Chandratal lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in India. We cover this during our Milky Way Photography Tour to Spiti Valley. I was fortunate to visit this place several times during the past 10 years, sometimes two times a year.
Though it is quite challenging, it is one of my favorite places in India.
See my pictures of Chandratal Lake Spiti Valley in better resolution here.
Chandratal Lake Entry Fee 2025 Update
The forest department now takes a fee for one time entry to Chandratal Lake
Entry fee for Indians - Rs.150/- (single entry)
Entry fee for foreigners - Rs.500/- (single entry)
Personal Photography/Videography Rs.500/- (single entry)
Drones are not allowed. Violaters will be prosecuted.
Night photography is not allowed now, as the entry gate closes by 6pm.
If you want to go early morning, you will have to take the entry pass after paying the fee in advance the evening before.
Where is Chandratal lake located?
Chandratal is located in Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh.
Chandratal Lake Altitude
Chandratal Lake is at an elevation of 14100 feet or 4,300 meters.
Chandratal Lake Camping at Night
Camping is forbidden on the banks of Chandratal. In fact, you can't go beyond the check post at the camping area at night. It was allowed at one time, but no more. Thank God! Another disaster like Pangong was avoided.
The only way to stay close to Chandratal lake is to stay in the tents in the designated camping area. There are many camps available for night stay here. Initially, there were only a few, but now there are many. Some of them are quite luxurious.
The camping area is designated by the local authorities and located about 3 km from the lake. .Chandratal Trek
Some trekking companies organize treks from Chandratal to Baralachala. You can try them only if you are experienced in trekking. It is no child play to trek at this altitude. You can try the popular Hampta pass trek if you are a beginner.
Chandratal Weather
The weather in Chandratal is very unpredictable. There have been situations that I have reached here in really bad weather and it cleared up miraculously. There was another occasion when some of my friends went there and got stuck for 5 days because of heavy snowfall and closure of the only way.
Chandratal Temperature
The temperature during summer may range from 20 degrees to few degrees below zero degrees.
In winter, this place is inaccessible and the temperatures might go to -30 degrees.
When is Chandratal lake open?
Due to the height and inaccessibility of the place, Chandratal lake is open from June to September. In the first week of October, the weather starts getting really bad and all the camps are wind up.
How to reach Chandratal lake
Kaza to Chandratal
If you came to Spiti Valley from Kinnar, the distance from Kaza to Chandratal is 75 kilometers. You have to cross the Kunzum pass in this route. This route is easier for the human body as you have already been acclimatized while being there.
Manali to Chandratal
Manali to Chandratal is 140 kilometers. Since there is a sudden height gain from 2050m to 4300m, a lot of people who come here via this route fall sick due to high altitude sickness.
Chandratal Lake at Night
After the incident of a tourist being drunk and drowned in Chandratal lake, the police have created a check-post in the camp area beyond which you cannot go at night. It is unfortunate because we love to shoot the Milky Way with the lake.
I have gone there before and have taken pictures.
Chandratal Lake is the last destination during our Photo Tour to Spiti Valley After crossing Kunzum La in very bad weather, we are a little skeptical if we would be able to go to Chandratal. It was windy, cold, and snow as well. After taking a turn from Batal, the road ran parallel to the Chandra river. It was very narrow, scary, and bad. We finally reached the Chandratal at 4 pm. It was quite cold (around 4 degrees) and windy.
We had enough tea and then we left for the lake. It was a short drive to the last point after which there is a short walk (takes about 20 mins). It started snowing and I was a bit worried for the team.
Finally, we could see the first glimpse of the lake. The beauty was more than any word can describe. I looked back to see the others. We all were excited to have the first glimpse. Some of us were not feeling well and so they were taking their own time to come.
Low and behold, from no-where the sun rays appeared like magic! People who trek can possibly understand how it feels to see the sun in that condition. It was still snowing for some time and then it stopped.
The others followed.
It was the time for a well-deserved group shot. We all opened our caps a little to show our faces and jumped high. It was like MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
We spent sometime walking around there before walking back to our vehicle. I was feeling very relived that everything went on as planned. By this time, the sky was mysteriously clear. That opened possibilities of shooting the night sky at night. The Universe was helping us for sure. I quietly said - Thank You!
