Chandratal
Himachal Pradesh · 4,300m
Crescent-shaped lake at 4,300m — reachable only in summer, camped beside on borrowed time.
- Price
- ₹1,500–5,000/night
- Best window
- Jul – Sep
- Access
- Manali 110km via Rohtang–Gramphu–Batal (6–8h in season). From Kaza 100km via Kunzum La (4h).
- Emergency
- 108 · Kaza CHC 100km (summer only via Kunzum). Outside season, evacuation via helicopter from Manali side.
Why Special
Chandratal (the Moon Lake) sits in a high-altitude bowl near the Kunzum Pass, accessible only when the road from Batal is clear — typically late June to mid-October. The lake changes colour through the day from turquoise to deep blue as the light shifts. Camping is permitted at a designated ground 3km from the lake. It's one of the highest lakes in India with road access, and often the centrepiece of a Manali-Spiti-Manali loop.
Who Should Think Twice
Infrastructure concerns
No phone signal — can't call for help
Signal drops to zero in many areas
Difficult last-mile access
High altitude (4,300m) — AMS risk for children and elderly
Difficult access — rough roads, long drives
Infrastructure Reality
Network Coverage
Zero signal at the lake or campsites. Last signal at Gramphu or Losar depending on carrier.
Medical & Emergency
Hospital: Kaza CHC 100km (summer only via Kunzum). Outside season, evacuation via helicopter from Manali side.
Ambulance: 108
Getting There
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.
Public transport: None. No bus service reaches Chandratal.
Fuel & Stay
Fuel: Tandi (120km) via Manali side; Kaza (100km) via Spiti side.
⚠ Carry extra fuel
Stay: ₹1,500–5,000/night
8+ options (Swiss-tent camps)
Emergency: Batal PWD rest house 14km below, or Kunzum Mata temple shelter (emergencies only).
Helpline: 1363
Daily Budget Reality
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