This lake in Himachal Pradesh is called the ‘Moon Lake’: The story behind a natural wonder

Deep, deep inside the frosty desert of Himachal Pradesh, where mountains protectively circle and the stillness of silence goes on forever, there lies a lake that is almost too incredible to be believed to exist. This is Chandratal, or Moon Lake, India. “Chandra” is the moon in Hindi, and “Tal” is a lake, so it simply means “Lake of the Moon.”And its name is not just poetic. Its positioning, its blue sheen, and its isolated and wind-swept location are somehow tied to the moon's domain. For the trekker, hiker, and any other nature lover seeking solitude to attain some kind of reflection and communion with nature, any visit to Chandratal is far from just an endpoint on your itinerary; it is so much more.Chandratal Lake has more than one reason for its name; it’s more like an amalgamation of various signals that give it an otherworldly aura. For instance, its crescent shape gives away the first signal, which appears prominently while you sight it from afar. Moreover, if the nights are clear, the lake reflects the moonlight so aptly that it appears to be self-lit, and the entire landscape becomes nothing short of miraculous.The surroundings of Chandratal are barren and very dramatic, as if it were a piece of the moon's surface. There might be sparse vegetation, rough terrain, and open horizons. The environment is so alien: there is no noise, it is spotlessly clean, and it is ageless.Chandratal is located at a considerably higher altitude in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It lies near the Kunzum Pass, which connects Lahaul to Spiti, at an elevation of approximately 4,300 meters (14,100 feet). Because of its very high altitude, the lake is mostly frozen throughout the year, with access to the lake available only from June to September, depending on the weather. So, before making any plans of visiting this place make sure you check the weather and travel restrictions regarding the lake. The unique aspect about Chandratal is that its water changes colours in shades of blue, from dawn till dusk, as if imitating the sky above. The natural shape and orientation of this lake contribute significantly to a unique appearance in itself, and no villages or activity in terms of trade and commerce disturb this moment in such a way that it remains pure and pristine. The mountains that encircle Chandratal Lake make this place almost surreal, where there is complete tranquillity, amidst which nature has complete control over this place, unlike all average lake destinations that have lost their environment and become just places with picturesque locations.The season for visiting Chandratal Lake is from the end of June to September, during which the snow has melted sufficiently for access to be gained. Also, during this period, the lake will be clearly visible and will be free from ice. The roads leading to Kunzum Pass are generally open during summer, and thus Chandratal Lake can be accessed either by trekking or by road. However, even during the summer season, the nights can be cool, and the weather can be very chilly.