Peak Season
Chandratal in September
Himachal Pradesh, India
Best month. Clear skies, cold nights, golden light, low crowd.
Data-scored. No caveats this month.
Why September scores 5/5
Weather
Best month. Clear skies, cold nights, golden light, low crowd.
Roads & Access
self drive: 4WD or high-clearance SUV strongly recommended. Carry spare tyre.. road condition: Rough dirt from Gramphu to Batal. Last 14km from Batal to Chandratal is steep, rutted, and prone to washouts after rain.. public transport: None. No bus service reaches Chandratal.. from nearest city: Manali 110km via Rohtang–Gramphu–Batal (6–8h in season). From Kaza 100km via Kunzum La (4h).. last km difficulty: extreme
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 2/5. note: Altitude pulmonary/cerebral edema risk is real. Do not ascend Chandratal without sleeping at Kaza or Batal first.. rescue: District disaster cell Lahaul–Spiti: 01900-202509.. helpline: 1363. ambulance: 108. nearest hospital: Kaza CHC 100km (summer only via Kunzum). Outside season, evacuation via helicopter from Manali side.
Network
VI: No, JIO: No, BSNL: No, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: No. Zero signal at the lake or campsites. Last signal at Gramphu or Losar depending on carrier.
Kids
Not ideal for kids —
Elevation
4,300m — High altitude, acclimatisation needed
Who should go
- ✓Experienced trekkers / adventurers
- ✓Anyone looking for the best time to visit
Who should think twice
- ✗First-time travelers
- ✗Anyone with health conditions
- ✗Families with young children
- ✗Those prone to altitude sickness
- ✗Anyone needing constant connectivity
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1/5 | Fully closed. Under 3m of snow. Lake frozen. |
| February | 1/5 | Same as January. |
| March | 1/5 | No access. |
| April | 1/5 | Rohtang/Kunzum still shut. Road to Batal buried. |
| May | 2/5 | BRO begins snow-clearing. Road may open late in month but unreliable. |
| June | 3/5 | Opens mid-June most years. Early-season road is rough; lake still partially frozen. |
| July | 5/5 | Prime window. Clear days, lake fully open, camping grounds active. Nights still cold. |
| August | 4/5 | Peak season but afternoon clouds build. Monsoon edge risk. |
| Septemberviewing | 5/5 | Best month. Clear skies, cold nights, golden light, low crowd. |
| October | 3/5 | First snow likely by mid-month. Campsites wrap up. Day-visit only late in month. |
| November | 1/5 | Road closed. Season over. |
| December | 1/5 | Fully closed for winter. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Manali 110km via Rohtang–Gramphu–Batal (6–8h in season). From Kaza 100km via Kunzum La (4h).. Roads: Rough dirt from Gramphu to Batal. Last 14km from Batal to Chandratal is steep, rutted, and prone to washouts after rain.. Self-drive: 4WD or high-clearance SUV strongly recommended. Carry spare tyre.. Public transport: None. No bus service reaches Chandratal.. Last stretch: extreme
Elevation
4,300m
Difficulty
hard
Budget tier
mixed
Nearby in Himachal Pradesh scoring high in September
- Access
- Rough dirt from Gramphu to Batal. Last 14km from Batal to Chandratal is steep, rutted, and prone to washouts after rain.
- Emergency
- 108 · Kaza CHC 100km (summer only via Kunzum). Outside season, evacuation via helicopter from Manali side.
- Stay
- ₹1,500–5,000/night · 8 options
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