As we descended, we could see our tiny tents.
We had an early dinner. It was one of the most memorable moments of the trip. We sang songs and were talking about the best experience during the trip. As the sun descended for the day, we got more excited. It was a do or die situation - our last night to see the magical skies and capture them.
How to Shoot the Milky Way
For the benefit of all, especially who are thinking that the image is created in Photoshop, I am writing the details of the picture, so that you can also try this when you go to a place like this.
To know more, please read this article I wrote for 1x.com
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EXIF - 30s. f/2.8, ISO 4500 on my Nikon D610 with 20mm 2.8 Nikkor prime lens.
The most challenging thing is to shoot in such low temperatures (-10 deg in this case) Not many dare to go out of the warm tents. This is one single reason why people don't get this picture.
The first thing of critical importance is the composition. I generally shoot at extremely high ISO and a shutter speed of 1s to get the right composition (shooting at 30s will waste a lot of time, as we run out of patience and we can't stay out for long). Then after finalising the composition, I chose these settings.
30s is good enough to get a good exposure and still not get the star trails (to keep the shape of the Milky Way intact). F2.8 was used to allow maximum light to come in. And then varying the ISO to get the correct exposure (in this case its ISO 4500).
My friend Sudhakar lit up the smoke with a torch, hence its standing out. 30s exposure makes it smooth and creates a long trail.
Focusing - Manual Focus only
Some lenses have marking of Infinity symbol. It is recommended to put it to a little less than infinity. For lenses where infinity is not marked (like the 18-55 kit lens), for a Canon, you can rotate the focusing ring to a little less than the left most extreme. For a Nikon, its a little less than the rightmost extreme. Sometimes you need to do a a little bit trial and error.
Processing was done in Adobe Lightroom
Increased contrast, clarity, and saturation.
The snow was glowing, increased the exposure locally by a bit.
That's it. Please try this shot next time you go to a place like this. All the best. You can get in touch with me if you need any help.
I got up several times at night to see how the sky was. After some time, the moon was up and the Milky Way was less visible. The moonlight did shine on the snow peaks though. Our camps and our vehicle.
Most of us could not sleep well due to cold and less oxygen. Some of us including me felt very hungry at 4am. We got up and had a lot of the biscuits and chocolates which we had and tried resting for sometime. Finally, at 5am we got up excited to see the lake again, hopefully with the reflection. Our driver was not ready to get up. After constant bantering, he said, the cannot be started so early. He tried a couple of times but in vain. It was disappointing.
Generally, there is no wind early morning and hence the best time to shoot the lake with the refection. After 7am, the winds starts blowing and the water is not calm.
We finally started at about 830am. I had no hopes.
Some of us were not ready to go to the lake as they had already seen yesterday. I almost forced them to go again. Everyone agreed.
As I was expecting, it was windy again and the water was not calm. I could not capture the lake the way I wanted to, with the reflection.
As we were about to leave the place, I noticed the wind had stopped. It was a WOW moment for me!
The Universe helped us again! We excitedly took as many pictures as possible.
The winds were back to action, but we were happy. It was time to go back.
We had a long day today, all the way to Manali over the Rohtang pass.
We reached in the evening after taking a few pitstops. It was the end of an awesome, one of my best so far!
25 FAQs About Chandratal Lake, Spiti Valley
General Information
- Where is Chandratal Lake located?
Chandratal (Moon Lake) is a high-altitude lake in the Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, at about 4,300 m (14,100 ft). It’s on the Samudra Tapu plateau, near the source of the Chandra River. - Why is it called Chandratal?
The lake is crescent-shaped (like a half-moon), hence the name "Chandra-tal" (Lake of the Moon). - What is the best time to visit Chandratal?
Mid-June to the first week of October, when the road is open. July–September offers the clearest skies and wildflower meadows. After that the snowfall starts and roads gets close. All accommodation close by first week of October. - Is Chandratal open in winter?
No. Because of heavy snowfall, all roads leading to Chandratal are closed. - How far is Chandratal from Manali?
About 125 km via Atal Tunnel, Gramphoo, and Batal. It takes 6–8 hours by road depending on conditions.
