I will never forget the first time I saw Chandratal Lake. One of my acquaintances had just returned from Himachal, and he told me that I had to visit Chandratal on my trip to Himachal. I certainly do not regret taking his advice!
The water was so still that it resembled a gigantic mirror that fell from the sky as it perfectly reflected the jagged peaks and the endless blue dome that protects us.
I stood there in awe, mouth agape, jaw almost on the floor, and heart racing at a thousand beats per second. To say that I was overjoyed would hardly convey my actual thoughts at the time.
I was enraptured by the ravishing beauty that lay in front of me. At 4,300 m in the wild heart of Spiti Valley, Chandratal Lake is magic.
And if you’re ready for a Manali to Chandratal tour, hang on, it’s a journey to heaven! This guide has all the information you would need to visit there!
Why Chandratal Lake is Worth the Trip
Chandratal Lake is not just a location; it is an experience. It’s called “The Moon Lake” for a reason.
With barren mountains and snowy peaks surrounding the lake, it has a surreal feeling that is irreplaceable. I will never forget the moment I sat on the banks of the lake, soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
No notifications or alert sounds, just me and the beauty of nature.
Whether you are a globetrotter or someone simply looking to experience a beautiful view, the Manali to Spiti Valley trip (with Chandratal Lake as the highlight) is absolutely mind-blowing.
Your 3-Day Manali to Chandratal Itinerary
Here’s a 3-day plan that balances the journey and the destination. The Chandratal Lake distance from Manali is roughly 130 km, but the winding, rugged roads make it an 8-10 hour haul.
Trust me, though—it’s worth every bump!
Day 1: Manali to Batal
We kicked off at 5:30 AM from Manali, dodging the early traffic heading to Rohtang Pass. That first leg—51 km—takes about 2-3 hours. Rohtang Pass is chaos sometimes, packed with tourists snapping pics.
But as we climbed higher, the green valleys gave way to stark mountains, and I couldn’t stop staring out the window. We grabbed parathas at Marhi to fuel up and let our lungs adjust to the altitude.
From there, it’s on to Gramphu, where the road forks—one to Leh, the other to Spiti. We veered toward Spiti, and let me tell you, the road to Batal isn’t messing around. It’s narrow, rocky, and drops off into nothingness on one side.
My heart skipped a beat or two, but the Chandra River sparkling below kept me distracted. We rolled into Batal by 4 PM—100 km from Manali, but a solid 6-8 hours later.
It’s a tiny spot with basic guesthouses. Nothing fancy, just a bed and a warm meal before the big day.
Pro Tip: Pack snacks and water. Stops are rare, and you’ll want something to munch on.
Day 2: Batal to Chandratal Lake
The next morning, we tackled the final 14 km to Chandratal. It’s a short distance, but the unpaved road had us crawling along for 1.5 hours.
You’ll need a high-clearance vehicle here—our SUV barely made it! The parking area’s about 2 km from the lake, so we laced up our shoes and trekked in.
The path is steep in spots, but when the lake came into view, I forgot all about my burning legs.
Holy wow. The water was unreal—crystal clear, reflecting everything like a dream. We wandered around, took a million photos, and just sat there soaking it in. That night, we camped by the lake.
Chandratal Lake camping is next-level. The stars were so bright, I swear I could’ve reached out and grabbed one.
But it gets cold. I was shivering even with layers on! Bring a solid tent. The wind’s no joke at night.
Day 3: Chandratal Lake to Manali
We woke up at dawn, and the sunrise was pure gold, literally painting the mountains in ochre ombre hues. After breakfast, we packed up and retraced our steps.
The route’s the same, so we stopped at Kunzum Pass to check out the temple and those insane views one last time.
Back in Manali by late afternoon, I was wiped out but buzzing from the whole Chandratal Lake road trip.
Best Time to Visit Chandratal
Timing is everything for this trip. The best time to visit Chandratal is from April to September.
Roads are open, and the weather’s decent. April-May has leftover snow, which makes up for a gorgeous view!
July and August are peak, with clear skies and warmish days. September’s a gamble. It’s beautiful in September, but snow might sneak in early. Skip October to May
Chandratal Lake Camping: How to Nail It
Camping at Chandratal Lake is a must-do, but trust me, you’ve gotta prep right to make it amazing.
