Chandra Taal (Meaning the ‘Lake of the Moon’) is a crescent-shaped lake located in the Spiti Valley in the Middle Himalayas in the Himachal Pradesh. The lake is located at an altitude of 4,300 metres and has a circumference of 2.5 km. With mountain scree on one hand and a cirque (steep walled semi-circular mountain basin, which can contain a lake) at the other, the lake offers a beautiful experience to the nature-lovers. The lake is situated 6 km from Kunzum Pass on Samudra Tapu plateau overlooking Chandra River (of the Chenab River fame) that originates from the Bara-lacha-la glacier. Chandra Taal, which is accessible by foot only from May to August, is a hot favourite destination for trekkers and campers. The mountain ranges near the lake called Moulkila and Chandrabhaga are also top attractions for the mountaineers.
The clear blue water, rugged brown treeless mountain slopes in the surrounds and a satin blue sky above makes the scene at Chandra Taal a perfect picture. This scene extends for miles with lush green meadows appearing in between and the Chandra River down blow.
Temperature depends on weather & time. Days are not much hot but temperature drop very low after sunset.
June to September is the best time to visit Chandra Tal because this time is weather very mild not much hot or not much colder. During this period you can see shephards grazing their sheep around the lake.
According to the legends, the deep blue lake is the location from where God Indra’s chariot had picked up Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers on his way to heaven. The lake is revered for this reason and thousands of devotees of mythology flock it every year.
A desert mountain valley located in the Himalayas, Spiti (meaning ‘The Middle Land’) Valley is a desert mountain valley located high in the Himalaya Mountains. It lies between Tibet, Ladakh, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Kulu. Spiti is also known as ‘Little Tibet’ for it represents a microcosm of Tibet resembling almost identical climate, vegetation and terrain. One can enter Spiti either from Manali via the Rohtang Pass to Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti or from Shimla via Kinnaur. The valley and its surrounding areas is one of the least populated in India. The Rohtang Pass separates Lahul and Spiti from the Kullu Valley while Lahul and Spiti are cut off from each other by the Kunzum Pass. The connecting road between the two divisions is often cut off frequently in winter and spring due to heavy snowfall. Ki and tabo Monasteries are two of the famous attractions of Spiti, a place known for its Buddhist culture. Lahaul features high mountains, massive glaciers, passes, lakes and gushing rivers. Lahaul is a land of fascinating Buddhist art and culture. Keylong is the administrative centre of Lahaul and Spiti. Pin Valley National Park is an important wildlife park in lahaul-Spiti where animals like woolly hare, Tibetan gazelle and snow Leopards can be found.
How to Reach
By Air
Kullu and Shimla are the nearest two airports. Kullu airport is also known as Bhuntar Airport. By road Keylong is 158 kms from Shimla.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is Shimla (363) & Pathankot (430) to reach Keylong.
By Road
National Highway No.21 connects Manali with Lahaul, Spiti and Leh. This road has been made a part of the NH 21 that links Chandigarh with Manali. Some of the road-distances from Keylong are: Manali 115 km, Pathankot 436 km, Jogindernagar 284 km, Rohtang Pass 67 km, Khoksar 46 km, Udaipur 48 km.
Himachal Pradesh is located in northern India and is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand, Tibet and China are International boarder. The area of Himachal Pradesh is 21,629 square kilometres. Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The state of Himachal Pradesh is one of the top tourist destinations in India, thanks to its exquisite natural beauty.
The diversity of elevation causes great variation in the climate of Himachal Pradesh. The southern parts of the state experience hot and sub-humid tropical climate while in the north and east, it is cooler. Places like Lahaul and Spiti are cold and almost rainless while Dharamsala quite a heavy rainfall. Himachal Pradesh mainly has three seasons: summer (from April to June), monsoon (July to November) and winter (December to March). Snowfall is common in the alpine tracts.
Batal-Chandra Taal-Baralacha Pass is a hot attraction for trekkers and ever since the Manali-Leh highway has been opened, the number of trekkers has increased manifold. From Baralacha Pass tourists can even reach up to Leh. Batal is a scenic village located at the foot of the Kunzum Pass in lahaul and Spiti district. Bara Shigri and Chhota Shigri glaciers are located nearby. It is an ideal place for trekking and rock climbing.
Day One
Arrive at New Delhi and take a overnight journey to Manali (distance 580 km)
Day Two
Arrive at Manali early morning and overnight stay here
Day Three
Reach Batal from Manali (distance 100 km) over the Rohtang Pass. Overnight stay at tents in Batal (Batal can also be reached via places like Sethan, Chikka, Chatru, Chota Dara)
Day Four
Batal-Chandra Taal trek along motorable track. Breathtaking views of the surroundings during the 5-6 hour long trek. Camping at Chandra Taal. Fabulous views of Tara Pahar, Tla Giri and Mulkila (all above 6,000 metres). An extra day at Chandra Taal can also be accommodated.
Day Five
Trekking from Chandra Taal to the banks of Tokpo Yongma which is 4650 metres high (12 km)
Day Six
Trekking continues from Tokpo Yongma to Tokpo Gongma (4350 metres high).
Day Seven
Trekking from Tokpo Gongma/Yongma to Baralacha La (4883 metres). The 8 km walk gives a panoramic view of the Spiti Valley as well as of the Chandra, Bhaga and Yunam rivers.
Day Eight
Halt at Baralacha La to spot small peaks and beautiful butterflies.
Day Nine
From Baralacha La to Darcha to Zingzingbar (4,270 meters). The 18 km journey passes through Suraj Tal, source of River Bhaga.
Day Ten
Trek from Zingzingbar to Darcha (3,360 meters). The 20 km downhill trail goes via Patseas, a big trading centre of the old days. One can go to Leh from here.
Day Eleven
Darcha to Manali
Day Twelve
Return to Delhi from Manali.
Day Thirteen
Departure from Delhi
Accommodation
Hiring tent gears for camping on the banks of Chandra Taal
Hotels at Manali
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