Travel & Accessibility
- How do I reach Chandratal?
You can drive from Manali → Rohtang → Gramphoo → Batal → Chandratal roadhead. From the roadhead, it’s a 2 km trek to the lake.
Though this is the fastest way to reach Chandratal, it is very dangerous. As you will gain height very rapidly, there are high chances of high altitude sickness, which can be very fatal. During our Photography Tour to Spiti, we go to Chandratal as our last destination. This minimises any chances of AMS.
- Can regular cars go to Chandratal?
No. The last stretch from Batal is a narrow, rocky dirt track. High-clearance vehicles like SUVs are recommended especially during summers when the water flow in the streams are high. Except for summers, I have seen people travelling in small cars as well. You just need to know how to drive. - Is there public transport to Chandratal?
No direct buses. You can take a bus till Batal or Kaza, then hire local cabs/shared jeeps. - How far is Chandratal from Kaza?
About 55 km, 3–4 hours by road via Losar and Kunzum Pass. - Do I need a permit to visit Chandratal?
No, permits are not required. However 2025 onwards, you will have to pay a forest department entry fee of Rs.150/- per person and Rs.500/- for a camera. (single entry)
Stay & Facilities
- Can I stay at Chandratal?
Camping at the lakeside is not allowed. Campsites are set up 2–3 km away near the roadhead. - Are hotels available?
No hotels at Chandratal. Only tented camps are available in Chandratal and dhabas (basic food joints) near Batal and the camping sites. - What food options are available?
Camps provide meals (dal, rice, roti, vegetables). Dhaba at Batal (Chacha-Chachi Dhaba) is famous for homely food. Carry snacks. - Are there toilets?
Campsites have western toilets attached to the tent rooms. Near the lake there are no facilities—practice leave-no-trace travel. - Can I camp on my own?
Technically no, since it’s an ecologically sensitive zone. Use designated camps. I have seen some bikers camping on their own though.
Trekking & Activities
- How difficult is the trek to Chandratal?
It’s a short, easy 2 km hike from the parking/camp area, slightly uphill but manageable for most visitors. Anyone can do it. - Are there longer treks from Chandratal?
Yes. The Baralacha La–Chandratal trek and Hampta Pass–Chandratal trek are popular for trekkers. - Can I swim in Chandratal Lake?
No. It’s sacred to locals and extremely cold (glacial water). Entry into the lake is prohibited. - What else can I do near Chandratal?
Enjoy star-gazing (world-class night skies), short hikes around meadows, photography, and visiting Kunzum Pass nearby.
2025 update - you cannot stay in Chandratal beyond evening. - Is Chandratal good for astrophotography?
Yes! At 4,300 m with no light pollution, it’s one of the best Milky Way photography spots in India (July–September) if you can survive the cold and winds. It is my favourite place. One reason the skies are dark is because there is no electricity. The camps run on solar power or generators only for a few hours in the evening.
Health & Safety
- What about altitude sickness at Chandratal?
Yes, AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is common at this altitude. Acclimatize in Kaza or Manali for a night or two before staying. - Are medical facilities available?
No hospitals nearby. The closest facilities are at Kaza or Manali. Always carry basic medicines. - How cold does it get?
Daytime in summer: 10–15°C. Night: often below 0°C, even in July. Carry thermals, jackets, gloves. Because of the wind chill, it makes the situation worse. - Is it safe to visit Chandratal?
Yes, but roads are rough and weather unpredictable. Always start early and drive cautiously. - What should I pack for Chandratal?
- Warm clothes (layers, gloves, thermals)
- Torch/headlamp
- Snacks & water bottle
- Power bank (no electricity)
- Medicines for AMS, cold, stomach issues
Tips for photographers
Must Read these links if you need Information on Travelling to Ladakh / Spiti
Milky Way Photography Spiti Valley
Best Places for Landscape Photography in India
Join My Spiti Photography Tour
Join My Ladakh Photography Tour
If you want a customized tour anywhere in India focused on Photography, I will be happy to organise it for you.
Thanksgiving
Thanks to all the participants of my Photography tour to Spiti who came with me to Chandratal.All rights reserved. No copying without permission of the author Saurabh Chatterjee