The first time I set foot there, I was floored—the lake sparkled like a gem under the towering peaks. But as the sun dipped, the cold crept in fast, and I learned a few lessons the hard way.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- Stay warm: Summer nights are still brutal. Temperatures can dip below the freezing point. I piled on thermals, a heavy sleeping bag, and every layer I had, but I still felt the chill sneaking in. Pack a warm hat, gloves, and thick socks. A hot water bottle or hand warmers can be your best friend up there.
- Food and water: No shops, no cafes, nothing, just you and the wilderness. We brought instant noodles, snacks like energy bars, and tons of water. I also packed a portable stove for coffee—starting the day with a hot mug was pure bliss. Don’t forget cooking gear and a trash bag to pack it all out.
- Tent game strong: The wind howled like crazy all night. A flimsy tent? Forget it—it’ll collapse faster than you can say “Chandratal.” I saw it happen to others! Get a sturdy, wind-resistant tent, and secure it with stakes and guy lines. If you’re new to this, rent solid gear in Manali.
- Leave no trace: This place is pristine, and it’s on us to keep it that way. I made sure every wrapper and scrap was left with me. Stick to designated camping spots too—the ecosystem’s fragile, and we don’t want to mess it up.
- Altitude check: At 4,300 meters, the air’s thin, and it hits you. I had a nagging headache at first, but chugging water and taking it easy helped. If you’re coming from Manali, maybe crash in Batal for a night to acclimatize—it makes a difference.
- Extra perk: Bring a camera or charge your phone. The night sky? Unreal. Stars everywhere—I just lay there, jaw dropped, feeling like I’d stepped into a postcard.
Camping here is not a walk in the park, but prep well, respect the land, and you’ll have a story to tell for years.
Tips for Your Manali to Chandratal Tour
Planning a Manali to Chandratal tour? It’s a wild ride, literally and figuratively! The mountains don’t play nice, so here’s what I learned to keep things smooth and safe:
- Ride smart: Past Batal, the roads turn into a rocky, bumpy mess—steep drops, tight turns, the works. An SUV with high clearance is your only shot. I rented one in Manali, and even then, I gripped the wheel tightly a few times. So, if you’re not a seasoned driver? Hire a local who knows the drill.
- Fuel up: The Last gas station is in Manali, so fill up there. I grabbed an extra fuel canister too. It’s better to have it and not need it than the other way around. The 130 km from Manali to Chandratal eats more fuel than you’d expect with that terrain.
- Permits: Rohtang Pass might need a permit, depending on when you go. I checked online a week ahead—easy to sort out there or in Manali. Don’t skip this, or you’re stuck.
- Weather watch: Mountain weather’s a rollercoaster. Rain or snow can shut down the roads, especially near Kunzum Pass. I checked forecasts like a hawk and asked locals for the latest. If it’s iffy, hang back in Batal. Remember the rule of thumb: safety first.
- Book early: Batal’s guesthouses are few and far between, and they’re snatched up quickly in peak season (June to September). I booked mine weeks ahead. Camping’s an option, but it’s nice to have a fallback.
- First aid: Pack a kit—bandages, painkillers, altitude meds like Diamox. Manali’s your nearest help, hours away, so don’t skimp. I tossed in electrolyte packs too—hydration is key.
- Map it out: Cell service is somewhat sketchy in the area. I brought a paper map and a GPS device. Don’t bet on your phone to save you out there.
- Tell someone: Let a friend know your plans and when you’ll be back. I texted my itinerary to friends and family for “just in case” scenario. Whenever you’re in a remote area, it’s smart to have a lifeline.
- Pack basics: Even in summer, bring a jacket—nights are cold. Sunglasses and sunscreen too—the high-altitude sun is intense and can cause second-degree burns to people with sensitive skin.
With these, your Chandratal Lake road trip’s set to be epic—and safe. Enjoy the ride!
Final Words
Sitting by Chandratal, staring at the stars, I got it—this wasn’t just a trip. It was a wake-up call to how incredible the world can be, how little I have explored, and how desperately I want to explore the rest of it.
The Manali to Chandratal tour pushed me, wowed me, and left me dreaming of the next adventure.
So grab your gear and go see Moon Lake for yourself. You’ll thank me later!
Also read: What Should I Carry for Spiti Valley Trip? (2025 Packing Guide)
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