Entry Fees For Chandratal Lake

Chandratal, the moon lake, is famous for its crescent shape, its deep blue water at roughly 4,300 m, and the near-perfect reflections of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. It is one of the highest lakes in India, sits close to the source of the Chandra River, and is protected as a Ramsar wetland. Travellers come for the camping, the trekking and one of the darkest, clearest night skies in the country.

The lake is reachable only from about late June to mid-October, once the Border Roads Organisation clears Kunzum Pass and the Batal track. July and August are warmest with meadows in bloom, while September brings the clearest skies, thinner crowds and the best stargazing. From November to May the passes are snowbound and Chandratal is closed to visitors.

From Manali it is about 120 to 125 km through the Atal Tunnel to Gramphu, then east past Chhatru and Chhota Dara to Batal, followed by a rough 14 km track to the parking area and a short walk to the lake. Allow 6 to 8 hours and use a high-clearance vehicle or shared cab; the Batal stretch is too rough for ordinary cars. Our detailed how-to-reach guide has the full route.