Overview
Manali Chandra Taal Tour
- Hotels
- Meals
- Sightseeing
- Transfers
Duration Starts from Ends at Difficulty level Age group |
: 2 Nights / 3 Days : Manali : Manali : Moderate : 12-45 years |
Chandertaal Lake is a spectacular sweet water lake, located in the midst of dry arid landscape of Spiti. The lake is bean shaped and has a circumference of about 2.8 kms. The lake is situated at an altitude of about 4200 Mtrs. The water is crystal clear, and it boasts of different shades of blue as the day progresses.
One can trek from Kunzum Pass situated at an altitude of 4550 Mtrs. From here it is largely a downhill walk. Magnificent views of high Himalayan peaks of the CB range are in the vicinity all around. Chandertaal Lake is the source of Chandra River, which later confluences with Bhaga to form Chandra Bhaga and is later called the Chenab. The lake is visited as a day hike, and the entire day is spent at the lake enjoying its beautiful surroundings with a picnic lunch. This trip can be customised to cover places around Chandertaal.
Attractions around Chandratal Lake:
- Kunzum Pass– This pass connects Spiti valley to Lahaul valley. The almost 9 km distance between Kunzum Pass and the lake can only be traversed by foot. You are floored by the splendid view of the Bara Shigri glacier from the pass.
- Baralacha La pass– At an imposing altitude of 16,040 feet, Baralacha La is one of the most treacherous passes in the Spiti Valley. It is at a distance of 35.7 km from Chandratal lake. It takes a trek of 2-3 days from the lake to reach Baralacha La pass.
- Suraj Tal– This sacred lake, also called the lake of Sun God, is the third-highest lake in India. Located under the Baralacha La Pass, you can explore this exquisite marvel of nature by undertaking a trek of 2 to 3 days from Chandratal lake.
- Rohtang Pass– The distance between the Chandra Taal lake and Rohtang Pass is 36.7 km. This beautiful pass treats you to majestic views of Lahaul Valley, cryptic glaciers and massive peaks.
- Bara Shigri Glacier– This 25 km long and 3 km wide icy jewel is the largest glacier in Himachal Pradesh. Cradled between the Himalayan mammoths of White Sail, Indrasen, Kulu Makalu and Parvati Peak, this spotless beauty feeds the largest river of Himachal Pradesh, the Chenab river. Located in the Chandra valley of Lahaul district, the glacier is at a distance of 4 km from Batal and 40 km from Rohtang Pass. It is believed that Chandratal lake originated from this glacier.
- Chicham Village– The exquisite mountain village of Chicham is precariously nestled across a deep gorge. Famous for its unique architecture, it is at a distance of 37.8 km from the lake. As recent as October 2017, Chicham village was cut off from the rest of the world because of its dangerous location. In November 2017, Chicham bridge, the highest in Asia and perched at an elevation of 13,597 feet connected the obscure Chicham village to Kibber village though a motorable road.
- Hampta Pass-Located at a distance of 34.5 km from the lake, Hampta Pass lies in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas at an elevation of 14,010 feet. Trekkers undertaking the Hampta Pass trek usually extend their itinerary by 1 to 2 days to visit the stunningly beautiful lake.
- Key Monastery– At 13,688 feet above sea level, the beautifully calm Tibetan Monastery is perched on a hilltop in Spiti Valley. It is at a distance of 42.5 km from the lake. You meditate, whisper Buddhist chants, enjoy splendid views of the Spiti river and learn the fascinating history of the place while sipping the therapeutic herbal tea at this magical site.
Itinerary
Day 1
Reach Manali Campsite
Reach Manali Campsite by noon and enjoy lunch at the campsite and enjoy the local sightseeing. Cabs will pick and drop at manali main market for sightseeing. Return and enjoy dinner at the campsite with a bonfire. Stay in Swiss tents on a twin/triple sharing basis.
Day 2
Drive of approx 6-7 hours to Chandratal campsite
After Breakfast, Drive of approx 6-7 hours to Chandratal campsite.Visit to chandratal lake in the evening via small walk from the cab parking point of 15-20 minutes at height of 14000 ft approx and return back to Chandratal campsite and stay overnight in Swiss tents on twin/triple sharing basis.
