Chandra Taal , Moon Lake of India, is a barren yet beautiful lake located in Himachal Pradesh, Northern India, at about 14,200 feet. The lake is located in the Himachal Pradesh districts of Lahaul and Spiti. The lake is six kilometres from Kumzum Pass.
The crescent shape of Chandra Taal inspired its name. The traders who came to this region froma Ladakh or Tibet are thought to have discovered Chandra taal. After an exhausting journey, traders rested near this lake before continuing to Spiti or Kullu . This sweet water lake is approximately 2.5 kilometres wide. The lake is the source of the River Chandra, which joins the River Bhaga to form the River Chandrabhaga. The lake is only open during the summer months. The lake is usually frozen and cut off during the remaining seasons. The colour of Chandra taal is usually blue, but it changes with the colour of the sky. The Chandra Bhaga mountain range provides an ideal backdrop for this lake.
Even though the area is normally barren and devoid of human settlement, Chandra taal is a popular camping spot during the summer. Travellers are usually taken aback by its blue colour, bordered by a wide carpet of green grasses and the pure white colour of the Chandra Bhaga mountain ranges.
Trekking At Chandra Taal Lake:
The Chandratal Baralacha Trek takes you through vast landscapes, and lush green meadows, rocky mountain passes while overlooking the turquoise blue waters of the lake; sightings of endemic wildlife add to the excitement!
The Chandratal Lake Trek:
Follows a scenic road with a stunning panoramic view of the Lahaul range, including the snow-capped peaks of Minar, Talagiri, Tara Pahar, and Mulkila, which tower over 6000 metres above the valley. The journey eventually takes you to a point 5000 metres above the ground. What a rush! It does not require you to be an expert, and the difficulty level is quite moderate. However, high fitness levels and stamina are required when walking at such a high altitude. The only time the trek becomes difficult is when crossing a river, but this is manageable.
A Night At Chandra Taal Lake:
Chandratal Lake is named after the moon because of its shape and how it reflects the moon. The pristine lake appears deep aquatic blue in the morning, turns greenish as evening approaches and looks like a vast pit of pitch-black metal as night falls.
Staying At Chandra Taal Lake:
Finding suitable accommodation at Chandratal Lake height is difficult. It all comes down to your level of travel. Are you perplexed? Don't be because it's incredibly simple. Accommodation will be the last thing on your list if you are a true traveller. So, for daring travellers like you, Chandratal Lake has a vast expanse of lush green meadows to pitch your tent. Batal has a good selection of guest houses for the rest of the tourists.
According to Hindu mythology, Chandra Taal is where the King of Gods, Indra, forbade using his chariot to transport Yudhishthira, the eldest of the five Pandavas of Mahabharat. Locals have long believed that fairies visit this lake at night. There are few places to stay in Chandra Taal. The main places to stay in Batal and Kunzum Pass are PWD rooms, and guest houses rented out by the villagers. Most visitors prefer to stay in a camp at Chandra Taal during the summer.
The months of June to September are ideal for visiting this lake. It is best to visit Chandra Taal between July and August, when the roads have been cleaned, making Chandra Taal accessible by road.