Chandratal Lake Tour

Known as the "Moon Lake" due to its crescent shape, Chandratal is a high-altitude glacial lake at 4,300 meters (14,100 ft) in the Spiti Valley. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Indian Himalayas, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters that change colors throughout the day.

Chandratal Lake Tour

Embark on a journey to one of the most breathtaking high-altitude lakes in the world. Named for its unique crescent shape, Chandratal (The Moon Lake) is situated at an altitude of 4,250 meters in the Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. This tour is not just a sightseeing trip; it is an expedition into the raw, untouched heart of the Himalayas. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Moulkila and Chandrabhaga ranges, the lake is famous for its shimmering turquoise waters that change colors—from deep blue to emerald green—as the sun moves across the sky.

Tour Itinerary

Manali to Solang Valley

Your expedition to the Moon Lake begins with a scenic drive from the bustling streets of Manali toward the iconic Solang Valley. Solang Valley, often referred to as the “Adventure Capital of Himachal Pradesh,” is a side valley at the top of the Kullu Valley. Located about 14 km from Manali, it sits at an elevation of approximately 2,560 meters (8,400 ft) and serves as the primary playground for snow enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. It is the venue for Adventure Activities such as Ropeway Joyride, Paragliding & other adventure games.

Solang Valley to Atal Tunnel

Leaving the adventure hubs of Solang Valley behind, the road begins a winding ascent through a pristine alpine landscape toward the Atal Tunnel. The Atal Tunnel is a 9.02 km long engineering masterpiece that has fundamentally changed the travel landscape of North India. It holds the record as the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). By cutting through the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, it bypasses the treacherous Rohtang Pass, turning what was once a 4 to 5-hour dangerous climb into a safe 30-minute drive.

Atal Tunnel to Kokksar

Drive from Atal Tunnel to Kokksar. Within seconds, the lush greenery of Manali vanishes, replaced by the grand, high-altitude desert of Lahaul. Kokksar (also spelled Khoksar) is the first village you encounter in the Lahaul Valley after exiting the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel. Sitting at an altitude of approximately 3,140 meters (10,300 ft), it is often called the “coldest village in Lahaul” and serves as a vital gateway between the lush Kullu Valley and the high-altitude desert of Spiti and Leh.

Kokksar to Gramphu

Drive continues along the banks of the Chandra River toward Gramphu, one of the most critical junctions in the Himalayas. Gramphu is a critical, yet small, geographic junction in the Lahaul and Spiti district. At an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,500 ft). While it isn’t a “village” with a resident population in the traditional sense, it is arguably the most important crossroads for anyone traveling through the high Himalayas.

Gramphu to Chhatru

Leaving the junction at Gramphu, you bid farewell to paved roads and enter the wild heart of the Chandra Valley. Chhatru (or Chatru) is a rugged, desolate, yet breathtakingly beautiful outpost in the Lahaul and Spiti district. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,350 meters (11,000 ft), it serves as the first major stop for travelers moving from Manali toward Spiti Valley or Chandratal Lake.

Chhatru to Batal

The journey from Chhatru to Batal is a spectacular drive through a valley that feels like it belongs on another planet. Batal is the true “Frontier Outpost” of the Lahaul and Spiti region. At an elevation of 4,000 meters (13,123 ft), it is not a village in the traditional sense, but a crucial survival point located on the banks of the Chandra River. Batal is famous for Chacha-Chachi Dhaba (Chandra Dhaba). Run by an elderly couple, Dorje Bodh (Chacha) and Hishey Chhomo (Chachi), since 1975, this dhaba is the heartbeat of Batal.

Batal to Chandratal Lake

The drive from Batal to Chandratal is the climax of your journey. Chandratal, the “Lake of the Moon,” is a high-altitude glacial lake nestled at 4,300 meters (14,100 ft) in the Lahaul and Spiti district. It is world- renowned for its crescent shape and crystal-clear turquoise waters that reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Chandratal Lake Tour