Hampta Pass Trek With Chandratal Lake

Chandra Tal meaning the Lake of Moon is situated at an altitude of 4270 m in the Himalayan region of Lahaul and Spi ti. Situated mostly in the part of Spiti. The trek to Chandratal the "Moon Lake” is almost like going to the moon. You almost feel like the first explorers going to a new place for the first time. Chandratal is a popular destination for trekkers and campers. It was once a tentative place for traders from Tibet and Ladakh who went to Spiti and the Kullu valley, but today it attracts a large number of adventure enthusiasts from across the world. 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 adventure lovers. Set on a large meadow between lower ridge and main Kunzum range, it offers excellent view of Mulkila mountain range and Samudra Tapu Glacier. The color of water keeps changing through out the day from reddish to orange to blue to emerald green as day passes. The trek follows Chandra River till it level-up at Chandratal. The places on the way of this trek are Manali, Keylong, Baralacha La, Tokpo Gongma, Tokpo Yongma, Chandra Tal, Batal & Manali. Here are some ancient temples worth a visit. From here the trail climbs steadily through evergreen forests and meadows with numerous streams towards the village Khanol. Then further to one of the most famous peaks in Kullu district – the Deo Tibba (6001 m). An easy trek with some of the most beautiful walks in Manali region.

At Trekking in Himachal, we offer an exclusive Chandra Tal Trekking Tour for adventure lovers. The Lake is accessible on foot from Batal as well as from Kunzom la pass from late May to mid of October. There is motor able road from Batal which is 16 kms but before mid of July conditions of road can be bad, but less than 2 kms of walk is essential from road head. Walking on Chandra Tal trek will offer an ultimate experience similar to the experience of going to the moon. You will pass through two high mountain ranges named Moulkila and Chandrabhaga, which are quite challenging for mountaineers. As a result, Chandra Tal is counted among sacred lakes of India and grabs the attention of lots of Hindu devotees. The color of water of this holy lake keeps changing from reddish to orange to blue to emerald green as the day ends. Trail from Kunzom is more scenic and panoramic overlooking Samudra Tapu glacier, Chandra River and CB peaks. It is 8 kms and takes only 4 hrs. walk from Kunzom to Chandratal Lake. There is no visible source of this Lake yet it takes all its source underground. Further, you will see the beautiful snow-covered mountain peaks and slopes. There is a legendary story associated with this lake. It is believed that this lake is located at a place from where the chariot of the god Indra picked up Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers. During summer banks of this Lake are filled with wild flowers. The vast meadows of Lake and its surroundings is favourite summer home for Gaddi Shepherds who graze their flocks in the vicinity of the Lake. The Gaddi shepherds has long held traditional grazing rights in the area. The Lake is also one of the two high altitude wetlands of India which have been designated as Ramsar sites.

From June to September a large number of tourists visit the lake. This is also the time when shepherds from Kangra, Mandi and Kullu can be seen with their herds of sheep at Chandra pastures. The Chandratal trek is rated moderate by most people. Along with it when you can feast your eyes with the unparalleled beauty of this landscape, unique in many respect compared to the other Himalayan treks. The clear blue sky and the rugged brown rolling mountains, almost treeless, form a picture perfect image. This landscape goes on for miles interspersed with lush green meadows, and the sparkling Chandra river down below. The days are not cold but the temperature drops quickly after the sun sets, and the wind adds its bit. The best way to keep warm is to wear clothes in layers.