Chandratal Lake

Chandratal ('moon lake') lies in a basin of scree and meadow on the Lahaul side of the Kunzum Pass, fed by snowmelt and changing colour with the light. A rough track branches off the Batal–Kunzum road to a parking area, from where it is a 1–1.5 km walk to the shore. To protect the lake, camping is not allowed at the water's edge; designated campsites are a few kilometres back near Tokpo. The lake is only reachable when the passes are open in summer.

1. From Manali via Atal Tunnel, Gramphu and Batal; or from Kaza via Kunzum Pass.
2. A high-clearance vehicle is needed for the final track; many travellers come by shared taxi or tour.
3. From the parking area it is a short walk to the lake.

Mid-June to early October, when Kunzum Pass and the Batal road are open. Nights are near or below freezing even in summer.

• Spend time acclimatising in Kaza or Manali first; this is above 4,000 m.
• Do not camp or drive to the shoreline — it is protected.
• There is no fuel, network or medical help between Batal and Kaza; carry essentials.

Individual pages for these are added as they are reviewed.

• Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh (month by month, by region)
• Spiti Valley: when to go, how to get there and what to see