wait for few weeks. However, if you are willing to go now, Manali route[the route discussed in this post] would be safe.
However, rainy season is not the best season to go to the Chandrataal Lake, as the weather is behaving in a strange manner and even the dry Spiti Valley is experiencing heavy rains.
Regards