Chandratal Lake: How to reach it, the best time to visit, and where to stay

Chandratal Lake is also known as the ‘moon lake.’ It is nestled at an altitude of 4,300 meters in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. This destination offers a mesmerizing retreat for all nature and adventure lovers. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and landscapes; it is a place where tranquility and beauty coexist in their purest forms. Here is a guide to this mesmerizing destination :

How to reach Chandrakal Lake ?
The Chandrakal Lake journey is an adventure in itself. There are two routes from Delhi to Chandrakal Lake by road. The first route takes you through Manali; the other one goes through Shimla and then leads you to Spiti Valley.

Route from Shimla: This route begins from Delhi and leads to Narkanda. From here you can move to Kalpa and then travel to Kaza and Nako. After taking a short break at Spiti Valley, you can head towards Chandratal Lake from Kaza. You can travel from Shimla to Kinnaur and then head towards Spiti Valley. After reaching Spiti Valley, you can visit Chandratal Lake.

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Route from Manali: If you want a shorter way to Chandratal Lake, then the route to Manali is your best option. It is a small journey where you will start your adventure from Delhi; it passes through Mandi, Kullu, Rohtang La, Battal, and Gramphoo and finally reaches your destination, Chandratal Lake.

1. By public transport: While traveling through public transport, there are the following two routes to Chandratal which you can opt for.

- Manali to Chandratal: There are two buses that traverse between Manali and Kaza early in the morning. The bus starts from Kullu at 4:30 AM and takes you to Manali. From here, the ticket to Kaza barely costs Rs 250 per person. Once you get down at the Chandratal diversion point by the evening, you can hike your way to Chandratal Lake.

-Shimla to Chandratal: There are two non-ac buses that travel from Shimla to Reckong Peo. Once you reach Reckong Peo, board on a 7:00 AM HRTC bus to reach Kaza. From Kaza, board a bus for Manali and get down at the Chandratal Lake diversion point. From this point, you can cover the remaining distance by hiking.

2. Road conditions: Once you divert off the Manali-Leh highway, the road conditions get unfavorable. The track from Gramphu to Batal is just a rough, dirty route with several water crossings throughout the way. Even if you have opted for the Kaza-Chandratal route, you will not see any significant improvement in the road conditions. There are many troublesome spots on the entire route due to the presence of rocky formations.

Best time to visit Chandratal Lake
The preferred time to visit Chadratal Lake is from June to September. Winter is not the ideal time to plan your journey to Chandratal Lake as the roads are blocked with snow. The snow starts clearing up in the month of May. June to September, the road remains open, and the weather is pleasant. One must avoid planning their trip during monsoon season.

Where to stay when you are in Chandrakal Lake ?

Chandratal Lake is a remote location; accommodations available here are basic. It’s perfect for camping.

Campsite - Campsites are available near the lake, it offer a unique expience of staying close to the natureal neuty and enjoy star gazing at night.

Guesthouses: You can book your accommodation in Batal for guesthouses and homestays; these homestays provide authentic local food, including home-cooked meals and a warm welcome from locals.

Luxury hotels: You can find few options for luxurious stays in Chandratal Lake; they provide the best services and facilities to their guests.

Hostels: You can find affordable hostels in Batal or Manali.

Hotels: You can find good hotels near Chandratal Lake; they will offer you a cozy and comfortable stay.



Chandratal Lake is an ideal escape for those looking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. With its serene surroundings, clear skies, and tranquil waters, it promises an experience like no other.