Chandra Taal – The Jewel of Himalayas

Chandra Taal lies beneath the tranquil beauty that is the Indian Himalayas. It is a pristine alpine lake that gets into the hearts of both holidaymakers and adventure enthusiasts.Chandratal is nested in the enchanting Lahul Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It's about 4,300 m (14,100 ft) above mean sea level. Chandra Taal lies 8 km away from Kunzum Pass in the Spiti Valley. Kaza, the nearest major city to Chandra Taal, is about 85 kilometers away. Hidden amid the high Himalayan ranges, the mesmerizing Lake of this place can be reached through a trekking trail or motorable road during the summertime. It is located at about 32.4161° N latitude and 77.2095° E longitude.

‘Chandrataal’  means Lake of the Moon and is a perfect name denoting an enchanting silver glow. The nickname of Mooncoin, according to local legends, was purportedly derived from this crescent shape that appears like a waxing moon. Also, locals believe the lake is a holy place for worship by the region's traditional inhabitants.

The Beauty of Chandra Taal With Various Things

The beauty of Chandra Taal lies in its scenery, water, wildlife, and camping.

1. Spectacular Scenery

The landscape of Chandra Taal remains as beautiful as it changes. This setting resembles a little paradise with a meadow and pristine blue lake surrounded by high mountain peaks for nature lovers and photography admirers.

2. Crystal-Clear Waters

The water there is transparent and reflects beautiful green hills in it, forming an enchanting atmosphere. This is why this high-altitude lake is called Chandra Taal, meaning “lake of the moon.” 

3. Adventure Hub

Adventure lovers will surely feel paradise-like around Chandra Taal. Great for trekkers wanting to explore the region. Even getting to this lake is quite an adventure as one has to hike rocky terrain for miles on end before catching a first glimpse of the beautiful landscapes of Spiti Valley.

4. Wildlife and Flora

It’s not strange to see animals like the snow leopard, ibex, or red fox in Chandra Taal’s surroundings. The natural beauty is supplemented by stunning alpine flora and meadows featuring vivid wildflowers.

5. Camping

For people wanting to appreciate the serenity and picturesque beauty of Chandra Taal, camping is one possible option. But one should keep following some sustainable practices and not compromise the sensitive environment of the area. In summer, many campsites are arranged, where it is an exceptional occurrence to spend a night beneath the Himalayan starry sky.

Spiritual Significance

There is something more mysterious about Chandra Taal than its physical charm. The locals believe the lake to have a spiritually significant location. The Lake attracts tourists who come to wallow in its calmness, feeling transcended and at peace. It is a suitable spot for introspection and self-discovery, as the nearby meadows serve as places for meditation and yoga.

The lake is not only physically attractive but has some spiritual attachments, especially among Buddhists and Hindu natives. It’s an area where those spiritually inclined get refuge and feel one with nature.

Best Time to Visit

To experience the best of Chandra Taal, a visitor should come during the summer season, which spans from June to September and when the route leading to the lake becomes passable due to the ice.  It is pleasant, with a moderate temperature suitable for trekking/camping.

Chandertal Lake Ramsar Site

Chandertal Lake became a Ramsar website on November 8, 2005. It is positioned inside the Chandra valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. The lake is at a high altitude inside the Western Himalayas and supports diverse species just like the Snow Leopard, Snow Cock, Chukor, Black Ring Stilt, and plenty of others. The website online is thought for its unique surroundings and serves as a refuge for those species. However, the lake and its environment face threats from overgrazing, littering, and the absence of sanitation facilities. Efforts have been made to conserve and control the website, providing a price range for ecotourism facilities. The Spiti Forest Department is answerable for its custodianship, and the State Council of Science, Technology, and Environment coordinates conservation efforts.

How to Get to Chandra Taal

Getting to Chandra Taal Lake is an adventure.  Here are the approaches to reach Chandra Taal:

1. By Road

From Manali: Manali is a popular place to begin a journey to Chandra Taal. You can lease a taxi or use your personal vehicle to attain Manali. From Manali, drive to Rohtang Pass and then continue toward Gramphu.

Manali to Chandratal Distance= 111.3 km via NH 3 and NH505

From Shimla: You can also attain Chandra Taal from Shimla by hiring a taxi or using public transportation. The street journey from Shimla to Chandra Taal is longer but offers stunning scenery.

Shimla to Chandratal Distance= Approx. 364.5 km via NH305 and NH 3

2. By Public Transportation

Regular buses and shared taxis operate among the foremost towns in Himachal Pradesh, which include Manali, Shimla, Kaza, and Keylong. You can take a bus to Kaza, the administrative headquarters of the Spiti Valley. From Kaza, you could set up neighborhood transport or rent a taxi to Chandra Taal.

3. Chandratal Trek

Another exciting manner to attain Chandra Taal is through embarking on a trek. There is a well-trodden hiking path that ends in the lake from Batal, which is the closest place available through the avenue. The trek gives a unique opportunity to revel in the uncooked splendor of the Spiti Valley, taking walks.

4. Local Transport

Once you attain Batal, which is 14 kilometers away from Chandra Taal, you will want to hire a local vehicle (generally 4x4 cars or neighborhood taxis) to cover the closing distance to the lake. The road from Batal to Chandra Taal isn't paved and can be difficult, so a robust automobile is essential.

Additionally, the high altitude and rugged terrain in this region can be tricky, so it is beneficial to acclimatize properly, convey important components, and be organized for hastily changing climate situations. For a trouble-loose journey, it's a good concept to check road situations, make transportation arrangements in advance, and be aware of modern travel advisories.