Chandra Taal Lake : Where for a moment the heart stops!
Hello all,
एक बार मरने से पहले चंद्रताल देखना चाहता हूँ। मनाली से बहोत आगे, हिमालय के बिचो बीच, नीला- हरा पानी, और…. ज़रा सी भी आवाज़ नहीं।।। – Movie name : Lootera.
I am amazed by the writer of this dialogue because he has portrayed the essence of the lake in such simple yet impactful words! You might not understand the meaning while watching the movie, but you can definitely feel the intensity. You can hear Ranveer’s desire to visit the place, and just like that, it might become your desire. You also want to feel that calmness and that profound peace.
My aunt has visited Chandrataal five times, all via treks—not by vehicle. All these treks were at least 10-15 years ago. Even today, I can see a twinkle in her eyes and bliss on her face whenever she talks about Chandrataal. This is how visiting this mystic lake became our dream, too!
When we last visited Lahaul, we tried to fit this into our itinerary, but it was not possible. This time, we made sure to visit this dreamy lake anyway.
Why is it called Chandrataal?
The lake’s name comes from its crescent shape, like the moon. It is the source of the river Chandra, a tributary of the river Chenub.
Location:
Many people believe that the lake is in Spiti Valley due to its proximity to Kumzum Pass, but in reality, it lies in the watershed of the Lahaul and Spiti. Kumzum La separates both these valleys.
Stories behind the lake:
The Bhotia tribes of the Spiti Valley believe that the lake is a sacred place and is home to their fairies and goddesses.
It is also believed that Yudhishthir, the eldest Pandav, entered heaven from this lake.
There is a love story associated with the lake.
Bhaga was the only son of the Sun God, and Chandra, the moon’s daughter, met first at the Baralacha La and instantly fell in love. However, the sun and moon gods were against their love as they wanted their children to spread light during the day and night, respectively. So Chandra and Bhaga decided to elope and meet at the Baralacha la pass. Chandra arrived first and landed on the earth where Chandra Tal Lake is located, and Bhaga arrived where Suraj Tal is. They both met at Tandi. The route Chandra took was 115 km, and she was intelligent, agile, and active. She quickly found her way (present Chandra River). The course that Bhaga took was 60 km, but it was challenging, so he had to struggle through narrow valleys and gorges (the current Bhaga River). Eventually, both rivers met at Tandi, where Chandra and Bhaga’s marriage took place.
Another folk tale is also associated with this lake.
The shepherd once visited this lake and played his flute. With the mysterious melody, there came a mermaid from the lake. The shepherd fell in love with her. He was married, but he kept it a secret from her. They fell in love. The mermaid warned him to keep their love a secret. Once, the shepherd told his wife the truth, and the mermaid also came to know about the shepherd’s marital status. She never came back to meet him. Locals believe that you can still hear the melody of the flue at night near the lake.
It is said that the lake changes its colors seven times a day. From reddish-orange hue to blue-green! The mighty mountains cradling the surreal lake are a site to behold. It is a perfect magical dreamscape that calms all your cells to an atomic level. You might not realize, and you will enter a state of trance. Just mountain in front, the lake just beside you, and you are sitting at the bank. The whole world might cease to exist. There may be people around you, maybe in your mind, but not anymore. These changes will happen so subtly that you might not even realize, and it is time to go back! So my sincere urge to you is, don’t waste your time in capturing pictures; I mean, definitely do that, but then keep all things aside, all worries aside, and just sit there. Silently. Let the Mother Nature talk to you. Let her make conversation with you. Just listen. Just ask the unsolved queries. You might get your answers. The divine energy around the lake will take you to an illusory world where nothing makes sense, yet everything is profoundly meaningful.
Altitude: 14,100 feet
Trek distance: 1.5 km
Trek level: easy but can be moderate for some because of altitude.
Distance of lake from Manali:
Distance of lake from Kumzum pass :
Distance from Batal: 14 km
Time from Manali to the lake: Don’t go by Google Maps. It May show you 4-5 hours, but it takes at least 6-7 hours because once you cross the diversion of Rohtang pass, the roads are terrible. It is an entirely off-road drive in mountain terrain—the road to Chandrataal branches off from NH-505, about 3 km from Batal.
Best time to visit:
The winter is extremely harsh here, so the best time is May to Early October. However, depending on the weather, the camps might be closed early.
Things to do at the lake:
Take pictures!
Follow the trail around the lake:
There is a trail all around the trek, which is approximately 5 km and without any steepness. It is easy and serene, as most people won’t follow it.
Hike to the viewpoint:
When you come from the parking area, a small hill is on your left side. It takes around 10-15 minutes to reach the top, and it is well worth it as you get a panoramic view of the lake.
Stargazing:
If you are coming in summer or the monsoon months, you can stay at the camps just below the parking area, and it is well worth it. People say the sky of Chandrataal is enigmatic and enchanting at night.
Trekking :
From here, some trails lead to Kumzum Pass or Baralacha La Pass. Some people also come to the lake via trekking from Batal. The meadows in between are breathtaking.
Wildlife exploration:
The lake is a part of the wildlife sanctuary. If you are a wildlife lover, then you might be interested in seeing some rare Himalayan bird species here. And if you are lucky, you might get to see a Himalayan bear or snow leopard.
Things to carry:
Warm clothes:
The weather is unpredictable, and you are at an altitude of 14,000 feet, so evenings and nights are always cold. A warm jacket, thermals, socks, and gloves, along with a rain jacket, should be your companions.
Medication:
A basic first aid kit with essential medications and Diamox is a must.
Points to consider:
- The drive to the lake is cumbersome, so please get ready mentally.
- Please keep some snacks with you as you might not find many dhabas. Few are at Chhatru, and one is at Batal.
- There are a few glamping camps at the base and Batal, but they are closed from October to May. They were closed just a few days before our visit.
- Keep yourself hydrated. Please drink lots of water.
- Please acclimate properly to Manali before visiting this lake.
- Don’t litter. This is an extremely sensitive ecological terrain, and we must travel responsibly.
- If you are planning to stay at the campsite below the lake, book in advance. They are always full in the peak season.
The a lluring beauty of the lake is dumbfounding, will definitely hypnotize you, and will be in your soul forever! The kaleidoscopic aura of the lake speaks silently in the flutter of Buddhist flags or in the gentle wind. It shows the divinity in the majestic mountains and calm water, and it touches your heart in a way that automatically starts to play a melodious tune with its strings.
Thank you…
Always mesmerising with your words. Each word creates a picture in front of reader’s eyes 👀 Stay blessed lovey couple
Thank you so much…
Wonderful place,
nice write up 👍
Thank you…
Ye aapne likha hain …
Nice blog and very well written ..👌🏻
somaji. Himalayan destination
Thank you.. aapki vajah se hi possible hua…
👌🏻👌🏻
Thank you…
I am waiting for this 👍
🤗🤗
I am waiting for your blog it’s really amazing and we must visit this place thanks for your information
Thank you…