Chandratal Lake: Weather, Trek, Temperature, Best Time

Chandratal Lake: Weather, Trek, Temperature, Best Time

Chandratal Lake is a beautiful lake in the Himalayas that looks like a crescent moon. It is a freshwater lake situated amidst the stunning mountains of the Spiti Valley, on the Samudra Tal plateau. It stretches for about 2.5 km and is a popular attraction for tourists from all around the world who come to admire its natural beauty.

Best time to visit Chandratal Lake: 

The best time to visit Chandratal Lake is in September when you can enjoy the most breathtaking views of the lake. However, as the month of September progresses, the temperature starts to drop again, which can make it less enjoyable for travellers. (September and October are recommended)

Note: During the months of June and July, there may still be snow in the region surrounding Chandratal Lake, which could cause road blockages. August is monsoon season and the onset of heavy rain can make it hard to visit the lake due to landslides and bad road conditions. It is best to avoid traveling to Chandratal Lake during the monsoon season in August.

Chandratal temperature: 

• The temperature at Chandratal Lake varies depending on the season.
•  In summer (May to July), the temperature ranges from 12°C to 20°C during the day and drops to around 5°C at night.
• During the monsoon season (August to September), the temperature ranges from 10°C to 16°C during the day and around 3°C to 7°C at night.
•  In winter (October to April), the temperature can drop as low as -15°C at night, and during the day, it ranges from 5°C to 10°C.
•  You should prepare for these temperature variations depending on when you plan to visit Chandratal Lake.

Chandratal weather: The temperature varies throughout the year. During summer it’s warmer whereas at night it gets breezy cold. However, at the time of monsoon, the weather is cold during the day but much cooler at night. Lastly, the winters are extremely cold in both day and night. Always check the weather before visiting and pack accordingly.

Manali to Chandratal lake: The distance from Manali to Chandratal is around 115 kilometres, but the road is in very bad condition. So, it will take you between 6 to 8 hours to travel that distance.

1.    By bus: You can take the Manali to Kaza bus and get off at Batal or Chandratal diversion. Then, walk or hitchhike to the lake. A shared cab is possible but not guaranteed. HRTC started a bus from Kaza to Chandratal but it runs only a few months a year, depending on the road conditions.
2.    By cab/taxi: You can hire a private taxi from Manali to Chandratal Lake for Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000, but during peak season, it can cost more. Shared taxis go to Kaza, and the fare is between Rs. 500 to Rs. 700 per person.

How to reach: If you're planning a trip from Manali to Chandratal Lake, there are two routes you can take. One goes through Rohtang Pass while the other goes through Rohtang Tunnel. The first route involves climbing up and then getting down the pass near Gramphoo. The second route avoids the pass and takes you through Lahaul Valley, Kokhsar, and then to Gramphoo before continuing to Chandratal Lake.

In the forest area of Chandratal trek, there is no electricity. Therefore, we use strobe lights, solar lights, and candles at night. If you plan to go on this trek, bring your own headlight. It's also advisable to carry a fully charged phone as most people use their phones

Chandratal Lake: Weather, Trek, Temperature, Best Time – Sample Itinerary

Chandratal lake trek: Conclusion
Chandratal Lake Trek is a popular and stunning destination for tourists interested in hiking and camping. Situated in the Chandrabhaga Range and located 14 km from Batal, the lake is surrounded by vast meadows and offers breath-taking views of the surrounding peaks. Visitors can access the lake by foot from Batal or Kunzum Pass between May and October, and accommodation is available just 5 km from the lake. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the beauty of Chandratal Lake on your next trekking adventure!