Chandra Taal (meaning the Lake of the Moon), or Chandra Tal, is situated at an altitude of about 4,300 metres (14,100 ft) in the Himalayas. Mountains of scree overlook the lake on one side, and a magnificent cirque presents a view on the other. The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape. Situated in the Spiti part of the Lahul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh (India), Chandra Taal is a popular destination for trekkers and campers. The lake is accessible on foot from Batal as well as from Kunzum Pass
from late May to early October. There is also a motorable road from
Batal which is 16 km (9.9 miles) away from Chandra Taal, but before August,
its condition can be bad. The road from Kunzum Pass is accessible only
on foot, and it is about 8 km (5.0 mi) from Chandra Taal. Suraj Tal is also accessible Chandra Taal, 30 km (19 mi) away.
Vast meadows on the banks of the lake are the camping sites. During
springtime, these meadows are carpeted with hundreds of kinds of
wildflowers.
The most surprising thing about this lake is that there is no visible
source of this lake but there is a visible outlet of this lake which
means that water to this lake comes from underground.
The lake is situated on the Samudra Tapu plateau, which overlooks the Chandra River. The lake is one of two high-altitude wetlands of India which have been designated as Ramsar sites. Boasting of a circumference of about 2.5 kms, the
deep blue-water of Chandra Tal Lake is the source
of the Chandra river.
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| Chandratal copyright:dhurjati-chatterjee |
The Chandratal lake, once a halting place for
traders who went to Spiti and the Kullu valley from Tibet
and Ladakh attracts a large number of photographers and adventure
lovers.
The mountains peaks with snow caps and slopes
around the valley rise up to 3000 meters to 6300 meters. The mountain
ranges are called Moulkila and Chandrabhaga which
challenge mountaineers.
This crystal clear blue water lake lies in a
broad grassy plain, which in ancient times was a
glacier, Idle for camping, can be approached from
Manali and by Kaza.
