Chandra Taal is a crecent lake in Himachal Pradesh

Chandra Taal – The Moon Lake In Indian Himalayas | Photo Blog

Chandra Taal (meaning Moon Lake) is situated in the Lahaul valley in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh (India). The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape. It is situated at an altitude of about 4,300 meters (14,100 ft) in the Himalayas.

Chandra Taal Lake entry
Chandra Taal, the lake looks like an ornated jewelry

Mountains of scree overlook the lake on one side and a magnificent cirque presents a grand view of Chandra Bhaga series of Peaks on the other.

CHECK OUT OUR PHOTO BLOG ON LAKES AND WATER BODIES WE HAVE BEEN TO

Surise at CB 13 mountain in near Chandra Taal in Himachal Pradesh
Sunrise at a height!

Situated on the Samudra Tapu plateau, which overlooks the Chandra River, this lake is one of the two high-altitude wetlands of India which have been designated as Ramsar sites.

Samudra Tapoo is the origination of Chandra Taal Lake
That’s where it comes from, the lake

Must Read: Villages of Spiti Valley A Bawray Banjaray Guide (Part 1)

With no air pollution and very little light at night, this lake is one of the best destinations in India for astrophotography.

Night view of the Chandra Taal Camp Site
It all looks like a wonderland, star-studded skies, and these tiny lights!

Here are a few essentials that you need to keep handy while planning for a trip here:

How to reach Chandra Taal

This lake is a popular destination for trekkers and campers. While the best way to reach is to hike from either Kunzum La or Batal but for the convenience of people, there is a road. The road ends 2 km before the lake at parking.

Road to CHandra Taal from the camp site
The Camp Site is half an hour from the parking for the Lake

Taking vehicles or camping ahead of this point is prohibited. There is one road but you can reach here from two sides. The one from Manali crosses Rohtang pass while the other one crosses Kunzum La. Both of them meet 3 km the lake is just 8 km from Batal.

There is a daily bus from and to Manali and Kaza. One has to get down at Batal and then either take a lift or hike to Chandra Taal. Shared cabs are also available from Manali and Kaza.

Suggested Read: Villages of Spiti Valley A Bawray Banjaray Guide (Part 2)

Best time to visit

Chandra Taal is only accessible during summers when the snow melts and nature give way to the human. Early into summer, during late May, it is found frozen or semi-frozen. While rains of summer and melting snow keeps the wetland alive, the meadows around the lake are carpeted with hundreds of wildflowers.

Frozen Chandra Taal Water
Frozen Reflections at Chandra Taal

Stay Options at Chandra Taal

CB 13 Peak in the background of the campsite for Chandra Taal.

Recently there has been some confusion regarding the abolition of campsites. At the time this article is written there is plenty of options to choose from…

Chandra Taal campsite
Swiss Tents at the Chandra Taal Campsite

As customized as this

A Caravan at Chandrataal campsite
How cool is that!

Further Read: Villages of Spiti Valley A Bawray Banjaray Guide (Part 3)

Have you been to the Chandrataal? Share your stories and photos in the comments below! 🙂

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