Chandratal to Manali Distance Guide

Chandratal is a beautiful hidden high altitude lake in Himachal Pradesh. A visit to this place rejuvenates the soul and reconnects one with nature.

Road Conditions: Rough dirt tracks, river crossings and rocky patches. Vehicles with high ground clearance are recommended.

You can take a shared bus or taxi from Manali to Kaza, get down at Batal and either hitchhike or walk the rest of the way. However, this option may not be suitable for travelers with issues of altitude.

Road Conditions

Chandratal is not the easiest place to reach but if you’re willing to brave it, you can make this beautiful lake part of your budget Himalayan trip. The road to Chandratal is a mix of dirt tracks and rocky paths with river crossings that require skill and caution. The roads are also prone to snowfall, so you need to have good driving skills and a vehicle with high ground clearance.

The Manali Kaza Road is usually closed in winter from November until May. Heaps of snow occupy the route beyond Losar and you can only travel as far as Batal in these months. This year, however, there has been average snowfall and the road should open by early June at the latest.

Once you’re on the road, you’ll come across a famous dhaba called ‘Batal Chandra Dhaba’ where you can stop for food and drink. The road continues for 12.5 km until it ends at a parking point where you must park your vehicle and trek the remaining 1.5 km to Chandratal.

Alternatively, you can hire a taxi from Kaza Taxi Union for 10,000INR (AU$190) to take you to Chandratal and back to Kaza. This price includes an overnight stay at Chandratal and the return journey to Kaza. This option is best for those who don’t want to worry about navigating the difficult mountain roads by themselves.

Distance

Chandratal is a beautiful lake perched at an altitude of 4,300 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers a stunning vista of the Himalayan landscape. It is also a popular destination for those seeking spiritual awakening. The place is known for its mysterious atmosphere and a sense of tranquility. Many people visit the place to get away from the chaos of modern life and reconnect with nature.

The road to Chandratal from Batal is a mixture of dirt tracks and rocky paths, which makes the journey challenging. The route is also dotted with numerous waterfalls and river crossings. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for this road as it can tackle the tough terrains better than a regular car.

Travelling from Manali to Chandratal in a day is possible, but it is highly discouraged as the roads are rough and can lead to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). It’s advisable to camp at least one night near the lake to enjoy the experience and acclimatize.

The nearest railway station to Chandratal is Joginder Nagar in Mandi, which is around 290 km from the place. There are no direct buses to the lake, but there are several HRTC buses that start from Manali and reach Kaza. Those interested in taking the bus route can check the availability of seats and book their tickets online.

Time

Chandratal is not easy to get to, especially if you aren’t travelling in your own vehicle. The place is not frequented by many as it is difficult to reach and has no public transport options. It requires a long trek or a rough detour off the Manali-Kaza road near Batal.

The place offers a stunning view of the valley and its mountains, which is just a perfect way to connect with nature. It is also a great place for star gazing as it has one of the most clear sky in the region. Moreover, you can go camping as it is one of the best things to do at Chandratal.

It is recommended that you carry your own first aid kit while visiting the place as it doesn’t have any proper medical facilities in the vicinity. For any kind of medical assistance, you need to travel all the way to Kaza or Manali.

Getting to Chandratal is not an easy task as the roads are pretty bad and have numerous water crossings. If you want to make your journey a hassle-free and comfortable experience, then the best way is to hire a taxi. You can choose from a wide variety of cars such as a compact hatchback, sedan car, or a high-end Innova Crysta car. You can find various cab aggregators that offer a Manali to Chandratal taxi service, but it is highly advised that you book the one that is backed by years of experience and has a good reputation.

Getting There

Chandratal Lake is one of the most magical and stunning high altitude lakes in India. Famed for its bright blue color, this hidden lake is believed to have been the spot from where Yudhisthira (eldest Pandava brother) was taken to heaven by Indra in his chariot. The lake is also considered a very spiritual place in Himachal Pradesh. However, the road to Chandra Tal is very rough and the area has limited accommodation options. So it is best to visit the lake during summer months of May to October.

The process of getting there starts with boarding a non-ac bus from Shimla to Reckong Peo. From there, take a bus that goes to Kaza. The bus will stop at the diversion point for Chandratal Lake after it crosses Batal. From there, you will have to hike or hitchhike the rest of the way to the lake.

The road to Chandratal is extremely treacherous and only suitable for vehicles with high ground clearance (like SUVs). It’s a long, bumpy ride that goes through many waterfall crossings. So, it’s not recommended for anyone who suffers from AMS or is not very fit. Once you reach the diversion point, you will need to hike about 3 km to Chandratal Lake. You can camp near the lake if you want to stay for a night or two.