Day 3
Drive back to Manali
After Breakfast, Drive back to Manali and drop at Manali main market by afternoon.
Inclusions
- Transport Manali - Manali.
- Meals - 01 lunch, 02 dinners, 02 breakfasts.
- All Veg meals including eggs.
- All camping facilities.
- 2/3 Men tent system (Swisstents).
- Clock room facility.
- Bonfire at Manali Campsite.
- Manali Sightseeing (Hadimba temple, Manu Temple,Jogini Falls,Nehru Kund, Museum, Mall Road, Old Manali Market, Monastery, Nature Park, Van-Vihar).
Exclusions
- Meal cost while traveling to and fro.
- Any unforeseen medical issue.
- Entry fees at any sightseeing point.
- GST.
- Insurance.
Important Information
Advisory about activity:
- If coming straight to our base in Haripur get down at Patlikuhl bus stand, 14 km short of New Manali bus stand.
- Wear shoes and clothes you are comfortable in and do not forget waterproof jackets and warm clothing.
- Soak up the atmosphere – close your eyes and take in the sights and sounds as you explore and observe.
- Do not litter the environment. Polythene and plastics are non-biodegradable and unhealthy for the environment and must not be littered or burned and should be carried back.
Adventure Gear List:
Woollen cap and woollen gloves, thermal under-garments, warm sweater, woollen trousers / thick track pants for trekking, woollen socks, rain gear (jacket, trousers/ parkha), warm jacket, torch, full sleeves t – shirts, sun block lotion, chap-stick (lip salve), good hiking (preferably waterproof) shoes with ankle support, gaiters, camera, films, battery backup etc. one duffel bag for personal items (sky bags etc. will not be accepted to be carried by horse – not more than 10 kg strictly), one knapsack for item of daily use (to be carried by you), personal medicines.
OUR GUARANTEE
With our every escapade we bring you closer to the best of adventure travel. We bring you an experience that encompasses the quiet and the wild, the divine, the exotic and the spiritual side of “The Valley of The Gods.”
Chandratal Weather and Temperature
Located in the remote regions of Himalayas, the glacial lake is mostly cold all through the year. chandratal lake in monsoon
Summer: With day time temperatures varying between 12 to 20 degrees Celsius, summers can be pleasant. Nights can be unusually cold with temperatures ranging from -2 to 6 degrees Celsius.
Winters: Winter is not the right time to venture to the frosty lake. The biting cold conditions can be unbearably cruel with temperatures going as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius.
Best Time to visit Chandratal Lake
- The route to the lake is open from June third-week to November first-week. The lake can be visited between Mid June to July, and September to Mid October.
- The region is still covered in snow in June and July.
- There are chances of road blockage, especially from Batal to Chandratal, from Manali side.
- From Losar-Kunzum Pass to Chandratal, the route is notorious for its infamous water crossings on the Kunzum side.
- The month of August brings downpour in the region. You may face some tricky situations in the lower regions of the route. As you venture into the upper terrains-Rohtang Pass from the Manali side and Kaza from Kinnaur side-the weather is much in control.
- The month of September is the ideal time to hit on the Chandratal Lake trip. You are treated to the most breathtaking views, nothing short of a slice of heaven.
- The beauty of the lake cupped between mountain scree and cirque on each side, and overlooking a carpet of blazing fall foliage, is simply unparalleled.
- The temperatures start falling from October onwards. It starts to snow in October and temperatures fluctuate between near zero in the day time and to sub-zero degrees during the night time.
- The route to the lake may close in October depending upon the amount of snowfall and severity of the cold.
When is Chandratal Lake open?
- Because of its high-altitude location and hostile weather conditions, the lake remains inaccessible for almost 8 months in a year.
- It is open from the 3rd week of June to November first week, for almost four and a half months. As mentioned earlier, the region may experience heavy snowfall in the month of October, leading to an early closure of the Chandratal Lake route.
- September is the best time to celebrate the beauty of the region. The fall season enamours you with rainbow tones of Himalayan flora set against the infinite expanse of clear blue skies.